New minister appointed to oversee UK intellectual property

Chris McDonald MP has been appointed as the UK Government’s new minister with responsibility for intellectual property (IP).

The appointment, announced by the Intellectual Property Office on 21 August, follows McDonald’s appointment in July as Minister of State for Science, Innovation and Investment at the newly formed Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, as well as the Department for Health and Social Care.

The role will see McDonald take responsibility for intellectual property policy, with the Intellectual Property Office highlighting the importance of IP to protecting ideas, attracting investment and bringing new products, services and creative content to market.

McDonald previously spent around two decades working in research and innovation in the steel industry before entering Parliament. Industry representatives have identified AI and copyright, design law, international IP and trade policy, standard-essential patents and the transformation of UK IPO services as areas likely to be important during his tenure.

 

New patents service sees strong uptake

The IPO’s new digital patents service, launched in April 2026, has quickly become the main way customers file patent applications. Since launch, it has recorded over 13,000 transactions, 4,700 patent applications and 3,000 new users, with around three-quarters of applications now submitted through the new service.

The IPO will begin decommissioning its legacy patents services over the coming months, with the process expected to be completed no sooner than autumn 2026. At least two months’ notice will be given before legacy services close.

The IPO is also continuing to improve the new service, including enhancements to applications, examination responses and account registration.

More information here – New digital patents services have launched – GOV.UK

UK recognised as a world-class home for IP

The UK remains a global leader in intellectual property, with a strong legal framework, specialist courts and highly regarded trade mark professionals according to Daniel Hardman-Smart, newly appointed President of the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA),  The latest International IP Index ranks the UK second overall for IP and joint first for trade marks.

The Intellectual Property Office highlights how effective trade mark protection can help businesses build valuable brands, support growth and expand internationally.

More information here – The UK: a world-class home for intellectual property  – Intellectual Property Office blog

INTA 2026 Annual Meeting – London

Burrows Chambers Associates are delighted to be at the INTA 2026 Annual Meeting at London ExCeL this week.

It’s been a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with fellow attorneys from around the world, share experiences, and discuss the latest developments shaping trade marks and brand protection. We’ve also been enjoying the wide range of insightful sessions covering key IP trends, challenges, and opportunities in an ever‑evolving global landscape.

If you’re attending, we’d be very pleased to meet up and exchange views during the exhibition.

Burrows Chambers Associates at INTA 2026

We are delighted to announce that Burrows Chambers Associates will be attending the INTA Annual Meeting in May 2026.

As one of the world’s leading gatherings for IP professionals, INTA offers an invaluable opportunity to connect with colleagues, clients, and partners from across the globe. Our team will be on‑site throughout the event, meeting with international associates, exploring emerging trends in trade marks and brand protection, and strengthening the relationships that help us deliver exceptional service.

If you are attending INTA and would like to schedule a meeting, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Introducing the One IPO Roadmap

The IPO has released the first roadmap for its new One IPO service as it moves closer to public launch. Currently in private beta, the service already offers improvements such as near real-time patent updates, but the IPO acknowledges significant work remains.

The roadmap outlines three phases: before launch, focused on essential fixes and internal efficiency upgrades; launch window (the first six months), where customer‑requested improvements will be prioritised; and beyond launch, covering longer‑term enhancements over months 6–12.

Described as Roadmap 1.0, it will be regularly updated as priorities evolve. The IPO emphasises that improvements will continue for years, and absence from the current roadmap doesn’t rule out future changes.

BIPC celebrating 20 years of supporting UK entrepreneurs

 

The British Library’s Business & IP Centre (BIPC) is celebrating 20 years of supporting UK entrepreneurs. Since opening in 2006, the BIPC has helped hundreds of thousands of people start and grow businesses, expanding into a network of more than 70 library-based centres nationwide. With support from the Intellectual Property Office, the BIPC provides free guidance, training and resources on areas including trade marks, patents, market research and business planning. Each year, over 40,000 people benefit from workshops, webinars and one‑to‑one advice, with over 90% still trading after three years. The BIPC also offers toolkits, events and access to its Reading Room in London.

150 Years of UK Trade Marks

In January 1876, Bass & Co’s red triangle beer label became UK Trade Mark No. 1, the first to be officially registered under the Trade Marks Registration Act 1875. The simple yet distinctive symbol marked the beginning of the UK’s modern trade mark system and set a precedent for brand protection that continues today. Still on the register 150 years later, the red triangle remains a powerful example of how strong trade marks can endure and shape commercial identity across generations.

More information here – https://ipo.blog.gov.uk/2026/01/08/the-red-triangle-that-made-history-celebrating-150-years-of-uk-trade-mark-no-1/

UK IPO Fee Increases – April 2026

The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has announced upcoming fee increases for trade marks, designs, and patents, effective 1st April 2026, pending parliamentary approval.

  • Trade Marks: Fees will rise by an average of 25%. For example, the online application fee will increase from £170 to £205.
  • Designs & Patents: These will also see their first fee changes since 2016 and 2018, respectively.
  • The changes will affect applications, renewals, oppositions, and other services.

Transition & Guidance
Current fees remain in place until April 2026. The UK IPO will publish detailed guidance early next year to support users around the transition. Updated payment terms, including deposit account conditions, are now available on the UK IPO website.

 

More information can be found here Intellectual Property Office fees to increase from April 2026 – GOV.UK

IPO welcomes new IP Minister

On 7 September 2025, Kanishka Narayan MP was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, taking on ministerial responsibility for intellectual property.
Welcoming the appointment, IPO CEO Adam Williams said:
“I’m delighted to welcome Minister Narayan to the role. The UK’s intellectual property system is globally recognised for its strength and impact, and IP continues to be a vital driver of innovation and economic growth. I look forward to working together to ensure the UK remains a world leader in protecting and commercialising brilliant ideas.”

Minister Narayan’s appointment signals continued government commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and commercial success through a robust IP framework.

More information here –  New minister appointed with responsibility for intellectual property – GOV.UK

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