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We wrote this guide with one goal: to help you protect your brand in Singapore — the right way.

This isn’t just another trademark FAQ.

Yes, we cover the most common trademark questions for businesses and brand owners.

But we’ve also used trusted insights from IPOS ( the official authority on trademarks in Singapore ) and our trademark expert experience to give you answers that are accurate, practical, and up-to-date.

Keep reading to get expert-backed answers to the top 11 questions about trademark registration in Singapore (and 3 bonus questions you may not have thought about).

How do I check the status of my trademark application in Singapore?

Want to check how your trade mark application is going?

The good news. It’s quick and easy.

All you need is your application number and access to the IPOS Digital Hub.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Head over to IPOS Digital Hub
2. Enter your application number in the search
3. See if  your trade mark status appears

No waiting on hold. No emails back and forth. Just instant answers.

Pro tip from our expert: Bookmark the site so you can check back anytime—especially during peak processing periods.

You can also manage your trademark online—whether it’s to:

• Update your details
• Transfer ownership
• Renew your registration
• Or cancel it entirely

Just visit: Managing Trade Marks at IPOS

No legal jargon. No paperwork mess. Just clear, self-serve tools built for busy business owners like you.

How to renew a registered trademark in Singapore?

Your trademark is valid for 10 years—but what happens when it’s about to expire?

You can renew it for another 10 years, and you don’t have to wait until the last minute.

In fact, you can do it up to 6 months before the expiry date.

Here’s how:

1. Go to IPOS Digital Hub
2. Log in with your SingPass (If this is your first time using the system, you’ll need to create a new account
3. Once logged in, click ‘Forms’
4. Find and click Form TM 19
5. In Part 1.2, enter your trade mark number
6. Make the $440 payment by credit card or Internet banking

Pro tip from our experts: Set a calendar reminder 6 months before your trademark expires, so you never miss your renewal window.

How can I find specific patent information registered in Singapore?

If you need to find specific patent information registered in Singapore, you can do it yourself, online, and completely free—in just a few clicks.

1. Go to IPOS Digital Hub
2. Click Search
3. Choose Basic Search
4. Under Search Criteria, enter the patent number
5. Select Patent Application No
6. Hit Search

You’ll see results appear at the bottom of the page. Click the red patent number to view full details. It’s that easy.

How to apply for a trademark in Singapore?

If you want to protect your branding in Singapore, you can start by registering your trademark. It’s the best way to legally secure your logo, brand name, or packaging design from copycats.

What counts as a trademark?

A trademark can be almost any sign that helps people identify your goods or services.
That includes:

• Words or names
• Logos or symbols
• Shapes, colors, or packaging
• Or a combo of these

The key? Your mark must be distinctive and not too similar to existing ones.

How to apply (Step-by-step)

• Go to IPOS Digital Hub
• Log in with your Singpass or Corppass
• Create an account if it’s your first time
• File Form TM 4
• Pay the required fee (based on the number of classes you’re applying for)

To save time and money by checking if a similar trade mark already exists:

1. Go to IPOS Digital Hub
2. Click Search > TM Similar Mark Search
3. For a deeper look at goods/services classes, try TM Goods/Services Search

Can foreigners/foreign companies register a trademark in Singapore?

Foreign individuals and companies can apply for trademark registration in Singapore directly with IPOS, but there are a few requirements.

Foreigners need:

• A Singpass (for individuals) or a Corppass (for businesses)
• A Singapore address for service (required for all filings)

With those in place, you can register your trademark online just like a local business.

A solution if you do not have a SingPass or, Corppass is to incorporate a company in Singapore and get a registered address. ACE can help you with our one-stop trádemark package.

This is a common route for foreign applicants who don’t have a Singapore presence yet.

How to apply:

1. Go to IPOS Digital Hub
2. Log in using Singpass or Corppass
3. Create an account (if it’s your first time)
4. File Form TM4
5. Pay the required fee online

How long does the trademark registration process take?

Wondering how soon you’ll get that ® symbol next to your brand?

If your trade mark application is smooth sailing—with no objections or oppositions—you can expect it to be registered in about 6 to 9 months.

What happens during that time?

1. Formalities Check – IPOS checks that your application is complete
2. Substantive Examination – They review if your mark meets legal requirements
3. Publication – Your mark is published for 2 months for public opposition
4. Registration – If no one objects, you get the green light 

You’ll then receive a certificate of registration—your mark is officially protected in Singapore for the next 10 years.

Pro tip for our experts: 

• Want to speed things up? Make sure your mark is distinctive and your application is error-free before submission.
• Need help reviewing your trademark? An IP agent or consultant can help reduce delays.

Our trademark experts at ACE can help you with our unique KYC checklist to increase your success for a trademark application.

Do I need a lawyer to handle trademark disputes or objections in Singapore?

Short answer? No, a lawyer isn’t mandatory. However, having one could make a big difference.

