UK Intellectual Property Office Fee Increases: What You Need to Know Before April 1, 2026

A general increase in fees at the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) is set to take effect on April 1, 2026, applying to a broad range of formalities across patents, trademarks, and designs.

The upcoming changes come after a lengthy period of fee stability: UKIPO patent fees have been unchanged since 2018, design fees since 2016, and trademark fees since 1998, a span during which cumulative inflation has reached 32%. The UKIPO has stated that the revised fee structure is necessary to allow the Office to continue investing in its systems and to maintain high-quality services

The increases vary by right and formality type, but range broadly from 20% to 36%, with renewal fees also affected across all three categories. The practical implications for portfolio management are significant, and in several cases there is a clear opportunity to act before the new rates come into force

Patents

The increase in principal fees is in the range of 25% to 36%, as illustrated below:

In addition, renewal fees for years 5 to 20 are increased by 29% to 36%. As a reminder, these fees are only due after grant, from the fifth year following the filing date, and annually thereafter.

Trademarks

The increase in principal fees is in the range of 20% to 25%, as illustrated below:

The increase also affects, to a lesser extent, international trademark designations.

 Designs

The increase in principal fees is in the range of 20% to 23%, as illustrated below:

In addition, renewal fees (due every 5 years) are increased by 21% to 23%.

 Practical Arrangements

• Any new patent, design, or trademark application filed on or after April 1, 2026, will be subject to the new fee amounts.
• Maintenance formalities may be completed in advance — up to three months early for patents and six months early for designs and trademarks. Completing renewal formalities before April 1, 2026, allows the current fee rates to apply, in particular for:

patents with a renewal due date in April or May 2026;

trademarks and designs with a renewal due date up to and including September 30 2026.

• With respect to late renewal, which may be completed up to six months after the expiry date, the new fee amounts will apply to any formality completed on or after April 1, 2026.
• Paying a fee at the old rate when the new rate is applicable will result in loss of the right if the outstanding balance is not settled within the prescribed deadline.

Patent, trademark, and design holders: plan your filings and renewals ahead of April 1, 2026. Your experts at Beau de Loménie are available to review the formalities that can be completed before that date!