UKIPO announces 25% fee increase for patents, trademarks and designs

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has announced that fees across its patents, trademarks and registered designs services will rise by an average of 25% from 1 April 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. 

This will be the first fee rise in decades for trademarks, and the first since 2016 and 2018 for designs and patents respectively. The UKIPO said it has held fees steady through efficiency gains and digital investment, but with inflation up 32% since 2016, increases are now needed to sustain service quality and future investment. 

What will the process be for the UKIPO fee increase? 

The new fee structure is expected to take effect on 1 April 2026, pending parliamentary approval. All current fees will remain unchanged until that date.  

The UKIPO will publish full fee schedules and transitional guidance in early 2026 to help customers manage filings around the implementation date. 

What can you do to avoid the UKIPO fee increase? 

If you are looking to file or renew IP between now and 1 April 2026, we recommend reviewing your strategy early with your Novagraaf attorney to avoid forthcoming UKIPO fee increases where possible.  

Your Novagraaf attorney can also guide you through bringing forward actions such as recordals, cancellations and oppositions, and can assist with your IP budget forecasting to reflect any increases. 

For further guidance on IP strategy in the UK, please contact your Novagraaf attorney or reach out using the contact form below.