The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) has announced that official fees for patents, trade marks and registered designs will increase from 1 April 2026, subject to parliamentary approval.
This marks the first significant fee adjustment at the UK IPO in several years – since 2018 for patents; 2016 for designs, and 1998 for trade marks. The increase in fees is designed to address the rise in inflation in the UK and will help to manage future cost pressures.
What this means for our clients
Official fees will increase by an average of 25%. The increase is largest for patent-related fees, at about 33% on average. The fees for trade marks and registered designs will be increasing by about 23% on average. The UK IPO’s announcement of this fee increase, including a full list of the new fees, can be accessed here.
What can I do to avoid fee increases?
Depending on the action required for the relevant IP right or application, official fees may be paid early to avoid the increase. We recommend speaking with your usual Wrays contact and, where appropriate, making payment before the end of March 2026 to take advantage of the current fees.
Who can I speak to if I have more questions?
Wrays is committed to providing timely and appropriate advice to our clients so that you can make informed decisions regarding IP. Therefore, if you have any questions regarding the change in the changes to the UK IPO fees, please send your query to wrays@wrays.com.au.