Protecting your brand is essential in today’s competitive market. Registering a trade mark with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) gives you exclusive rights to use your brand name or logo, deters infringement and adds value to your business. This guide walks you through the steps required to file a trade mark application, highlights important eligibility criteria and discusses costs and timelines. With a little preparation, you can secure your intellectual property and strengthen your brand’s market presence.
Raffles Corporate Services works with a panel of experienced Singapore law firms who offer cost-effective and efficient legal service and advice. This article is general information only and is not legal advice.
Understand the Criteria for Registration
Not every brand name or logo can be registered. IPOS requires that a trade mark be graphically represented and distinctive. Marks that describe the goods or services, lack uniqueness or are common in the trade may be rejected. The mark must not be identical or confusingly similar to an existing registered mark. Before filing, search the IPOS database to ensure your proposed mark is available and consider engaging a professional if you are unsure about its registrability.
Identify and Classify Your Goods and Services
Trade mark protection is granted in relation to specific classes of goods or services. Singapore follows the Nice Classification system. You must accurately describe your goods or services and select the appropriate classes. IPOS provides a pre‑approved list of descriptions; using these descriptions reduces the filing fee to S$280 per class, while custom descriptions cost S$380 per class. Choosing the correct class is crucial because misclassification may require re‑filing and additional costs.
Prepare and File Your Application
Trade mark applications are filed online through IPOS Go or the IPOS e‑services portal. You will need:
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Applicant’s details: name and address of the individual or company.
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Representation of the mark: high‑resolution image or text of the mark.
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List of goods/services: classified according to the Nice classes.
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Declaration of intent: statement that you intend to use the mark in relation to the specified goods or services.
After submission, IPOS conducts a formalities check and examination. If the mark satisfies the registrability criteria, it will be published in the Trade Marks Journal for opposition. Anyone may oppose the application within two months. If there is no opposition, or if opposition is unsuccessful, IPOS registers the mark and issues a certificate of registration.
Understand the Timeline and Costs
The standard time from application to registration is around 11 months if there are no objections or oppositions. However, IPOS introduced Trade Marks Fast in May 2025. Under this scheme, applicants who use pre‑approved descriptions can pay an additional S$200 per class, or S$250 for custom descriptions, to receive the first examination report within three to six weeks. Keep in mind that fees are non‑refundable even if the mark is rejected.
Once registered, the trade mark is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely. The renewal fee is S$440 per class. Failure to renew on time can result in late renewal fees or even removal of the mark from the register.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
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Choose a strong mark: Avoid generic or descriptive terms. Unique invented words or distinctive logos have higher chances of approval and offer stronger protection.
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Search thoroughly: Before filing, conduct a comprehensive search to ensure no identical or similar marks exist. This helps you avoid objections and costly disputes.
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Use the mark: Trade mark rights can be revoked for non‑use. Plan to use the mark in commerce within five years of registration.
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Monitor and enforce: Keep an eye on the market for infringing marks and take timely action to enforce your rights.
Real‑Life Example: Craft Brewery Case
Imagine a Singapore craft brewery planning to launch a new line of canned beers. They invent a distinctive name and design a unique logo. Using IPOS’s classification database, they list their products under the appropriate class for alcoholic beverages and file their application using pre‑approved descriptions, paying S$280 per class. To secure faster examination, they opt for the Trade Marks Fast service and pay an extra S$200. Within four weeks, they receive the examination report, and after publication, no opposition is filed. Eleven months later, their mark is registered. A decade later, they renew the mark for S$440 per class, ensuring continued protection.
Conclusion
Registering your trade mark with IPOS is an investment in your brand’s future. By ensuring your mark is distinctive, correctly classifying your goods and services and understanding the costs and timelines involved, you can secure exclusive rights and avoid expensive disputes. For entrepreneurs launching a new product or service in Singapore, filing a trade mark should be part of the business plan.
If you need assistance conducting a trade mark search or preparing your application, the team at Raffles Corporate Services are here to help. Email us at [email protected] for personalised support.
Yours sincerely,
The editorial team at Raffles Corporate Services