The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) issued an official announcement on 5 November 2025, detailing planned increases to official fees for patents, trademarks, designs, and other related services, effective 1 April 2026. Subject to parliamentary approval, this will represent the most significant fee adjustment in recent years.
Background and Reasons for the Fee Adjustment
The primary reason for this fee adjustment is rising operational costs. IPO fees have remained unchanged for extended periods: patent fees since 2018, design fees since 2016, and the core trademark application fee since 1998.
During this time, the IPO has avoided increasing fees by improving operational efficiency and utilising existing reserves. However, cumulative inflation of 32% since 2016, coupled with future cost pressures that cannot be fully offset through further efficiency gains, has made this average 25% fee adjustment necessary. This move aims to ensure the IPO can continue investing in its service systems and maintain high-quality intellectual property services.
Details of Key Fee Adjustments
The following tables compare current fees with new fees for key services:
Patent Fee Adjustments
Service | Current Fee (£) | New 2026 Fee (£) | Increase |
Patent Application |
|
|
|
Online Application Fee | 60.00 | 75.00 | 25% |
Paper Application Fee | 90.00 | 120.00 | 33% |
Search & Examination |
|
|
|
Patent Search Request (Online) | 150.00 | 200.00 | 33% |
Request for Substantive Examination (Online) | 100.00 | 130.00 | 30% |
Excess Claims Fee (per claim over 25) | 20.00 | 27.00 | 35% |
Excess Page Fee (per page over 35) | 10.00 | 13.00 | 30% |
Patent Renewal |
|
|
|
Year 5 Renewal | 70.00 | 90.00 | 29% |
Year 10 Renewal | 170.00 | 230.00 | 35% |
Year 20 Renewal | 610.00 | 810.00 | 33% |
International Patent (PCT) |
|
|
|
International Search Request (Online) | 120.00 | 160.00 | 33% |
International Search Request (Paper) | 150.00 | 200.00 | 33% |
Transmittal Fee for International Application | 75.00 | 100.00 | 33% |
National Processing Fee (International Application) | 30.00 | 40.00 | 33% |
Publication Fee for Translation (International Application) | 12.00 | 16.00 | 33% |
Restoration of Right of Priority (International Application) | 150.00 | 200.00 | 33% |
Trademark Fee Adjustments
Service | Current Fee (£) | New 2026 Fee (£) | Increase |
Trademark Application |
|
|
|
Online Application (1 class) | 170.00 | 205.00 | 21% |
Paper Application (1 class) | 200.00 | 250.00 | 25% |
Fee for Additional Class | 50.00 | 60.00 | 20% |
Trademark Renewal |
|
|
|
Online Renewal (1 class) | 200.00 | 245.00 | 23% |
Renewal Fee for Additional Class | 50.00 | 60.00 | 20% |
Dispute Proceedings |
|
|
|
Notice of Opposition (Limited Grounds) | 100.00 | 125.00 | 25% |
Application for Invalidation | 200.00 | 250.00 | 25% |
International Trademark (Madrid System) |
|
|
|
Application to Register an International Trademark | 40.00 | 50.00 | 25% |
Renewal of an International Registration | 20.00 | 25.00 | 25% |
Design Fee Adjustments
Service | Current Fee (£) | New 2026 Fee (£) | Increase |
Design Application |
|
|
|
Single Design (Online) | 50.00 | 60.00 | 20% |
Multiple Designs - up to 10 (Online) | 70.00 | 85.00 | 21% |
Single Design (Paper) | 60.00 | 75.00 | 25% |
Design Renewal |
|
|
|
1st Renewal | 70.00 | 85.00 | 21% |
4th Renewal | 140.00 | 170.00 | 21% |
Restoration of Registration | 120.00 | 150.00 | 25% |
Supplementary Protection Certificate (SPC) Fee Adjustments
Service | Current Fee (£) | New 2026 Fee (£) | Increase |
SPC Application | 250.00 | 330.00 | 32% |
SPC Fee (Year 1) | 600.00 | 800.00 | 33% |
SPC Fee (Year 5) | 1,000.00 | 1,330.00 | 33% |
Link to Full Fee Schedule on GOV.UK
Key Implications for Users
The IPO has stated that it will publish comprehensive official guidance early next year to assist users in navigating these changes. Users with fee deadlines falling close to the implementation date are advised to monitor official communications closely.
Information regarding payment methods on the official website has already been updated, including terms and conditions for deposit account holders. All current fees will remain in effect until 1 April 2026.
Summary
This fee adjustment, with an average increase of 25%, is designed to address inflationary pressures and ensure service quality. Businesses and rights holders are advised to plan ahead and strategically schedule future IP applications and maintenance activities considering these changes.
Source: UK Intellectual Property Office
Note: This is a summary for informational purposes based on the IPO announcement and is not legal advice. Please refer to the official IPO website and legislation for definitive information.
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