Trademark fee changes in 2026 and how to plan ahead

2026 brings a set of updates that shape how trademark owners plan, file, and renew their rights. These changes come from different parts of the IP system, but they influence your portfolio in very practical ways. 

Key changes include:

• The UK is increasing its official fees from April 2026
• Canada has new trademark renewal fees from January 1, 2026
• A new Nice Classification edition from WIPO comes into effect in January 2026
• The end of mutual recognition of genuine use between the UK and EU

This blog post outlines what new rules will impact trademark management in 2026 and provides guidance on how to approach trademark strategy planning in a smart, proactive, and structured way.

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1. UK trademark fees increase from April 2026

The UK Intellectual Property Office confirmed a trademark fee increase on 1 April 2026, with the changes expected to take effect once Parliament gives formal approval. This marks the first change to trademark fees in many years. The IPO points to rising inflation and the ongoing investment in the One IPO digital programme as the main reasons behind the adjustment.

Key UK trademark fee increases for 2026:

• Online trademark filings increase from £170 to £205
• Paper filings increase from £200 to £250
• Renewal of a trademark registration rises from £200 to £245 for both online and paper
• Series applications increase from £50 to £60
• Oppositions based on likelihood of confusion rise from £100 to £125.
• Oppositions based on other legal grounds rise from £200 to £250.
• Fast track oppositions increase from £100 to £125.
• Adding new grounds to an existing opposition rises from £100 to £125.
• Invalidation trademark applications rise from £200 to £250
• Revocation applications rise from £200 to £250

For budgeting purposes, treat trademark renewals, application and filing before April 2026 and after April 2026 as two separate cost scenarios. If you hold UK trademarks, it helps to check whether an earlier renewal keeps your costs lower before the new fees start.

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2. Canada trademark fees change in January 2026

Canada also introduces changes in 2026, this time through a new official trademark fee schedule. Trademark application fees and trademark renewal fees increase slightly compared to 2025:

• Online application (first class) increases from CAD 478.15 to CAD 491.06
• Online application (each additional class) increases from CAD 145.12 to CAD 149.04
• Statement of opposition increases from CAD 1,085.76 to CAD 1,115.08
• Extension of an existing registration (first class) increases from CAD 623.27 to CAD 640.10
• Extension application (each additional class) increases from CAD 145.12 to CAD 149.04
• Request for a cancellation notice (Section 45) increases from CAD 579.42 to CAD 595.06
• Online renewal (first class) increases from CAD 579.42 to CAD 595.06
• Online renewal (each additional class) increases from CAD 180.61 to CAD 185.49 

Even a modest increase can shift your planning if you file often or hold several marks that span multiple classes. The 2026 update simply makes it more important to track how each class contributes to your overall cost curve.

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Nice Classification 2026 edition enters into force

WIPO will introduce the 2026 edition of the Nice Classification on 1 January 2026, and all new trademark applications filed after that date must follow the updated wording.

This can affect how you draft new filings, because outdated wording may trigger classification objections or require amendments. Any trademark filed before 1 January 2026 keeps its original classification and does not need to match the new edition. A quick review of your specifications now helps you avoid surprises later and ensures your protection stays aligned with current market categories.

Confirmed Nice 2026 changes:

• Eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses and eyeglass cases move from Class 9 to Class 10
• Emergency and rescue vehicles move from Class 9 to Class 12
• Electrically heated clothing moves from Class 11 to Class 25
• Tongue scrapers move from Class 10 to Class 21
• Essential oils are classified by intended use:
   • food products in Class 30
   • medical use in Class 5
   • cosmetic use in Class 3
• Optician retail services move to Class 35
• Optician repair services move to Class 37
• Smart glasses remain in Class 9 as tech devices

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4. UK and EU genuine use rules end in 2026

From 1 January 2026, the UK and EU will stop recognising each other’s use when assessing genuine use. This change arrives as the five year transition period under the Withdrawal Agreement comes to an end.

