Intellectual property rights (IPR) in Singapore is administered by Intellectual Property Office of SIngapore (IPOS).
Once you’ve provided us the necessary information, we prepare, file and follow up on the trademark applications for you in a timely manner.
Before Applying for Trade Mark in Singapore
It is advisable to make a trademark search before submitting applications to avoid possible trademark infringement and unrefundable application fees.
Goods and Services Classification
All goods or services must be listed with reference to the class or classes of goods and services under the Nice Classification.
Trade Mark Agents in Singapore
Filing trade Mark application can be made by either the owner or thru a trade mark agent. An address for service in Singapore must be provided in all trade mark applications.
Registrable Trade Marks in Singapore
A trade mark can be logo, sign, names, symbols, letters, words, signatures, numerals, devices, brands, labels, shapes, colours. It must be distinctive within similar classification.
Identifying Registered Trade Mark in Singapore
® indicates that the mark is a registered trade mark. ™ ("TM") indicates that mark is not registered and being used as a trade mark.
Not Registering a Trade Mark
For a mark that is not registered, the owner can rely on the common law action of "passing off" to protect his mark against imitation or infringement.
Priority Claim
In Singapore, if an applicant has a corresponding application filed earlier in Paris Convention country or a World Trade Organization member country, he / she may claim priority from this first-filed application. An application which is first filed in Singapore can be used to claim priority in a corresponding application filed in a Paris Convention country or a World Trade Organization member country.
Estimated Processing Time
It takes 4 - 6 months to receive application status from trademark registrar in Singapore.
Provision of Non-Use
A registered trade mark is vulnerable to cancellation if it has not been used for 5 years following the registration date.
Trade Marks protection outside of Singapore
To apply for international trademark protection in Singapore, applicant needs to file application in the countries concerned either individually or via the Madrid Protocol. The Madrid Protocol allows a trade mark owner to seek protection for his trade mark in several countries simultaneously by filing one application with a single office. Under the Madrid Protocol, a trade mark must first be registered or applied for in the country of origin before filing for an international application.
