A trade mark is a sign that distinguishes your business's goods or services from those of your competitors. While patents protect how your technology works and designs protect how it looks, a trade mark protects your brand identity.

Securing a registered trade mark in Singapore grants you a statutory monopoly over that brand asset. It gives you the exclusive legal right to use, license, or sell the mark, and provides powerful enforcement tools to stop competitors from confusing your customers with identical or confusingly similar names or logos. For modern startups and tech companies, your brand name and logo are often the most visible and valuable assets you own. 

To successfully register a trade mark in Singapore, the mark must be distinctive and capable of being represented graphically.

Types of Protectable Trade Marks

• Word Marks: Brand names, company names, product names, and catchy slogans (e.g., plain text without specific fonts).

• Figurative & Logo Marks: Stylized graphics, brand icons, and composite marks (words combined with logos).

• Non-Traditional Marks: 3D shapes (like unique product packaging), sounds, and even moving marks/animations used in software loading screens.

⚠️ What Cannot Be Registered:

Marks that are purely descriptive of the goods or services (e.g., naming a fast computer "Super Fast Computers"), generic industry terms, deceptive marks, or marks that are identical or confusingly similar to an earlier registered trade mark. Note: Registering your company name with ACRA does not give you trade mark rights. 

Phase 1: Pre-Filing (Clearance Search & Classification)

Before filing, it is prudent to conduct a Trade Mark Clearance Search across the IPOS database to identify any existing conflicting marks. We then strategically classify your core products and services under the international Nice Classification system.

Phase 2: Filing & Examination

We formally submit your application via the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) Digital Hub. An IPOS examiner conducts both a formal and substantive examination to ensure the mark is distinctive and does not conflict with prior rights. If the examiner raises objections (such as claiming the mark is too descriptive), we handle the prosecution by drafting arguments and/or amending the specification to overcome the refusal.

• International Strategy (Madrid Protocol): If you plan to scale globally, your Singapore application can serve as the base to file a centralized international application under the Madrid Protocol, allowing you to efficiently seek protection in over 130 countries with a single application.

Phase 3: Publication & Registration

Once accepted by the examiner, the mark is published in the Trade Marks Journal for a 2-month public opposition period. If no third parties oppose your application, IPOS will officially register the mark and issue your Certificate of Registration. The standard timeline from filing to registration in Singapore is typically between 6 to 12 months if no objections arise.

How We Assist

Filing a trade mark without a proper clearance search or with overly broad classification often leads to costly IPOS objections or opposition from large corporations. We act as your strategic brand counsel, ensuring your application is bulletproof from day one and prosecuting any examiner objections on your behalf. 

A Singapore trade mark provides long-term commercial value. Unlike patents or designs, a trade mark can theoretically last forever, provided it is properly maintained.

• 10-Year Renewals: A registered trade mark is protected for 10 years from the date of filing. It can be renewed indefinitely in 10-year blocks by paying the prescribed IPOS renewal fees.

• The "Use" Requirement: To maintain your rights, you must actively use the trade mark in the Singapore market. If a mark is not put to genuine commercial use for an uninterrupted period of 5 years, it becomes vulnerable to revocation by competitors.

• Portfolio Maintenance: We monitor your trade mark portfolio and manage your 10-year renewal deadlines globally, ensuring your brand equity is never accidentally surrendered. 

Yes. Because Singapore is a member of the Madrid Protocol, we can use your local Singapore trademark application as a base to file a single, centralized international application. This allows you to efficiently seek brand protection in over 130 countries worldwide.