Overview of the legal framework

Singapore’s intellectual property legal system is mature and well developed. It complies with WTO/TRIPS requirements and is closely aligned with the systems in the EU, the UK and other major Asia-Pacific jurisdictions.
The main legislation includes:

• Patents Act;

• Trade Marks Act;

• Registered Designs Act;

• Copyright Act (revised in 2021);

• Geographical Indications Act;

• Protection of trade secrets and against unfair competition under common law.

The competent authority is the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), which comes under the Ministry of Law.
Singapore is a member of WIPO, the PCT, the Madrid System (Madrid Protocol) and the Hague Agreement, and has concluded various IP cooperation and mutual recognition arrangements (PPH, ASEAN IP Cooperation) with many jurisdictions.

International filings and examination in Singapore

• Language: all proceedings are conducted in English;

• High level of digitalisation: Singapore is one of the first IP systems in the world to implement fully online procedures;

• Intensive international cooperation: close interaction with major offices through WIPO, ASEAN and the PCT system;

• Pro-innovation policies: fee reductions and incentives are available for start-ups and SMEs;

• Fast examination: trade mark applications are usually processed in about 6 months, and patent applications in about 12–18 months.

Key features of the trade mark system

Filing routes

• Applications may be filed directly with IPOS;

• or Singapore may be designated through the Madrid System (Madrid Protocol).

Classification standard

• Uses the Nice Classification;

• Single-class and multi-class applications are both accepted.

Examination focus

• Rigorous examination, with strong emphasis on distinctiveness and conflicts with prior rights;

• Applicants may request a pre-examination opinion (Pre-examination Opinion);

• Average examination period of about 6–9 months.

Use and renewal

• Registration term of 10 years, renewable indefinitely;

• Non-use for a continuous period of 5 years may lead to revocation.

Opposition and appeal

• Oppositions may be filed within 2 months from publication;

• Appeals may be brought before the IP Division of the High Court.

Patent system

Term of protection

• 20 years from the filing date.

Examination system

• Full substantive examination is required;

• Supports a Search and Examination Report system for combined search and examination.

Types of patents

• Invention patents;

• The utility model category was abolished in Singapore in 2014.

International routes

• Singapore is a PCT Contracting State, and the national phase may be entered via the PCT international phase;

• Provides accelerated examination channels (ASPEC, PPH, etc.).

Key features

• Average examination period of about 12–18 months;

• All documents may be filed in English and the entire procedure is fully electronic.

Registered designs protection

Legal basis

• Registered Designs Act.

Subject matter protected

• The appearance of a product, including shape, configuration, lines, colours, patterns or any combination of these;

• Since the 2020 amendments, GUIs (graphical user interfaces) and virtual designs can also be protected.

Term of protection

• 5 years from the date of registration, renewable four times, up to a maximum of 20 years.

Key features

• Short examination period (typically 4–6 months);

• No substantive creativity examination, only novelty and originality are required;

• Multiple designs can be combined in a single application where permitted.