The UKIPO has explained that these fee increases are necessary to address the 32% rise in inflation since 2016 and future cost pressures that cannot be fully offset through further efficiency savings or reserves. It has indicated that these increases will enable it to continue to invest in its systems and provide high quality services.

How much will the fees increase by?

The fees will be increasing by an average of 25%. A summary of the increases on some key actions is outlined in the table below:

Next steps

The UKIPO has indicated that it will publish full guidance early in 2026 to help customers whose fees may be due around the time of the planned changes.

If you are a rights holder, it is worth planning ahead to accelerate any filings or renewals to benefit from the existing lower rates. Renewal fees can be paid up to three months early for patents and up to six months early for trade marks and designs. Across a large portfolio, by bringing forward filing of rights and payment of renewal fees, large savings can be made.

The UK is still a cost-effective place to file rights as fees remain lower than many other European jurisdictions and other major IP offices. Filing a patent at the UKIPO remains an attractive option for first filings. Search results are normally issued within six months from filing (often much quicker) which enables an informed decision to be made on the merits of an application before the more significant investment of filing elsewhere.

If you have any questions on the fee changes and how they may affect you, please contact your usual D Young & Co advisor.