The Economic Rationale: Inflation and Modernisation

On 1 April 2026, the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) will introduce a new fee structure, marking the first significant price adjustment in nearly a decade. While the IPO has historically absorbed rising costs through efficiency savings and financial reserves, these measures are no longer sufficient. The organisation cites a cumulative 32% rise in inflation since 2016 as the primary driver for this decision.   

The additional revenue generated by this 25% average increase is essential not only for cost recovery but also to fund the "One IPO" transformation program, a strategic initiative to replace ageing legacy systems with a unified, digital-first service for managing all IP rights.   

Key Changes to Patent Fees

The patent sector will see increases across the entire lifecycle, from initial search to long-term renewal.

• Search and Examination: The fee for a standard patent search will rise from £150 to £200, while the fee for substantive examination (online) increases from £100 to £130.   
  

• Entry Costs: The application fee (Form 1) filed online will increase from £60 to £75.   
  

• Renewals: Maintenance costs for granted patents are rising significantly. For example, the 10th-year renewal fee will jump from £170 to £230, and the 20th-year fee will increase from £610 to £810.   
  

Adjustments for Trade Marks and Designs

The fee revisions also impact branding and design rights, with a clear pricing structure that penalises paper filings to encourage digital adoption.

• Trade Marks: The cost of a standard online trade mark application will rise from £170 to £205. Renewal fees for trade marks will increase from £200 to £245.   
  

• Registered Designs: The fee for a single online design application will increase from £50 to £60. The volume-based "tiered" pricing for multiple designs remains, but will also see proportional price hikes.   
  

Conclusion

The 1 April 2026 fee restructuring represents a necessary fiscal correction for the UK IPO, aligning its revenue model with the economic realities of the post-2020 landscape. By adjusting fees to account for a decade of inflation, the IPO aims to secure its financial stability and deliver the "One IPO" digital transformation. Stakeholders and applicants should prepare for these increased costs and consider filing planned applications before the April deadline to utilise the current fee schedule.