Trademark Registration for Businesses in Singapore

In Singapore’s highly competitive business world, establishing a strong brand identity is crucial for success. But beyond consistent branding efforts and developing a strong market presence, have you considered the legal framework that safeguards your brand’s uniqueness?

A registered trademark can provide that essential protection.

What is a Trademark?

A trademark is any recognisable sign, design, sound, or expression that distinguishes your products or services from others in the marketplace. It can take various forms, such as a logo, brand name, slogan, or a specific symbol. Registering a trademark in Singapore grants you exclusive rights to use that mark in connection with your goods or services, preventing others from using a similar mark that could cause confusion.

Thus, a registered trademark is necessary to solidify your brand’s identity and foster consumer trust. It’s the foundation of protecting your brand’s unique identity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Trademark in Singapore

1. Create your trademark

The first step is to design your brand’s unique representation or identifier, including a distinctive trademark name. Think of it as the face of your business. When creating your trademark design, ensure it can be graphically represented and is clear enough to distinguish your goods or services from others.

For trademarks involving complex shapes or three-dimensional forms, include various angles and details highlighting the design’s depth and contours. On the other hand, if colour is a vital part of your trademark, include a coloured representation to ensure it’s registered precisely as intended.

2. Identify the relevant type of goods or services you’re registering for

Once you’ve designed your trademark, the next step is identifying which goods or services you want to register it for. You must clearly state the exact class number and provide the detailed specifications as defined by the Nice Classification (NCL) for your trademark registration.

You can access specific Nice Classification details at the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s (WIPO) IP Portal.

3. Conduct trademark research

Before submitting your application, ensure no similar or identical trademarks exist, as the registration fee is non-refundable. You can conduct this search through the IPOS Digital Hub to ensure that there are no conflicts, especially within your industry.

While similar or identical trademarks in different industries may be permissible, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) will make the final decision.

4. Filing and submitting the application

You can submit your trademark application to IPOS either online through the IP²SG platform or by using paper documents. Importantly, you will need to provide the following details in the Form TM4 to secure a filing date:

Name and address of the applicant
Your company information
Clear and detailed graphical representation of your trademark
Classification and specification of goods/services it covers
Declaration of use or intent of your trademark

Review your application thoroughly prior to submitting it to minimise mistakes and prevent additional charges for corrections.

5. Pay the trademark registration fees

Having covered the application process, you may now be wondering how much does it cost to register a trademark in Singapore.

For online filing, the trademark registration fees are:

S$280 per class if you select items directly from IPOS’ pre-approved Classification Database, which helps simplify the process and minimises the risk of objections.
S$380 per class if you provide your own descriptions, which may require additional review and extended processing time.

More details on trademark registration fees can be found on the IPOS website.

6. Receive your trademark number and get your application approved

Upon filing your trademark application and payment, IPOS assigns a unique number for tracking and establishes the filing date, which is critical for priority. The trademark is examined for compliance with legal standards, checking for deceptiveness, descriptiveness, public interests, and adherence to the Nice Classification.

If issues arise, IPOS provides a timeframe to resolve them, with extensions available if needed.

7. Monitor the publication and review period

Following approval by the Registrar, your trademark application will be listed in the Trade Marks Journal. This begins a two-month period where third parties can file an opposition to your trademark registration.

As the applicant, you must respond to any opposition. Note that the opposition period can be extended by an additional two months.

8. Obtain Your trademark certificate

Upon completing the process, IPOS will register your trademark and issue an official certificate. This certificate is proof of your exclusive rights and confirms your trademark’s protection for 10 years from the initial filing date.

To continue this protection, remember to renew your registration before expiry. Renewal fees are S$440 per class, while late renewal costs S$645 per class, and restoration costs S$705 per class.

Make Your Mark: Register Your Trademark in Singapore

In Singapore’s thriving business scene, your brand is everything. Registering your trademark isn’t just about protecting your unique identity; it’s also about standing out from the crowd and building a lasting legacy.

Need help navigating the process? Partner with a corporate service provider that understands the ins and outs of trademark registration. At Singapore Corporate Services (SCS), we’ll guide you every step of the way, ensuring your trademark application is handled smoothly and compliantly.

And if you’re just starting your business journey, we offer company incorporation services, too. From your company’s establishment to a fully protected brand identity, we’re here to help you succeed.