Patents in Singapore

What are the types of patents in Singapore?

Singapore’s patent system is administered by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and is governed by the Patents Act (Cap. 221). Singapore is widely regarded as one of Asia’s premier IP hubs, offering a modern, efficient, and internationally aligned IP framework. Patent routes available in Singapore include:

• Singapore National Patent: Filed directly with IPOS, providing up to 20 years of protection from the filing date. Singapore uses a “self-assessment” examination system — applicants choose whether to use IPOS’s own examiners, or to rely on foreign examination reports from approved foreign offices (the EPO, USPTO, UKIPO, Australian IP Office, Japan Patent Office, Korean Intellectual Property Office, or the Danish Patent and Trademark Office). This makes Singapore patent prosecution highly flexible.
• PCT International Application: Singapore is a PCT member state. IPOS serves as both a receiving office and international searching authority. PCT national phase entry in Singapore must occur within 30 months of the priority date.
• Divisional Patents: Where a patent application contains more than one invention, a divisional application can be filed to protect each invention separately.

Note: Singapore does not have a utility model system. However, its fast-track examination options and acceptance of foreign examination reports make it one of the most efficient patent jurisdictions in Asia.

What is the criteria for patentability in Singapore?

Under the Singapore Patents Act, a patent is granted for an invention that is:

• New: The invention must not form part of the state of the art — not disclosed publicly anywhere in the world before the filing or priority date.
• Involves an Inventive Step: The invention must not be obvious to a person skilled in the relevant art, having regard to what is known in the art.
• Capable of Industrial Application: The invention must be capable of being made or used in any kind of industry, including agriculture.

Excluded from Singapore patent protection: discoveries, scientific theories, mathematical methods, aesthetic creations, mental acts, computer programs as such, presentations of information, methods of treatment of the human/animal body, plant/animal varieties, and inventions contrary to public order or morality.

What is the patent application process in Singapore?

1. File Application with IPOS: Submit the application online via IPOS’s IP2SG e-filing portal. The application must be in English and include a description, claims, abstract, and drawings. Filing fee is payable at submission.
2. Formalities Examination: IPOS conducts a formalities check within 1–3 months of filing.
3. Request for Search and Examination: Within 13 months of filing (or 36 months using a qualifying foreign search report), the applicant must request examination. Singapore uniquely allows applicants to submit a foreign examination report from an approved office in lieu of a full IPOS examination — significantly reducing costs and timeline.
4. Publication: The application is published 18 months after the earliest priority date in the Singapore Patents Journal.
5. Examination and Grant: IPOS target turnaround for examination is approximately 6–12 months. Total time from filing to grant typically ranges from 2–4 years when using a foreign examination report route.

How to renew/maintain a patent in Singapore?

Singapore patents require annual renewal fees payable to IPOS, starting from the 5th year anniversary of filing. Fees escalate progressively from SGD 180 (year 5) to SGD 480 (year 20). A 6-month grace period is available for late payment with a surcharge. ipReNewAl monitors all IPOS patent renewal deadlines and manages fee payments in SGD, ensuring your Singapore patent rights remain in full force.

How much does a patent cost in Singapore?

• Filing Fee: SGD 160 (online, standard application).
• Search Fee: SGD 1,200 (IPOS search); or free if submitting a qualifying foreign search report.
• Examination Fee: SGD 1,600 (IPOS examination); reduced to SGD 600 when using a foreign examination report.
• Annual Renewal Fees: SGD 180 (year 5) to SGD 480 (year 20), totalling approximately SGD 5,000–7,000 over the 20-year term.
• Patent Agent Fees: Singapore registered patent agents typically charge SGD 3,000–10,000 depending on complexity.

Trademarks in Singapore

How long does it take to obtain a trademark in Singapore?

Singapore trademark registration is administered by IPOS. Singapore’s trademark system is one of the fastest in Asia — the typical timeline from filing to registration is 9–12 months for straightforward applications without opposition. After acceptance, the mark is published in the Singapore Trade Marks Journal for a 2-month opposition period. Singapore is a member of the Madrid Protocol, allowing international trademark registrations designating Singapore via WIPO.

What is the Singapore trademark examination process?

IPOS examines trademark applications on both absolute and relative grounds:

• Absolute Grounds: The mark must be distinctive and not purely descriptive, deceptive, or contrary to public policy or morality. IPOS applies a strict distinctiveness standard — colour marks, 3D shapes, and non-traditional marks face a high evidential bar.
• Relative Grounds: IPOS searches its register for earlier identical or confusingly similar marks and notifies applicants of conflicts. Owners of earlier marks are also notified of new conflicting applications and have 2 months to oppose.
• Fast-Track Examination: IPOS offers an expedited examination option (for an additional fee) that reduces the examination period to approximately 1 month — ideal for businesses with time-sensitive IP needs.

How to renew/maintain a registered trademark in Singapore?

Singapore trademarks are registered for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely in 10-year increments. Renewal fees are due on or before the 10th anniversary of the filing date, with a 6-month grace period (with surcharge). Trademarks not put to genuine use in Singapore within 5 years of registration may be cancelled on non-use grounds.

How much does it cost to register a trademark in Singapore?

• Application Fee (1 class, online): SGD 240 (approximately USD 178).
• Additional Classes: SGD 240 per additional class.
• 10-Year Renewal Fee: SGD 380 per class.
• Fast-Track Examination Fee: SGD 100 (additional).
• Madrid Protocol designation fee (Singapore): CHF 203 individual fee per class.
• Attorney/Agent Fees: Typically SGD 800–3,000 for standard trademark prosecution.

How can ipReNewAl help with your Singapore IP portfolio?

Singapore’s strategic position as Asia’s IP hub means many multinational businesses use Singapore as the base for their regional IP strategy, often combining Singapore national rights with international trademark portfolios under the Madrid Protocol and regional patent filings. IPOS’s acceptance of foreign examination reports makes Singapore patent prosecution particularly cost-effective for businesses that already hold granted patents in the US, Europe, or Japan. ipReNewAl provides a single platform to manage your Singapore patent and trademark renewal schedules, coordinate with your broader Asian IP portfolio, and ensure no deadline is missed — keeping your brand and innovations protected in this critical market.