If you’re facing a trade mark objection, opposition, or legal dispute, IPOS allows you to represent yourself. But here’s the catch:

Trade mark disputes aren’t just about showing up and stating your case. They’re formal legal proceedings—and things can get complicated fast.

What’s involved in a trade mark dispute?

1. Strict procedural rules – You’ll need to follow legal timelines and submission formats
2. Formal pleadings – You’ll be expected to prepare written statements, legal arguments, and responses
3. Evidence requirements – You must submit acceptable and relevant documentation
4. Hearings & appeals – You may need to present your case in front of a Registrar or panel

Unless you’re confident navigating legal frameworks, it’s easy to miss a step that weakens your case.

Should you hire a lawyer or IP agent?

IPOS strongly recommends it—especially for serious matters like:

• Opposition proceedings (someone challenges your mark before registration)
• Invalidation applications (someone tries to cancel your registered mark)
• Infringement disputes (someone accuses you—or you accuse them—of copying a registered mark)

Support options available are IP Legal Clinic (Free), and GoBusiness IP Grow e-Adviser. Or, you can always count on our trademark experts at ACE for support.

Can I file a trademark that covers multiple classes?

If your business sells or offers products/services across different categories, multi-class filing is the smart move.

Instead of filing multiple separate trade mark applications, Singapore allows you to bundle multiple NICE classes (the international classification system for goods and services) into one application.

Please note that IPOS charges per class, not per application. While it’s still an investment, it’s more streamlined than submitting multiple single-class filings.

What should I do if someone is using a similar trademark?

Someone’s using a brand that looks or sounds a lot like yours?

Before jumping into legal action, take a breath and assess the situation carefully.

You should ask yourself:

• Is your trade mark registered in Singapore?
• Are they using a similar mark for similar goods or services?
• Could it confuse customers or harm your brand reputation?

If the answer is yes to most of the above, it’s time to act. You can start collecting

• Screenshots or photos of the infringing use
• Dates and platforms where it appeared (e.g., website, social media, packaging)
• Copies of your registration certificate and proof of use

This will help you build a strong case—whether you choose negotiation or legal action. 

In this case, you can consider 3 options below

1. Option A: Negotiate first, you may send a cease and desist letter through a lawyer and the two parties reach a simple resolution.
2. Option B: Use IPOS mediation services. IPOS offers neutral dispute resolution—faster and more cost-effective than court. Especially useful if both parties want to avoid bad PR or legal costs.
3. Option C: Take legal action. If the misuse is serious or ongoing, you may consider an infringement lawsuit.

Can I make changes to my trademark after filing?

Yes, but only small changes are allowed.

If you’ve already filed a trademark application, you can still tweak some details. But when it comes to changing the actual logo, design, or word mark, you’ll need to submit a new application.

• Minor edits? Go ahead and update via the Digital Hub.
• Major redesign or rebrand? You’ll need to file a new Form TM4 with the updated mark.

You’re allowed to amend:

1. Ownership details (e.g., name of company or legal entity)
2. Address for service (your local contact address in Singapore)
3. Clerical or representation errors (like typos or small admin mistakes)

You cannot make changes to:

• The essential features of your trade mark (e.g., logo design, brand name, color scheme)
• The class of goods/services applied for, after submission

If the change affects how your mark is recognized by the public or competitors, IPOS will treat it as a new trade mark altogether.

Is my Singapore trademark protected overseas?

Trade mark protection is territorial, which means your Singapore registration only applies within. So if you’re planning to expand overseas—or already selling in other markets—you’ll need to secure protection in those countries too.

You can either file directly in each country or use the Madrid Protocol (via IPOS).

Can I license or sell my trademark rights?

Yes, you absolutely can. Think of your trade mark like property — you can license it, sell it, or assign it to someone else.

Option 1: License your trade mark

• Licensing means you still own the mark, but you allow someone else to use it under specific conditions — like in:
• Franchise models
• White-label products
• Territory-based agreements

It’s a powerful way to generate passive revenue or expand your brand reach without direct involvement.

Option 2: Sell (assign) your trade mark

If you’re exiting a business, merging, or selling off a brand, you can transfer full ownership of the trademark.

This is called an assignment, and once completed, the new owner has full control.

What is a priority claim?

If you’ve already filed a patent overseas and want to protect the same invention in Singapore, a priority claim could give you a serious edge.

What is a priority claim?

A priority claim lets you use the filing date of your first patent application—filed in a Paris Convention or WTO member country—as the official filing date for your Singapore application.

This matters because:

• The earlier filing date applies in Singapore
• It protects your invention from competitors who might file a similar patent in the meantime

How it works (Example)

You file a patent in Germany on March 1, 2025.  You file the same invention in Singapore by March 1, 2026 (within 12 months). You claim priority — and your Singapore application is treated as if it were filed on March 1, 2025.

That gives you a stronger legal position against competing applications that may be filed in the meantime.

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