UK IPO Fee Increase: Practical Steps Brand Owners Can Take Now

The UK IPO recently announced that it would be increasing its fees from the 1^st April 2026, to help address inflation and ease future cost pressures. The increase marks the first rise in respect of trade mark matters since 1998, whilst patent and design fees have not been increased since 2018 and 2016 respectively.

The fee increase is by an average of 25%; for example, the cost of renewing a trade mark in one class will increase from £200 to £245.

As this fee increase deadline is fast-approaching, we've set out below some short practical steps brand owners can take in respect of trade mark matters in particular.

Portfolio management

• As trade marks can be renewed up to six months before the renewal date, rightsholders should look to renew ahead of this deadline to benefit from the cost savings. It is therefore worth reviewing renewals with deadline dates up to and including 30 September 2026, as a renewal application for a registration due on this date