Singapore Trademark Registration for Foreigners: Fees, Process & Timeline

Protect Your Brand in Singapore with Confidence

Looking to register a trademark in Singapore?
This guide covers everything you need to know — including official IPOS fees, registration process, timeline, and key requirements for foreign applicants.

Whether you are filing directly or through the Madrid Protocol, we help you avoid costly mistakes and secure your trademark efficiently.

Get a quote now: sin4ww@evershinecpa.com

I. Singapore Trademark FAQs for Foreign Applicants

1. How can I apply for a trademark in Singapore?
   There are two main ways to register a trademark in Singapore:
   • Direct Filing:
     You can file an application directly with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS).
   • Madrid System:
     You can also designate Singapore through an international application under the Madrid Protocol.
   • For foreign applicants:
     You must provide a local address for service in Singapore.
     In practice, this is usually handled by appointing a Singapore-based trademark agent, which helps ensure a smooth and compliant filing process.
2. What is the trademark registration process?
   The process includes examination, publication, and registration. Please refer to Section II below for full details.
   
3. What are the common reasons for refusal?
   Your trademark may be rejected for the following reasons:
   • It is identical or similar to an existing or well-known trademark
   • It is descriptive of the goods or services (e.g., quality, purpose, or characteristics)
   • It consists of generic or commonly used terms
   • It may mislead or confuse consumers
   • It is filed in bad faith
   • It conflicts with geographical indications (GIs) for wines or spirits
     (e.g., using a protected location name for products not originating there—even with terms like “type” or “style”)
   • It violates Article 6ter of the Paris Convention
     (e.g., use of national flags, emblems, official signs, or international organization symbols without authorization)
4. How does the opposition process work?
   • Any third party may file an opposition within 2 months from the publication date.
   • After receiving the opposition, the applicant must submit a counter-statement within 2 months.
     Extensions may be requested, up to a maximum of 4 months.
   • If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to:
     • Case management
     • Hearings before the Registrar
   • If either party disagrees with the decision, they may appeal to the High Court of Singapore.
5. How long does a trademark last and how do I renew it?
   • A registered trademark is valid for 10 years from the filing date.
   • It can be renewed within:
   • 6 months before expiry, or
   • A 6-month grace period after expiry
     > No proof of use is required for renewal in Singapore.

II. Singapore Trademark Registration Process

If you are a foreign applicant, the trademark registration process in Singapore generally involves the following steps:

1. Prepare the Required Documents
   Checklist:
   • Applicant identification (individual or company)
   • Applicant’s full name and address
   • A clear image of the trademark
   • A list of goods/services (based on the Nice Classification)
   • Power of Attorney (if appointing a trademark agent)
2. File the Application
   • The application can be filed directly with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), either by the applicant or through a registered Singapore trademark agent.
   • While appointing an agent is not legally required, most foreign applicants choose to work with a local professional to ensure a smooth and compliant process.
3. Formality Check & Substantive Examination
   • IPOS will review your application for:
     • Formal requirements
     • Legal compliance and registrability
   • If issues are found, IPOS will issue an Office Action (objection).
     You must respond within 4 months, or your application may be treated as withdrawn.
4. Publication Period
   • Once accepted, your trademark will be published in the Trade Marks Journal for 2 months.
   • During this period, any third party may file an opposition.
     (>>See Section I – No.4 for more details.)
5. Registration
   • If no opposition is filed (or if the opposition is unsuccessful), IPOS will proceed with registration and issue an electronic Certificate of Registration.
   • Important (Madrid System):
     For international registrations designating Singapore, IPOS does not issue a local certificate.
     Instead, a Statement of Protection is issued through WIPO.
6. Post-Registration Maintenance
   Trademarks are valid for 10 years. See Section I – No.5 for renewal details.

⏱️ Timeline
• If there are no objections or oppositions, the registration process typically takes around 9 to 12 months.
• If objections or oppositions arise, the timeline may be significantly longer.

Important Notes

• First-to-File System:
  Singapore follows a “first-to-file” principle, meaning trademark rights are generally granted to the first applicant to file.
• Use Requirement:
  While use is not required at filing, a trademark may be revoked if it is not genuinely used for 5 consecutive years.
• Partial Refusal System:
  Since 2022, Singapore allows partial refusals.
  This means:
  • Rejected goods/services may be removed
  • Remaining items can still proceed to registration
• Pre-filing Search Recommended:
  Conducting a trademark search in advance is strongly recommended to avoid conflicts with existing marks.

III. Singapore Trademark Official Fees

The official government fees for trademark registration in Singapore (in SGD) are as follows:

1. Application Fees
   For national trademark applications in Singapore, fees are charged per class:
   • SGD 280 per class
     If the goods/services specification is fully adopted from IPOS’ pre-approved classification database
   • SGD 410 per class
     If the specification is not fully adopted (i.e., customized descriptions are used)
     • Madrid Protocol (International Registration):
     For trademarks designating Singapore, IPOS charges an administrative handling fee of SGD 410.
2. Renewal Fees
   • On-time renewal: SGD 480 per class
   • Late renewal: SGD 700 per class
   • Restoration of registration: SGD 770 per class
3. Amendment Fees
   For amendments (e.g., changes to class, goods/services, limitations, or disclaimers):
   • SGD 50 per class (effective September 2025)
   • SGD 60 per class (effective April 2026)
4. Extension of Time Fees
   • First request: SGD 25
   • Second request: SGD 50
   • Third or subsequent requests: SGD 75
5. Accelerated Examination Fees (Not applicable)
   **Important Notice:
   IPOS is currently reviewing the acceleration program and has suspended all new acceleration requests from January 4, 2026, until further notice.

Contact Us

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