Singapore is a member of the Madrid Protocol. Statutory trademark protection is obtained by registration. The principles of “common law” in relation to passing off also apply to protect both registered and unregistered marks.

Trademark registration: Requirements

A trademark application has to be filed with the Registrar of Trade Marks. An address for service in Singapore is necessary. Foreign applicants do not need a domestic registration.

Trademark registration: Procedure

The application process includes a formal examination, an examination of distinctiveness and a search for prior trademarks. It takes approximately 6-12 months from first filing to registration. Before registration the trademark application is published in the Trade Marks Journal. The opposition period is 2 months from publication date of the application.

Trademark registration: Duration

A trademark registration in Singapore is valid for 10 years and starts with registration date. The registration is renewable for periods of 10 years.

Trademark registration: Methods

NATIONAL REGISTRATION: If you just want to register your Trademark in one country, it is sufficient to apply for a national registration at the local trademark office.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION (MADRID SYSTEM)*: If you already have filed a trademark application or have a trademark registration in one or more countries of the Madrid Union (based on the Madrid Agreement and Madrid Protocol), you can obtain trademark protection by filing one single application, so called International Registration (Madrid System).

*Note: The fees for an International Trademark Application (WIPO) will be calculated for each individual country or multiple countries. For a quotation please send us an e-mail with the name of countries where you currently have a registration and all preferable countries where you wish to extend your trademark protection.

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Duly note, if the trademark has not been used within 5 years from issue of the registration certificate or has not been used later for a continuous period of 5 years, it may be subject to cancellation.