Are you in the process of finalising your budget for the year ahead?

If so, it’s important to account for the significant increases in the UK IPO’s official fees, which will take effect on 1st April 2026.

The IPO has confirmed that fees for UK trade marks, designs and patents will rise by around 25%.

To put this into context:

– Trade mark fees have not increased since 1998
– Design fees since 2016
– Patent fees since 2018

In contrast, since 2016, inflation has risen by approximately 32%.

What to do before 1st April

For businesses considering UK filings for new trade mark, patent or design filings, bringing them forward could result in meaningful cost savings.

We highly recommend filing applications before 1st April 2026 to avoid the higher fee structure.

If you need any assistance, our team at IP Asset would be happy to help.

What to consider when selecting a trade mark attorney

1. Professional registration and regulation

A UK trade mark attorney should be appropriately qualified and regulated. Checking whether they are listed with the Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg) and are members of the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA) provides assurance that they meet recognised professional and ethical standards.

IP Asset is regulated by IPReg and our trade mark attorneys are members of CITMA.

2. Relevant sector and brand expertise

Effective trade mark protection relies on an understanding of both the brand and the commercial environment in which it operates. Choosing an attorney with experience aligned to your sector can help ensure trade marks are selected, cleared and protected in a way that reflects how the brand will be used, developed and extended over time.

3. Commercial focus and strategic alignment

Trade marks should form part of a broader IP and brand strategy that supports the company’s commercial objectives. A commercially focused attorney will consider how trade mark protection aligns with market positioning, expansion plans and future milestones, rather than treating registrations as a standalone filing exercise.

How IP Asset can support

IP Asset provides commercially relevant intellectual property and strategy advice to help build value in a company and, importantly, realise that value through its intellectual property.

Our Trade Marks team have extensive experience including Trade Mark clearance searching, filing and prosecution, oppositions and co-existence agreements

Supporting organisations across their commercial journey, from early-stage ventures through to established businesses and investors, allows trade mark strategies to evolve alongside the business. The result is brand protection that is robust, proportionate and positioned to support growth, investment and long-term value creation.

For more information, please contact us.

What to consider while selecting a patent attorney 

1. Professional registration and regulation

A UK patent attorney should be appropriately qualified and regulated. Checking whether they are listed with the Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg) and are members of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) provides assurance that they meet recognised professional and ethical standards. 

IP Asset is regulated by IPReg and are of CIPA. 

2. Relevant technical expertise

Effective patent protection relies on a deep understanding of the underlying technology. Choosing an attorney with technical expertise aligned to your sector helps ensure inventions are accurately understood, appropriately drafted and positioned to withstand scrutiny. 

3. Commercial focus and strategic alignment

Patent protection should form part of a broader IP strategy that supports the company’s commercial objectives. An attorney with a commercially focused approach will consider how patents align with business goals, market position and future milestones, rather than treating protection as a standalone exercise. 

How IP Asset can support 

IP Asset provides commercially relevant intellectual property and strategy advice to help build value in a company and more importantly realise that value through its intellectual property. 

Our strength uniquely lies in the combination of legal, technical and commercial expertise, providing holistic support throughout a client’s commercial journey. We draw upon this expertise to build long term relationships, to help a range of clients navigate commercial milestones and grow. 

The team has technical expertise across sectors including chemistry, engineering, deep tech, AI & digital technologies and life sciences, we help clients build robust IP positions that support investment, growth and exit objectives. 

Supporting organisations across their commercial journey, from early-stage ventures through to established businesses and investors, allows IP strategies to evolve alongside the business. 

For more information, please contact us.

When you lose control of your IP, whether through unclear ownership, weak protection, or poor portfolio management, you risk undermining your entire business strategy. Investors, partners and acquirers look for one thing above all else: certainty. Without it, opportunities can quickly disappear.

Maintaining control through a clear IP strategy and rigorous due diligence ensures that your innovation is protected, your risks are understood, and your commercial position remains strong. It allows you to act confidently — to license, expand or raise investment — knowing that every decision is built on solid ground.

Control brings confidence. And in IP, confidence builds value.