UK Intellectual Property Office Announces 25% Fee Increase Effective April 2026

The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has confirmed a forthcoming increase in fees for patents, trade marks, and designs, effective from April 1, 2026. This marks the first fee adjustment in several years, with patent fees last raised in 2018, design fees in 2016, and trade mark fees remaining unchanged since 1998.

The statutory instrument authorizing the fee changes has been laid before Parliament, removing previous conditions requiring parliamentary approval. Consequently, the IPO has finalized the fee schedule and updated related payment information on its website, including revised terms and conditions for deposit account holders.

The fee increase averages 25%, reflecting a 32% rise in inflation since 2016 and addressing future cost pressures that cannot be fully mitigated through efficiency gains or existing financial reserves. For example, the cost of a patent search will increase from £150 to £200, while a trade mark application fee will rise from £170 to £205.

Since the last fee adjustments, the IPO has managed to avoid increases by enhancing operational efficiency and investing in digital services funded through reserves. However, the current economic environment necessitates this fee revision to maintain high-quality service delivery and continue investment in the IPO’s systems.

The IPO has emphasized that the current fees will remain applicable until the new rates take effect on April 1, 2026. Users and applicants are encouraged to review the updated payment procedures and terms on the IPO website to prepare for the changes.

This fee revision is part of the IPO’s ongoing commitment to balancing affordability with the need to sustain and improve intellectual property services in the UK. The increase will support the IPO’s ability to provide efficient, reliable, and modernized IP registration and management services.

Stakeholders in the intellectual property community, including patent attorneys, trade mark agents, and applicants, should take note of the upcoming changes to budget accordingly for future filings and related activities.

The IPO continues to invite feedback and engagement from users to enhance GOV.UK services and ensure transparency in its operations.

For further details and to access the updated fee schedules and payment terms, users should consult the official IPO website ahead of the April 2026 implementation date.