Record-breaking surge in UK trade mark applications
Latest figures reveal that March 2026 saw a record-breaking increase in new UK trade mark applications filed at the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO).
A total of 22,506 trade mark applications were filed in March, comprising 20,173 domestic applications and 2,333 international applications, filed via the Madrid System.
The record-breaking month continues a wider trend of strong demand for trade mark protection in the UK. Filing volumes have remained consistently high in recent years, with annual application numbers almost doubling since 2019.
In 2025, the UK IPO received a total of 203,195 trade mark applications, making it the busiest year on record. By comparison, 107,526 applications were filed in 2019.
While March's record total was likely influenced by applicants filing ahead of the UK IPO's fee increases, which came into force on 1st April 2026, the figures form part of a much broader pattern of growth in trade mark activity.
Prior to 2021, monthly filing totals rarely exceeded 10,000 applications. In November 2020, a then-record 13,254 applications were filed. Since 2025, monthly application numbers have consistently surpassed that figure, highlighting the sustained increase in businesses seeking to protect their brands.
Trade mark applications continue to rise
The latest statistics show a clear upward trajectory in UK trade mark filings over the past seven years:
|
Year |
Applications |
Registrations |
|
2019 |
107,526 |
95,174 |
|
2020 |
137,040 |
96,090 |
|
2021 |
196,640 |
169,131 |
|
2022 |
158,827 |
163,302 |
|
2023 |
163,731 |
143,604 |
|
2024 |
173,186 |
156,637 |
|
2025 |
203,195 |
177,094 |
|
2026 (Jan-Apr) |
72,765 |
61,034 |
Between January and April 2026, the UK IPO received 72,765 trade mark applications, putting the year on course to remain one of the strongest periods for filing activity in recent history.
The increase in trade mark applications and registrations seen since 2016 has previously been attributed to a combination of factors, including a rise in applications originating from China, increased brand creation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and filing activity associated with the UK's exit from the European Union.
Registrations remain strong
Trade mark registrations have also remained at high levels. The UK IPO registered 177,094 trade marks in 2025, while 61,034 registrations were completed during the first four months of 2026.
The latest figures underline the continuing importance of trade marks for businesses seeking to establish, grow and protect their brands in an increasingly competitive marketplace.