The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has announced proposed increases to its official fees across patents, trademarks and registered designs, which are expected to come into force on 1 April 2026, subject to parliamentary approval.

The changes represent the most significant uplift in UKIPO fees for several years and are intended to support continued investment in the UK’s intellectual property framework.

Key changes at a glance

The UKIPO has indicated that fees will rise by approximately 25% on average. The increases affect many of the most commonly used services, including filing, renewal and opposition fees.

Trade marks

Proposed increases include:

• Online trademark application fees (per class)
• Additional class and series fees
• Renewal fees
• Opposition fees

For businesses with multi-class trademarks or active brand protection programmes, these increases may have a noticeable impact on future costs.

Patents

Patent-related fees are also set to rise, including:

• Online patent application filing fees
• Search and examination fees
• Annual renewal fees

While official fees form only part of overall patent costs, increases at key procedural stages may influence filing and portfolio-management decisions.

Registered designs

Proposed changes include higher fees for:

• Single and multiple design applications
• Renewal fees

These increases are particularly relevant for businesses that regularly file design applications, such as those operating in the consumer products and manufacturing sectors.

What should businesses be doing now?

With the proposed changes imminent, businesses may wish to consider reviewing planned filings to assess whether applications can sensibly be brought forward before April 2026.

Any decision to accelerate filings should be balanced against the need to ensure applications are properly prepared and aligned with commercial objectives.

How Andrew Jackson can help

Andrew Jackson Solicitors advises businesses on all aspects of intellectual property protection and strategy, including portfolio reviews, filings, registrations, renewals and disputes.

Our team works closely with clients to ensure protection of their intellectual property and make their intellectual property work for them.

For advice on how the proposed UKIPO fee increases may affect your business, please contact a member of our Commercial and IP team.