IPO Fees Set to Increase by 25% from April 2026
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has announced plans to increase its fees by an average of 25% from 1 April 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. The changes will apply to patent, trademark and design applications and renewals.
This is the first significant fee rise in many years, with some charges unchanged for more than two decades. According to the IPO, the increase is needed to keep pace with inflation and ensure services remain high quality and financially sustainable.
What’s Changing?
Most fees will rise by around a quarter. Key examples include:
Patent search fee: increasing from £150 to £200
Trademark application fee: increasing from £170 to £205
The IPO plans to publish full guidance in early 2026, including support for anyone whose payment dates fall close to the transition.
Alongside the fee changes, the IPO has updated its online ‘how to pay’ guidance, including revised terms and conditions for deposit account holders.
When Will the New Fees Apply?
If approved, the new fee structure will take effect from 1 April 2026.Until then, the current fees remain unchanged.
If you’re planning to file or renew any intellectual property rights in the coming year, it may be worth reviewing your timelines. If you’d like to discuss the potential impact on your business or upcoming applications, the Alera team is here to help.
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/intellectual-property-office-fees-to-increase-from-april-2026