Singapore Trademark - Registration and Search Information

It is advisable to make a trademark search before submitting applications to avoid possible trademark infringement. Application fees for trademark are not refundable.

All goods or services should fall within a single international class. The goods or services must be listed with reference to the class or classes of goods and services under the Nice Classification.

Trade Mark application can be made by either the owner or thru a trade mark agent. An address for service in Singapore must be provided in all trade mark applications.

In Singapore, if an applicant has a corresponding application filed earlier in Paris Convention country or a World Trade Organization member country, he / she may claim priority from this first-filed application. An application which is first filed in Singapore can be used to claim priority in a corresponding application filed in a Paris Convention country or a World Trade Organization member country.

It takes within 4 - 6 months for applicant to hear from the Registrar concerning the acceptance of his / her application.

Applicant needs to file application in the countries concerned either individually or via the Madrid Protocol. The Madrid Protocol allows a trade mark owner to seek protection for his trade mark in several countries simultaneously by filing one application with a single office. Under the Madrid Protocol, a trade mark must first be registered or applied for in the country of origin before filing for an international application.

• Full Name(s) and Address(es). For company, indicate State and Country of incorporation. For sole proprietorship or partnership, provide full name(s) of proprietor or partners.
• List of goods or services.
• Mark Specimen. For marks comprising of a three-dimensional shape of the goods or packaging, the representation may be represented by line drawings. Marks comprising shapes or aspects of packaging containing colours, the marks must be filed in the actual colours. Mark with non-English words/characters, a certified translation and transliteration (i.e. pronunciation) must be included in the application.

Step 1. Application Filed	Application must be lodged together with all required formalities.
Step 2. Search & Examination	The Registry of Trade Marks examiners conduct search and exam for conflicting marks, geographical names and registrability. If there is any ground for objection, the Registry will notify with a specified period of time granted to overcome the objection.
Step 3. Publication	Accepted mark will be published in the Singapore Trademarks Journal for 3rd party opposition (Note: 2 months opposition period).
Step 4. Registration Granted	The trade mark will be registered and a registration certificate will be issued. (Note: Approx. 3- 6 months after the opposition period or opposition not successful).
Step 5. Renewal	The registration of a trade mark is valid for 10 years from the date of application and is renewable every 10 years.