Intellectual Property Office Fees to Increase from April 2026
Introduction: rising IP costs and what you can do now
If you own a business, brand, or startup in the UK, protecting your intellectual property is not optional — it’s essential. However, many founders are now searching for clarity following the announcement that Intellectual Property Office fees are set to increase from April 2026.
For some businesses, this could mean higher costs for trademark registration, renewals, and other IP services. For others, it’s a timely reminder to review their brand protection strategy before fees go up.
In this guide, we’ll break down what the Intellectual Property Office fee increase means, why it matters, the risks of waiting, and what practical steps you can take now to protect your brand while keeping costs under control.
What does “Intellectual Property Office fees to increase from April 2026” mean?
The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has confirmed that official fees for certain IP services will increase from April 2026. These fees apply to services such as:
Trademark applications
Trademark renewals
Design registrations
Other intellectual property filings and procedures
The IPO periodically reviews its fees to ensure it can continue delivering services efficiently, maintain digital systems, and support innovation across the UK economy.
While fee increases are not unusual, any rise directly affects small businesses and startups, where budgets are often tight and decisions are time-sensitive.
Why are Intellectual Property Office fees increasing?
The Intellectual Property Office has indicated that the fee changes are intended to:
Reflect the true cost of delivering IP services
Maintain and improve digital infrastructure
Support long-term sustainability of the UK IP system
In simple terms, it means the cost of running the IP system has increased — and some of that cost is being passed on to applicants.
For businesses, the key takeaway is not the policy reasoning, but how and when these changes affect your costs.
Why this matters for small businesses and founders
Many business owners delay trademark registration until “later”. However, with Intellectual Property Office fees increasing from April 2026, delaying could become more expensive than expected.
Higher upfront costs
If you wait until after April 2026, you may pay more for:
Filing a new trademark
Registering in multiple classes
Renewing existing IP rights
Even small increases can add up, particularly for businesses with multiple brands, product lines, or future expansion plans.
Budget uncertainty
Rising IPO fees make it harder to predict future legal and compliance costs. For early-stage businesses, this uncertainty can delay important brand protection decisions.
Increased risk of brand conflict
Delaying registration doesn’t just cost money — it increases risk. Another business could register a similar or identical name first, leaving you exposed to disputes or forced rebrands.
The benefits of acting before April 2026
Taking action before Intellectual Property Office fees increase can offer several advantages.
Lock in current lower fees
By filing applications or renewals earlier, you benefit from current IPO pricing, potentially saving money compared to waiting.
Secure your brand sooner
Registering a trademark earlier strengthens your legal position and gives you clearer rights to your brand name, logo, or slogan.
Reduce future legal risk
Early protection lowers the chance of receiving objections, oppositions, or cease-and-desist letters from competitors.
Improve investor and partner confidence
Registered intellectual property signals professionalism and long-term thinking — something investors, partners, and stockists value highly.
The risks of waiting until after the fee increase
While some businesses choose to delay, it’s important to understand the potential downsides.
Paying more for the same protection
The biggest risk is simple: you may pay more for exactly the same IP protection after April 2026.
Losing your preferred brand name
If another business files first, even a strong brand identity may not protect you legally.
Costly rebrands
Rebranding after launch can be expensive, disruptive, and damaging to customer trust — especially if your business has already gained traction.
Practical examples: how this could affect real businesses
Example 1: a startup launching in 2026
A founder planning to launch in mid-2026 decides to delay trademark registration. When they file after April, they face higher IPO fees and unexpected budget pressure — all while trying to scale.
Example 2: an existing brand expanding
A small business plans to expand into new product categories. Registering additional trademark classes after April 2026 could cost more than if those classes were secured earlier.
Example 3: a business renewing trademarks
Trademark renewals happen every 10 years. Businesses renewing after April 2026 may face increased renewal costs compared to renewing earlier, where possible.
What should businesses do now?
If you’re concerned about Intellectual Property Office fees increasing from April 2026, there are practical steps you can take today.
Review your brand assets
Identify all names, logos, slogans, and product brands that matter to your business.
Check what is already protected
Many businesses assume they are protected when they are not. A quick trademark check can highlight gaps.
Plan filings strategically
You don’t need to register everything at once — but prioritising key assets before fee increases can save money.
Get clear, plain-English advice
IP doesn’t need to be confusing or intimidating. Understanding your options now prevents rushed decisions later.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Intellectual Property Office fees increase?
The IPO has confirmed that fee increases will take effect from April 2026.
Which IPO fees are expected to increase?
The changes affect certain intellectual property services, including trademarks and other IP filings. Exact fees depend on the service.
Can I avoid higher fees by applying earlier?
Yes. Applications submitted before April 2026 are charged at current rates.
Is trademark registration still worth it if fees increase?
Absolutely. While fees may rise, trademark protection remains one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your brand long term.
Do small businesses get discounts on IPO fees?
No. IPO fees apply equally, which is why early planning is especially important for small businesses and startups.
Conclusion: plan now, protect smarter
The announcement that Intellectual Property Office fees will increase from April 2026 is a clear signal for businesses to review their IP strategy sooner rather than later.
Whether you’re launching a new brand, expanding an existing one, or simply want peace of mind, acting early can reduce costs, lower risk, and give you greater control over your brand’s future.
If you’re unsure where to start, a simple review of your trademarks and brand assets can make all the difference — before higher fees come into force.
Thinking ahead today could save you time, money, and stress tomorrow.