Protecting Your Intellectual Property in Singapore

Singapore is ranked among the world's top countries for intellectual property protection. The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) oversees all IP matters with efficient, reliable processes.

• Ranked 2nd in Asia for IP protection
• Member of major international IP treaties
• Strong legal enforcement framework
• Efficient registration processes
• Growing hub for IP dispute resolution

A patent protects your invention and prevents others from making, using, or selling it without permission. Patents are valid for 20 years in Singapore.

• Standard patent term: 20 years
• Must be novel, inventive, and industrially applicable
• Domestic filing through IPOS or PCT route for international
• Typical grant time: 2-4 years (standard) or 6-12 months (fast track)
• SG Patent Fast Track program available from May 2025

IPOS offers accelerated patent examination for qualifying applications:

• SG Patents Fast: First examination report in 4-8 months
• Standard processing: 2-4 years
• Requirements vary based on application type
• No additional fees for fast track
• Available from May 20, 2025 (replaces pilot program)

Protect your brand name, logo, and other distinctive signs. Trademark registration provides exclusive rights to use the mark in Singapore.

• Registration cost: SGD 240-341 per mark, per class
• Examination fee: SGD 40
• Processing time: approximately 4 months
• Can file directly with IPOS or through Madrid Protocol
• SG Trade Marks Fast: Report in 3-6 weeks
• Renewable every 10 years

Singapore is party to major international IP agreements, making it easier to protect your IP globally.

• Paris Convention for patents and trademarks
• Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for international patents
• Madrid Protocol for international trademarks
• Berne Convention for copyright
• TRIPS Agreement (WTO)
• US-Singapore FTA with strong IP provisions

While Singapore doesn't have specific trade secret legislation, protection is available through other legal mechanisms.

• Protected under common law (Law of Confidence)
• Penal Code provisions for confidential information
• Computer Misuse Act for digital assets
• Contractual protections (NDAs, employment contracts)
• No registration required but documentation important

Building an IP strategy should be part of your business planning from day one.

• Conduct IP audit to identify protectable assets
• File patents early for core technology
• Register trademarks in key markets
• Implement NDA processes for confidential discussions
• Consider IP insurance for high-value assets
• Budget for international IP protection if needed