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Keywords: Singapore trademark registration, trademark application process, trademark maintenance and renewal, brand compliance protection

 

 

Trademarks are not only important identifiers of a company’s brand but also core assets that provide protection in the competitive market. In Singapore, trademark registration has clear requirements, a strict examination process, and subsequent maintenance obligations. Understanding the registration criteria, application procedures, required documents, and maintenance essentials can help businesses mitigate risks, accelerate the registration process, and safeguard their brand’s long-term rights. This article provides a systematic overview of the entire trademark registration process in Singapore and highlights key considerations, enabling you to quickly grasp the core points.

What Are the Requirements for Trademark Application?

 

 

Singapore uses the Nice Classification system, which divides goods and services into 45 classes—classes 1–34 for goods and classes 35–45 for services. Any individual or legal entity that has used or intends to use a trademark in commercial activities may apply. During the application process, applicants must provide a stable local Singapore address for official correspondence, or appoint an agent to handle the trademark application.

A trademark must be distinctive, capable of distinguishing the applicant’s goods or services from those of others. Registrable trademarks can take the form of words, letters, terms, names, signatures, graphics, logos, colors, shapes, or combinations of these elements.

 

Which Signs Cannot Be Registered as Trademarks?

 

 

1.The sign is descriptive;
for example: “super,” “best,” “cheap,” “one dozen.”

2.The sign has become a generic name for a product and lacks distinctiveness.

3.The sign may offend others or promote immoral conduct.

4.The sign is deceptive, for example, it may misrepresent or mislead regarding the nature, quality, or origin of the goods or services.

5.The sign is identical to an earlier registered trademark.

6.The sign is identical or similar to a trademark previously applied for in the same or related classes of goods or services, which may cause confusion.

7.The sign is identical or similar to a well-known (famous) trademark.

 

What Is the Trademark Registration Process?

 

 

Preliminary Search

Conduct a database search to ensure that the trademark does not conflict with any existing or pending trademarks.

Application Submission

The applicant submits the trademark application form to the authorities and pays the relevant application fees.

Examination Stage

Formal Examination: Confirms whether the application documents meet the basic requirements.

If the documents are incomplete or incorrect, a request for correction will be issued. The applicant must respond within 1 month (extension possible), otherwise the application will be considered withdrawn.

Substantive Examination: Assesses the registrability of the trademark.

If the application does not pass, the authorities will issue a notice, and the applicant must respond within 2 months (extendable up to 4 months); otherwise, the application will be deemed abandoned.

Publication and Opposition

The authorities will publish the trademark application for a 2-month period. If any opposition is filed, the applicant will be notified, and the registration process will be paused until the opposition is resolved.

Approval and Registration

If there is no opposition, or if any opposition is resolved, the authorities will approve the registration and issue the certificate to the applicant.

Registration Timeline

Under ideal conditions, with no objections or oppositions, the standard process takes approximately 9–12 months.

Since May 2025, IPOS has introduced a Fast Track accelerated examination process. Eligible applications can be registered in as little as 4–6 months. However, if corrections, refusals, or oppositions occur during the process, the registration timeline will be extended based on the specific circumstances.

 

What Documents Are Required?

 

 

Company Information: A copy of the company’s business profile from ACRA (including the registered address).

Trademark Specimen: A high-resolution image of the trademark logo. The trademark must be distinctive and should not consist solely of words or elements that directly describe the goods or services.

Description of Goods and Services: A summary of the company’s commercial activities, clearly specifying the goods and services for which the trademark is to be registered, covering all areas the company wishes to protect.

Trademark Agent Authorization: If applying through an agent, an officially recognized power of attorney must be submitted.

 

How to Maintain and Renew a Registered Trademark?

 

 

Trademark Use
Singapore follows a “use or intended use” registration system. A registered trademark must be actually used in Singapore within five years after registration; otherwise, it may be subject to cancellation by a third party.

Trademark Renewal
The validity of a registered trademark is 10 years from the application date. If continued use is desired, the applicant can apply for renewal within six months before the expiry date by paying the renewal fee. Each renewal extends the trademark’s validity for another 10 years.

Trademark Extension (Late Renewal)
If the trademark is not renewed before its expiry date, an extension application can be submitted within six months after the expiry. The fee for late renewal is higher than that for timely renewal submitted within the six months before expiry.

Trademark Restoration
If the trademark is still not renewed within six months after the expiry, its status will change to “Deleted (Possible Restoration).” During this stage, from six to twelve months after the expiry date, an application can be submitted to restore the registered trademark.

Conclusion

Registering a trademark is a crucial step in protecting a company’s brand, but any oversight in the process or details may affect the company’s rights. To ensure your brand is secure in Singapore, SIG Global provides professional, tailored services to quickly complete registration and maintenance, establishing long-term legal protection and safeguarding your company’s rights comprehensively.