UK and European Patent Office Fees Increasing from April 2026
Both the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) and the European Patent Office (EPO) have announced fee increases that are scheduled to take effect from 1 April 2026.
EPO Fee Increases (from April 2026)
Most patent-related fees will rise by around 4.5–5.5%.
- This includes filing, examination, renewal, and other procedural fees.
Impact on Businesses and How to Prepare Before April 2026
Even after the increases, UK IPO fees will remain comparatively competitive internationally. Applicants should still find the UK an attractive jurisdiction, particularly given the anticipated efficiencies from digital transformation. However, it is worthwhile mitigating any impact in advance where possible.
To mitigate cost impacts, applicants should consider:
- Reviewing IP portfolios to identify cases that could be filed, renewed, or otherwise actioned ahead of the fee increases.
- Filing new applications early, especially those nearing readiness for submission at either office.
- Budget forecasting, with updated cost assumptions for 2026 and beyond.
- Monitoring further updates, as UK IPO will publish detailed guidance early next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When do the new fees apply?: From 1 April 2026 at both the UK IPO and EPO.
- Will all UK IPO fees increase by 25%?: Most will rise by around 25%, though some may differ slightly. Final details will be published in early 2026.
- Can the increases be avoided? Yes. Filing before 1 April 2026 allows applicants to pay current rates.
Get in touch with the team at ip21 on +44 (0) 1603 457008 or [email protected] if you’d like to see whether you can make savings on filings, or any other actions affected by these fee increases, at the UK IPO and EPO prior to these coming into force.