How to Save on Trade Marks Before April 2026: Strategic Filing Tips
Posted on in Intellectual Property
Thoughtful registration of intellectual property lies at the heart of many a business and charitable success, and we can advise about how to maximise the protection available to you. With UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) trade mark fees set to rise by an average of 25%– the first increase since 1998 – now is the time to act strategically.
If you're considering trade mark protection, now is the time to act. With key changes regarding fees expected from April 2026, and your ability to register multiple versions of a logo under one application as a trade mark series potentially coming in sooner than that, strategic filing before the deadline could mean significant savings and stronger brand protection. Timing and approach, however, are everything.
This insight breaks down how to make smart, cost-effective decisions now to avoid higher fees or missed opportunities later.
Making smart savings before the April 2026 deadline – 5 top tips
Below are our top tips for approaching the changes:
1.File without delay and seek specialist legal advice
If you’ve previously neglected trade mark registration, or you have new branding to register, submit your trade mark applications before 31 March 2026 to benefit from the lower IPO fee.
Example fees for one trade mark application with two different use classes (e.g. clothing (one Use Class) and retail services (additional Use Class)):
Current IPO fee: £210 (no VAT payable)
Increased IPO fee: £265 (no VAT payable)
Of course, you should ensure to budget for professional fees too, as there are many common pitfalls to avoid and a solicitor can help you navigate these. For context, the IPO has seen record levels of hearings relating to trade mark disputes, and 6,695 oppositions against trade marks were filed in 2024.
2. Auditing your trade mark portfolio for gaps
Consider the elements of your branding that are unprotected – it would be advisable to seek specialist legal advice to understand what you can and cannot register. You may identify, for example, that you own the stylised logo of your brand but not the words themselves (word mark). If this is the case, we can discuss the next steps with you to safeguard your branding.
Moreover, if you have registered marks due for renewal in 2026, consider renewing them early to avoid the higher costs. You can register up to six months before the renewal date.
3. File now for marks you know you will use
Trade mark law prescribes that you can protect goods and services you intend to use within the next 5 years (by filing the relevant Use Classes for those goods/services). If your organisation has:
- A brand refresh is planned
- New product lines are being developed
- Subsidiary or partnership brands in early design
- Domain names already secured; or
- A new logo has been finalised.
It would generally be more cost-effective to file before the fees rise than to wait until your launch. This strategy reduces the need for supplemental filings.
4. Consider making your series applications now
If you use multiple versions of a mark with minor differences (for example, colour variants), a series application should be registered before these marks are phased out by the IPO. Be aware, however, that 40% of series applications fail. We have success registering series marks, so we can assist if you would like to take advantage of this registration mechanism while you still can!
5. If you are unsure – consider a clearance search
Trade mark law focuses on:
- Similarity between the trade mark name/logo
- Similarity between the goods and services you protect
- The likelihood of confusion between a new application and a prior registered trade mark.
It can be difficult to navigate the above without expert legal advice. IPO filing fees for your application are non-refundable, so it is essential to get your application right in the first instance.
If you engage with a trade mark lawyer prior to filing your application, you will benefit from their clearance searches. Please note that not all lawyers will undertake these, so you should consider the scope of your retainer for trade mark registration services. At Tozers, preliminary searches of the IPO Register of Trade Marks are included.
You should also be aware that actioning clearance searches will help avoid the risk of your trade mark being opposed – legal proceedings before the IPO Tribunal, which can be costly and take over 18 months to reach a conclusion.
Planning ahead
By planning ahead and filing strategically, businesses can lock in protection and avoid future costs. April 2026 isn’t just a date – it’s a deadline for smarter trade mark decisions.
Why choose Tozers for trade mark registration?
As a top firm for client satisfaction, we have built a reputation as good listeners who can help break down complex legal jargon into words you can understand and are experts at advising on your specific situation.
We will lead you through each stage of the registration process, from choosing which trade marks to register and in which Use Classes (goods and services), through to preparing your applications and using your trade marks to generate investment. We can also act for you if you need to oppose someone's trade mark application or defend your own registration.