Filing intellectual property in Singapore
Singapore is a first-to-file, English-language common-law hub with fast examination and strong enforcement; many businesses use it as the ASEAN entry point for brand protection.
- Office
- IPOS
- Language
- English
- Local currency
- SGD
- Opposition
- 2 months from publication
- Term
- 10 years from filing
- Renewal
- Every 10 years; 6-month grace period available with surcharge
Fees & timelines by right
| Right | Official fee | Our fee | All-in | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Mark / Brand Name | $175 | $199 | $374 | 6–9 months |
| Service Mark | $175 | $199 | $374 | 6–9 months |
| Trade Name / Business Name | $25 | $99 | $124 | 1–5 days |
| Patent | $100 | $1,290 | $1,390 | 18–36 months |
| Utility Model / Petty Patent | Not available — IPOS operates no registry for this right | |||
| Copyright | $0 | $99 | $99 | 1–2 months |
| Industrial Design | $130 | $520 | $650 | 3–6 months |
| Geographical Indication & Collective Marks | $175 | $590 | $765 | 6–12 months |
| Trade Secret & Confidentiality Programme | $0 | $590 | $590 | 2–4 weeks to implement |
Indicative single-class / single-application rates in USD. Your live quote confirms the exact amount before payment.
Who can file & on what basis
- Direct national application with IPOS
- Madrid Protocol designation of Singapore
- Convention priority within 6 months of a first filing
Local agent: Mandatory for foreign applicants without a Singapore address for service. Ascen Mark appoints the local agent.
What we need from you
Requirements
- Applicant name and address
- Singapore address for service (mandatory for foreign applicants)
- Goods/services by Nice class
- Intention to use the mark in Singapore
Documents
- Logo file for device marks
- Priority document, if claiming a foreign priority date
- Evidence of use where distinctiveness is in issue
- Signed Power of Attorney for the local agent
Affidavits, resolutions & authorities
Executed papers this office expects — who signs them, how they must be witnessed, notarised or legalised, and the deadline for lodging them.
Address for service in Singapore
IPOS requires a Singapore address for service; supplied by our local agent. No POA is required.
- Execution:
- Signed by the applicant (scan accepted)
- When:
- At filing
- Applies to:
- All IP types
Statutory declaration (evidence and entitlement)
Declared before a commissioner for oaths or notary; used for prior-use evidence, entitlement and restoration requests.
- Execution:
- Signed before a witness
- When:
- When evidence is filed or entitlement is questioned
- Applies to:
- All IP types
Formality requirements change and are applied at each registry's discretion. This checklist is preparation guidance, not legal advice — your appointed local agent confirms the final list before filing.
How the filing runs
- 1
Clearance
IPOS eTrademarks Search and common-law checks.
- 2
Filing
Online filing; per-class fee.
- 3
Examination
Usually 4–6 months; adverse reports get a 4-month response window.
- 4
Publication
Accepted marks are published for a 2-month opposition period.
- 5
Registration
Registration certificate issues; term is 10 years from filing.
Use, renewal & status tracking
Use requirement
A registration can be removed for non-use after 5 years from registration.
Registry status sync
IPOS API integration is ready to be enabled once credentials are supplied; until then, your Singapore agent records verified status updates in the audit trail.
Common pitfalls
- Descriptive or laudatory marks face firm objections
- Missing the 4-month examination response window can abandon the application
- A Singapore mark must be used in the course of trade to avoid non-use cancellation
Ready to file in Singapore?
Run a free name check first, or start a filing with a fixed quote.
This guide is general information about Singapore procedure, not legal advice. Official source: https://www.ipos.gov.sg