On 1 April 2026, the UK Intellectual Property Office (“UKIPO”) official fees for trade marks, registered designs and patents will increase by 25% on average. This marks the first fee increase in particular for trade marks since 1998. The increase aims to address inflation and cost pressures as the UKIPO continues to improve and add new services through its digital transformation programme.

The increase in fees will, of course, impact on brand owners, particularly when filing or renewing trade marks in multiple classes. Note that the fee increases are across the board, including opposition and other UKIPO proceedings. Brand owners are advised to review their IP portfolios and if possible, consider taking earlier action to take advantage of the current official fees before the increase on 1 April 2026.

For example:

Renew early (on or before 30 March 2026) in the six-month window before the renewal deadline for any UK trade marks and designs registrations due for renewal on or before 30 September 2026. This would allow brand owners to pay the current renewal fees, i.e. before the day of the fee increases.
Consider filing new UK trade mark and design applications by 30 March 2026. This is particularly relevant if brand owners wish to file for a series mark application. The time for filing this type of mark appeared to be drawing to a close, following the UKIPO press release in 2025 highlighting the service would be discontinued “when the new digital trade marks service is launched”. The fact that there is also an increase in fees for series marks suggests that they may be allowed for some time longer. Again, filing by 30 March 2026 allows brand owners to take advantage of the current filing fees.

If you are a brand owner and would like to explore cost saving measures in the UK, please do get in touch with Claire Lehr and Kenny Cheung or your usual Edwin Coe contact to discuss.

A list of all fee changes is published here on the UKIPO’s website. Below is a table showing some examples of the fee changes for trade marks and registered designs:

Trade Marks

Fee type	Current official fee	New official fee from 1 April 2026
Filing a trade mark application (online)
In the first class	£170	£205.00
In each additional class	£50	£60.00
Extra fee for filing a trade mark series application	£50 for each additional mark beyond two	£60 for each additional mark beyond two
Renewing a trade mark registration
In the first class	£200	£245
In each additional class	£50	£60
Filing a trade mark opposition
On double identity or confusion grounds only	£100	£125
On, or including, other grounds	£200	£250
Filing a trade mark invalidation or revocation	£200	£250

Registered Designs

Fee type	Current official fee	New official fee from 1 April 2026
Filing a design application (online)
Single design	£50	£60
Up to 10 designs	£70	£85
Up to 20 designs	£90	£110
Up to 30 designs	£110	£135
Up to 40 designs	£130	£160
Up to 50 designs	£150	£185
Renewing a registered design
1^st renewal	£70	£85
2^nd renewal	£90	£110
3^rd renewal	£110	£135
Final renewal	£140	£170

Please note that this blog is provided for general information only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content of this blog. Please also see a copy of our terms of use here in respect of our website which apply also to all of our blogs.