The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has recently announced that fees for patents, trade marks, and registered designs will rise from 1 April 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. With some fees rising by up to 40%, businesses are encouraged to consider filing or renewing their intellectual property (IP) rights sooner rather than later to avoid higher costs.

This marks the first significant fee revision in years. Patent fees have remained unchanged since 2018, design fees since 2016, and trade mark fees since as far back as 1998. Whilst some fees are seeing substantial increases (up to 40% in certain categories) the overall average rise is 25% which remains below the 32% rise in inflation since 2016. 

What should you do?

To mitigate the impact of these changes, we recommend reviewing your upcoming filings and renewals. 

This includes assessing your current and planned intellectual property filings to determine whether early action could reduce costs or avoid higher fees. If you manage multiple filings or a large portfolio, acting promptly could lock in existing rates and deliver significant savings. Businesses with applications or renewals due around the transition date should consider timing strategies to manage costs effectively.

If you have questions or would like to review your portfolio with our team, please do get in touch.