UK IPO Fee Increases 2026: What Businesses and Creators Need to Know
VATAi TeamThe UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has announced its first major fee restructuring in years. Starting 1 April 2026, costs for patents, trade marks, and designs will rise by an average of 25%.
For business owners, entrepreneurs, and IP professionals, this change marks a significant shift in the cost of protecting innovation in the UK. If you have pending applications or upcoming renewals, acting before the deadline could save your business thousands of pounds.
In this guide, we break down why these changes are happening, exactly what is increasing, and how you can beat the hike.
Why are UK IPO Fees Increasing?
The UK IPO operates as a self-funding agency. Until now, they have managed to keep fees stable—some since 1998—by improving efficiency and investing in digital services. However, with a 32% rise in inflation since 2016, a price adjustment became inevitable.
Key Date to Remember: 1 April 2026. Any fee paid on or after this date will generally be subject to the new pricing.
Breakdown of the 2026 Fee Changes
1. Trade Marks
This is the most significant update for most brands, as these fees have remained stagnant for nearly 30 years.
- Application Fees: Expect a jump in the cost of filing a trade mark and adding additional classes.
- Renewals: Trade marks can be renewed up to 6 months in advance. If your renewal is due before 30 September 2026, you should consider paying before the April deadline to lock in current rates.
2. Patents
Patent fees haven't moved since 2018. From April 2026, you can expect increases across application, search, and substantive examination fees.
- Renewal Strategy: Patents can be renewed up to 3 months in advance. If your patent renewal falls in April or May 2026, you can pay in February or March to secure the "old" rate.
3. Registered Designs
Similar to trade marks, design fees will see an uptick.
- Note on Deferrals: If you have deferred the publication of a design, requesting registration on or after 1 April 2026 will incur the new fee, even if the initial application was filed before the change.
How the Transition Works: The "Old vs. New" Rules
The IPO has provided specific guidance on which rate applies during the transition:
| Scenario | Fee Applied |
| Payment made BEFORE 1 April 2026 | Old Fee |
| Renewal due BEFORE 1 April but paid AFTER (Late) | Old Renewal Fee + New Late Fee |
| Renewal due AFTER 1 April and paid AFTER | New Fee |
| Trade Mark "Right Start" (Started before 1 April) | Old Fee (if completed within deadline) |
3 Tips to Minimize the Impact on Your Business
- Audit Your Portfolio Now: Review your upcoming renewals for the entirety of 2026. Since trade marks allow for 6-month advance payments, many businesses can "pre-pay" their 2026 renewals at 2025 prices.
- Accelerate Pending Applications: If you have been sitting on a new brand name or invention, file your application before 31 March 2026.
- Beware of "Draft" Pitfalls: The IPO has clarified that using the "save for later" or "draft" function does not count as submitting. Your application must be fully submitted and paid for before the deadline to avoid the 25% increase.
Secure Your Brand Before the Price Hike with VATAi
Navigating intellectual property law is complex, and missing a deadline could mean more than just a higher fee—it could mean losing your legal rights. At VATAi, we specialize in helping e-commerce sellers and global businesses manage their IP portfolios and e-commerce compliance across the UK and Europe. From comprehensive trademark searches to seamless registration and renewal management, our team ensures your brand is protected while you focus on growth.
Don't wait for the April 1st deadline. Beat the 25% fee increase by registering or renewing your trademarks today.
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