The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) has announced forthcoming increases to its official fees for patents, trade marks, and designs, scheduled to take effect from 1st April 2026. While these changes are conditional on parliamentary approval, they represent a significant financial adjustment for rights holders and demand immediate strategic attention.
Notably, this marks the first time trade mark fees have been revised since 1998, and the first for patents and designs since 2018 and 2016, respectively. The IPO cites the need to combat inflation and fund essential digital infrastructure improvements as the driving factors behind the proposed changes.
Understanding the New Cost Landscape
The proposed fee increases are substantial, with an average uplift across the board of approximately 25%. The impact varies by right.
- Patents will see the steepest average hike at 33%.
- Designs are set for an average increase of 24%.
- Trade Marks face an average increase of 23%.
The Strategic Advantage: Planning Before April 2026
With the current lower fees guaranteed until the end of March 2026, rights holders have a valuable runway to implement cost-saving measures. Securing IP rights and renewals before the deadline will lock in the current, more favourable rates.
Priority Action 1: Accelerate Planned Filings
If you have new brand launches, product innovations, or design updates scheduled for early 2026, consider moving the filing dates for the associated patent, design, or trade mark applications forward. Expediting these filings can save money immediately upon application.
Priority Action 2: Review and Fast-Track Renewals
Examine your portfolio for any rights with renewal deadlines falling in the latter half of 2026 or early 2027. Many rights permit early renewal (e.g., up to six months in advance). Processing these renewals early allows you to secure protection for the full next term (e.g., 10 years for a trade mark) at the existing official fee rate, offering substantial long-term savings, especially for companies with extensive portfolios.
Priority Action 3: Budget Realignment
Ensure your financial projections and IP budget forecasts are immediately updated. This must account for both the potential early expenditure from accelerated filings/renewals and the higher costs that will apply to all IP activity post-April 2026.
Partner with Secerna for Efficient IP Management
The announcement of these UK IPO fee hikes makes expert, strategic IP portfolio management more crucial than ever.
Our experienced Chartered Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys & European Patent Attorneys can conduct a thorough, strategic review of your portfolio, future plans, and upcoming deadlines. We provide clear, actionable advice on the most cost-effective approach to filing and renewals, ensuring you leverage the current fee structure to its maximum potential.
Contact Secerna today to build a strategy that protects your innovation well ahead of the April 2026 deadline.