The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is increasing fees for patents, trade marks and designs from 1 April 2026, subject to parliamentary approval .
Why fees are increasing
The IPO's fees have not increased since 2018 for patents, 2016 for designs and 1998 for trade marks. During this time, the IPO has avoided fee increases by improving efficiency and investing in digital services using existing reserves. The proposed increases reflect inflation over several years and future cost increases that cannot be fully offset through further efficiency savings or through reserves. These increases will enable the IPO to continue to invest in its systems and provide high quality services.
What this means for customers
Fees will increase by an average of 25%. The IPO will publish full guidance early next year to help customers whose fees may be due around the time of the planned changes.
We have also updated the how to pay us information on our website including the terms and conditions for deposit account holders .
When the changes take effect
The intention is that the new fees will apply from 1 April 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. The current fees will remain in place until then.
