UK, EPO and Monaco IP Fee Updates

The UK, the EPO and Monaco implemented increased official IP fees from 1 April 2026. While the scale of the increases varies significantly between the three, the changes affect patent, trademark, and design costs across the full IP lifecycle and carry budgetary implications for applicants and portfolio holders worldwide.

United Kingdom — 25–35% Increase Across All IP Types

The UKIPO implemented its most significant fee revision in decades, with increases of approximately 25–35% across patents, trademarks, and registered designs. The adjustments mark the first rise in patent fees since 2018, design fees since 2016, and trademark fees since 1998.

Patents

Trademarks

Registered Designs

The UKIPO attributed the increases to a 32% cumulative rise in UK inflation since 2016, noting that future financial pressures can no longer be offset through efficiency savings alone.

European Patent Office — 5% Biennial Adjustment

The EPO applied its standard biennial inflation-linked fee adjustment from 1 April 2026, resulting in an approximate 5% increase across most fee categories. The filing fee, opposition fee, and appeal fee are excluded from the adjustment system and remain unchanged.

The changes are consistent with the EPO's established adjustment cycle and were published in the Official Journal of the EPO .

Monaco — Targeted Updates to Trademark and Patent Fees

Monaco implemented a more limited set of fee revisions from 1 April 2026, affecting trademark application and renewal costs and patent renewal fees. The changes are the first in the jurisdiction since 2024.

Trademarks

Patents — Selected Renewal Fees

All patent renewal years increased by approximately 5%.

What This Means for IP Owners

The April 2026 changes are a practical reminder that IP portfolio budgets require regular review, particularly across multi-jurisdiction portfolios where costs compound.

With the new fees already in force, rights holders should ensure renewal budgets reflect the updated figures. For applicants maintaining large international portfolios, the 2026 fee increases may materially affect long-term IP budgets, particularly for mature patent portfolios and multi-class trademark registrations. The UK increases are the most significant - patent renewals at years 15 and 20 are up by over 30%, and trademark costs have risen for the first time since 1998. The EPO adjustment is moderate and consistent with its biennial cycle. Monaco's changes are limited, though the 14% rise for additional trademark class fees is relevant for multi-class filers.

How IP-Coster Can Help

IP-Coster and its network of specialist worldwide IP professionals can assist with international filings, renewal management, portfolio strategy, and accurate up-to-date cost estimates across multiple jurisdictions.

Use IP-Coster free quotation tool to calculate current official and professional costs in the UK, EPO, Monaco, and other jurisdictions worldwide.