Intellectual Property Office fees to increase from April 2026
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 25% increase allows us to address the 32% rise in inflation since 2016 and future cost pressures that cannot be fully offset through further efficiency savings or 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%. For example a patent search is going up from £150 to £200 and a trade mark application from £170 to £205. 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.