Intellectual property is valuable to businesses as it improves the competitiveness of enterprises. Singapore ranked second in the world and first in Asia regarding IP protection regimes. It has standards comparable with those in the EU. Read further to learn about trademark registration in Singapore.
Trademark registration in Singapore – a guide to trademark protection in Singapore
Is trademark registration mandatory in Singapore?
Some non-registered trademarks are entitled to certain protection. Nevertheless, Singapore operates under a ‘first-to-file’ system. It means that the first person to file IP in Singapore will own the intellectual property rights. There are many examples of “trademark squatters” that intentionally register trademarks to sell them with profit to their owners. If you want to do business in Singapore, make sure to register your trademark beforehand.
Trademarks in Singapore
According to the Trade Marks Act 1998, “trade mark” means any sign capable of being represented graphically and which is capable of distinguishing goods or services dealt with or provided in the course of trade by a person from goods or services so dealt with or provided by any other person. It can be any:
- letter
- word
- name
- signature
- numeral
- device
- brand
- heading
- label
- ticket
- shape
- color
- aspect of packaging
- combination thereof.
Where to register a trademark in Singapore?
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), incorporated under the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore Act 2001, oversees trademark registration in Singapore.
How to register a trademark in Singapore?
1. Registration via IPOS
The trademark registration in Singapore can be submitted to the IPOS online or in person.
2. International registration designated to Singapore
Singapore is a World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty member. If you are already registered with WIPO, you can expand its geographical scope of protection. The request must be examined to make sure it complies with the requirements.
Which route should you take to register your trademark in Singapore?
We recommend taking the national route to register your trademark. It is more time-efficient, and there is no risk that the application will be delayed, which could happen with a WIPO application.
Trademark classes in Singapore
Trademarks for services and goods can be registered in classes. Singapore implemented the NICE Agreement concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services.
Registering trademark in the right trademark class is crucial for proper protection. You can check the Nice Classification here.
How long does trademark registration take in Singapore?
In Singapore, trademark registration takes six to twelve months.
What is the validity of a trademark in Singapore?
A trademark in Singapore is protected for 10 years. It can be renewed every 10 years.
How much does trademark registration in Singapore cost?
The fees for trademark registration in Singapore depend on the scope of the applicant’s request. To get your trademark registration cost evaluated, contact us at contact@examinechina.com.
Protect your brand and register your trademark in Singapore
We take worries concerning trademark registration in Singapore off your hands. Through years of experience, we can help you determine which trademark class your product/service belongs to. We also run the pre-filing search in the registry to find out if your trademark is available. If the trademark is not registered, we complete and file the paperwork. We communicate with the IPOS until the registration is complete.
Get the exclusive right to use the trademark in Singapore and protect your business. With us, you get a complete trademark registration package. Contact us about your trademark application in Singapore. To find out more about our service, please refer to the page Trademark Registration.