The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has announced that fees for trade mark applications will rise from 1 April 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. This marks the first increase in trade mark fees since 1998, with inflation and rising operational costs cited as the main reasons.
What to expect:
- Fees will increase by an average of 25%.
- Full guidance will be published in early 2026 to help applicants navigate the transition.
- The current fee structure remains in place until 31 March 2026.
If you’re considering filing a trade mark application, it may be worth doing so before the new fees take effect to avoid the increased costs.
What is a trade mark and why is it important?
A trade mark is a sign that distinguishes the goods or services of one business from those of others. It can take many forms, including:
- Words or phrases (e.g., brand names or slogans)
- Logos or symbols
- Shapes, colours, or sounds
Registering a trade mark gives you exclusive rights to use that mark in connection with the goods and/or services for which the mark is registered. This means:
- You can prevent others from using an identical or similar mark in relation to identical or similar goods and/or services.
- You gain a valuable business asset that can be licensed, franchised, or sold.
- It helps build brand recognition and trust with consumers.
- You can take legal action against infringement.
Trade marks are especially important in competitive markets where brand identity plays a key role in consumer choice.
Strategic consideration
Given the upcoming fee increase, businesses and individuals planning to protect their brand should consider filing trade mark applications before 1 April 2026. Acting early could result in significant savings, especially for those filing multiple applications or covering multiple classes of goods/services.
How can we help?
Emma Toes is a Partner in our Dispute Resolution team, specialising in contentious intellectual property matters.
For more information on the subjects discussed in this article, please contact Emma or another member of the team in Derby, Leicester or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.