If you own an EU Trade Mark (EUTM) but only use it in the UK, that use will no longer support genuine use in the EU. The same applies in reverse for UK Trade Marks (UKTM), including the comparable UK rights that were created during Brexit. Any mark that relies on use only in the other territory becomes more vulnerable to non use challenges and may hold a weaker position in disputes or enforcement.

This makes it worth reviewing where your marks are actually used. A simple check now helps you confirm that each right still meets the genuine use requirement in the region where it is registered.

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How to adjust your trademark strategy for 2026

The updates coming in 2026 are more than administrative adjustments. They change how you plan trademark renewals, filings, and budgets. Here is how to approach the year with a stronger, more intentional trademark strategy.

• Reassess portfolio priorities before fees rise
  With UK and Canadian fees going up (and maybe increases are coming later in other countries), 2026 is a good moment to check which marks still support your business today. Keep your focus on core brands and identify older marks that no longer play a role. This helps you reduce pressure on your budget and keeps your portfolio aligned with what you actually use.
  
• Refine class strategy to avoid unnecessary cost
  Higher fees make broad, defensive class coverage harder to justify. Take the time to tighten your class choices so they reflect real products and upcoming launches. A more focused class strategy keeps costs under control and reduces the chance of avoidable objections.
  
• Update specifications ahead of the Nice 2026 changes
  The new classification edition brings updated wording and a few class shifts. Use this as a moment to refresh your templates, remove vague terms, and make sure your descriptions match how your products are sold today.
  
• Strengthen your EU UK approach under the new genuine use rules
  Once the UK and EU stop recognising each other's use, the strength of some registrations may change. Map where each mark is genuinely used and decide whether you need new filings or small adjustments to keep both regions well covered.
  
• Align legal, product, and finance teams earlier
  Because these updates affect timing, cost, and specifications, teams benefit from planning together. A shared renewal calendar and early 2026 budget scenarios help you avoid rushed decisions and keep your trademark spend stable throughout the year.‍
• Connect your trademark plans with your product roadmap
  If you know a new name or product launch is coming later in 2026, planning filings earlier keeps everything smooth and avoids rushed clearance checks.

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How to avoid unnecessary trademark costs

Here are smart approaches:

• Only include classes you genuinely use: Extra classes add cost fast.
• Use clear, accurate specifications to prevent objections: Vague wording leads to objections and attorney time.
• File or renew trademarks earlier when timing reduces cost: For UK trademarks, renewing before April 2026 can keep costs lower.
• Centralize trademark data to avoid admin mistakes: Scattered records create avoidable admin mistakes. A single source of truth keeps deadlines and classes accurate.
• Review your portfolio regularly: Old or duplicate marks quietly inflate your renewal budget. Drop anything that no longer supports your business.

Many businesses overpay not because the trademark fees are huge, but because small admin mistakes pile up and create extra work. Missed deadlines, outdated class lists, unclear specifications, or duplicate trademarks often cost more than the renewal itself.

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How to keep trademark costs under control in 2026

With early planning these changes are manageable. Trademark strategy planning should be proactive, and transparent, with decisions documented so your portfolio stays consistent over time. If you adjust class descriptions, check UK timing, confirm Canadian fees, and coordinate internally, trademark management remains predictable.

If you would like help reviewing your trademark renewal strategy or want visibility into your portfolio’s future trademark renewal fees, start with a free cost calculation or get in touch with our expert IP team.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need to re-file trademarks because of the new Nice Classification?
No. Existing registrations stay valid. The changes only apply to new applications filed from 1 January 2026. You simply need to use updated wording for future filings.

Should I plan a separate budget for 2026?
A small buffer helps. Fee increases, updated classification wording, and the UK EU genuine use changes can add small amounts of extra work depending on your portfolio.

Can early trademark renewals reduce cost?
In some cases yes. UK marks due around April 2026 are the clearest example, since renewing before the fee change keeps costs lower.

How does this affect Madrid filings?
Madrid renewals follow national renewal fees, so cost changes flow through the national office. The Nice 2026 update matters for wording, not renewal prices.

Do I need to take action because UK and EU genuine use rules diverge?
If your use sits only in one region, it is worth checking whether your rights remain strong in the other. Some marks may need fresh filings to maintain protection.

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