UK Intellectual Property Office Updates Procedures and Fees for Trademark Restoration and Renewal

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has issued comprehensive guidance on the process for restoring and renewing trademark registrations that have lapsed due to non-renewal. Trademark proprietors who fail to renew their marks by the due date must provide a full statement explaining the reasons for the delay when applying for restoration.

Trademark owners have a six-month grace period following the renewal deadline during which they can renew their registration without needing to apply for restoration. This can be done by submitting form TM11. However, if the trademark has already expired, applicants must use the restoration process and pay the associated fees.

The UKIPO emphasizes that all fee-bearing forms must be submitted with the appropriate payment. For example, restoring a trademark that covers two classes currently costs £375. This fee breaks down into £125 for restoration, £200 for renewing the first class, and £50 for renewing the additional class.

Significant updates to the restoration and renewal process have been implemented recently. On April 26, 2023, the UKIPO added a new end page to the relevant guidance documents, which includes a checklist and detailed sending instructions to assist applicants. Additional clarifications were also incorporated into the questions section to address common points of confusion.

Fee structures were revised effective April 1, 2026, reflecting updated costs for restoration and renewal services. Prior to this, the zero-fee period for certain filings ended on April 1, 2021, after which normal fee payments resumed.

Further procedural clarifications were introduced on October 1, 2020, requiring that all fee-bearing forms be accompanied by the correct fees. The fee sheet was also added to form TM13 to provide transparency and ease of payment.

Trademark owners are advised not to use the restoration form if their trademark has not yet expired and instead to renew using the standard renewal process. The UKIPO’s updated guidance aims to reduce errors and delays by providing clear instructions and comprehensive fee information.

These procedural enhancements reflect the UKIPO’s commitment to improving service delivery and ensuring that trademark owners have the necessary information to maintain their registrations effectively. Applicants are encouraged to review the updated materials carefully and comply with all requirements to avoid loss of trademark rights.

To further improve user experience, the UKIPO invites feedback through a survey available on their website, helping to refine future guidance and services.

Trademark owners and legal practitioners should monitor the UKIPO website for ongoing updates to forms, fees, and procedural requirements related to trademark restoration and renewal.