Only one month left before the UK Intellectual Property Office's official fee increase on April 1, 2026!

If you hold a UK trademark registered in the first half of 2016, now is the golden window to renew. By renewing early, you not only lock in current low rates but also avoid the post-April 1 price surge—saving £45 (approx. RMB 400+) on the first class renewal fee!

Why is now the optimal time for renewal?

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has officially confirmed that new fee standards will take effect starting April 1, 2026. This marks the first adjustment to UK trademark official fees since 1998, with an average increase of 25%.

Under UK trademark law, registrations are valid for 10 years and can be renewed upon expiration. For trademarks registered in the first half of 2016, the current window allows for renewal applications to be submitted up to 6 months in advance.

Renew Now vs. After April 1

For trademarks expiring before September 30, 2026, renewal fees must be paid by March 31:

Original Fee: £200

Adjusted Fee: £245

Two Common Misconceptions About Early Renewal

Misconception 1: Does early renewal shorten protection?

No. Under Section 42 of the UK Trade Marks Act, the renewed term runs for the next 10 years from the original expiry date, not from the renewal submission date. Whether you renew now or on the expiry date, the new expiry date remains unchanged.

Misconception 2: Should I wait for the official reminder?

It's too late. While UKIPO sends reminders, the process has inherent delays. Crucially, eligibility for the old renewal fee rate is determined solely by the “payment date.” As long as payment is successfully processed before midnight on April 1, 2026, you qualify for the old rate—even if your renewal deadline falls later in the year.

Our Recommendations

As an intellectual property agency specializing in cross-border expansion services, we advise you to:

Conduct an Immediate Inventory: Compile a list of UK trademarks registered in the first half of 2016.

Submit Promptly: Engage us to handle your renewals as soon as possible to avoid potential system congestion around late March.

Combine Actions: If you have trademarks requiring address or ownership changes, process these concurrently with renewals to streamline the overall workflow.

Only three weeks remain before the April 1, 2026 fee increase. Seizing this window not only saves your business costs but also safeguards your brand assets more efficiently.

Note:

For UK patent, trademark, or design applications currently in preparation, strive to complete submissions before March 31, 2026 to avoid potential additional expenses after the official fee hike.