UK Intellectual Property Office to Implement Fee Hikes Starting April 2026

The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has confirmed a forthcoming increase in intellectual property fees, set to take effect on 1 April 2026. This adjustment represents the first significant update to the UK IP fee structure in several years, with the last increases applied in 1998 for trademarks, 2016 for designs, and 2018 for patents.

The fee revisions are designed to address a 32% rise in inflation since 2016. Additionally, the IPO intends to use the increased revenue to support further investment in its digital systems and services, enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of IP processes.

Under the new fee regime, any applications or payments submitted on or after 1 April 2026 will be subject to the updated rates. The IPO has also outlined specific transitional rules for certain cases to provide clarity for applicants.

For design rights, any deferred design registration requests made on or after 1 April 2026 will incur the new fee, even if the original application was filed prior to that date. This ensures that deferred actions align with the updated pricing structure.

In the trademark sector, applicants utilizing the permitted period of grace may still pay the previous fee rate, provided their application was filed before 1 April 2026 and the outstanding fee is paid within the IPO’s established deadline. This transitional provision offers some relief for trademark applicants caught in the fee changeover.

Separately, the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) has submitted formal industry feedback to the IPO regarding the UK’s updated Design Framework, which is anticipated to be announced later this year. UKFT continues to provide practical, business-focused support to UK fashion and textile businesses, helping them navigate regulatory compliance across global markets.

UKFT also recently called on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to clarify Environment Agency guidance concerning textile reuse and exports, highlighting ongoing regulatory complexities impacting the sector.

The IPO’s fee increase reflects a broader commitment to maintaining a robust and modern intellectual property system in the UK, balancing cost recovery with service improvements. Applicants and rights holders are advised to prepare for the new fee structure and review transitional provisions carefully to manage their IP portfolios effectively.