UK Intellectual Property Office Expected to Increase Fees
The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) announced it will increase fees on April 1st, 2026, subject to parliamentary approval.
The fees increase on average about 25%. For more specific fee tables please see:
For new filings, the determining factor is the date of submission.
Certain trademark scenarios are treated differently:
Where a trademark application is filed before 1 April 2026 and payment is made during a permitted grace period on or after that date, the old fee will apply if paid within the deadline, including any additional class or series fees.
For Right Start applications submitted and initially paid before 1 April 2026, the completion fee will remain at the old rate if paid within the prescribed period, even if payment occurs on or after 1 April 2026.
Renewal fees depend on both the renewal due date, and the date the payment is made. Renewals may be paid up to 3 months in advance for patents and up to 6 months in advance for designs and trademarks.
Special treatment may apply to certain patent grants. If a notification of grant under section 18(4) is issued before April 1st of 2026, the old rates for excess claims and excess pages will apply even if payment is made after that date, pursuant to rule 30A of The Patents Rules and Fees Rules 2007.
International trademark fees are paid directly to WIPO in Swiss francs. Fees for international registrations designating the UK will also increase on April 1st, 2026, as reflected in Madrid System Information Notice No. 5/2026.
If your organization has upcoming filings or planned fee payments, you may want to consider completing them before April 1, 2026, to take advantage of the current lower fee levels.
Contact your Renner Otto attorney for more information.