Details of the process and procedures for trademark registration in Singapore (Trademark Singapore)

Registering a trademark is an important step to help businesses protect their brand assets and create a competitive advantage in the market. In Singapore, the trademark registration process is carried out through the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), which stipulates specific procedures and requirements to ensure legal rights for businesses. In this article, GLA will share details about the process, procedures and necessary steps to register a trademark in Singapore, helping your business more easily build and protect its brand in one of Asia's leading financial centers.

1. What is a trademark?

A trademark is a set of symbols/logos, product/service names, etc. that a business uses to distinguish its products/services from similar products/services provided by other businesses.

The main and most basic function of a trademark is to increase brand recognition with consumers, consumers will remember and distinguish the product/service they are using from other similar products on the market.

Trademark registration is used for the protection of both goods and services.

Common symbols commonly seen in the trademark registration process are: ® and ™. However, there is a difference in the usage of these two symbols.

• ® is a symbol that shows that the trademark has been registered and is protected by law.
• ™ is to show that the trademark is in the process of being registered for protection.

2. Why should you register a trademark in Singapore?

Although businesses are not required to register a trademark in order to use it, registering a trademark in Singapore will bring many practical benefits to businesses as follows:

• Trademark owners have the right to sue and receive compensation from businesses that copy their trademarks.
• Prevent unfair competition: Other businesses cannot register similar trademarks, helping businesses protect market share.
• Increase brand recognition: The ® symbol helps customers easily distinguish your product from others on the market.
• Increase consumer recognition of the business's brand and trademark: Through trademark registration, consumers will be aware that this product has only one distributor, thereby, the business will limit the risk of counterfeit goods.
• Create opportunities for businesses to develop into world markets.

In fact, after joining the ASEAN economic community, there have been many unfortunate cases of famous Vietnamese brands such as Ben Tre coconut candy, Phu Quoc fish sauce, etc. Their trademarks were stolen by foreign businesses and they quickly registered trademarks in many other countries to conduct business. This has led to the situation where many products/services of Vietnamese businesses are "famous but have no market share" in the export market.

Therefore, for Vietnamese businesses intending to Singapore company registration If you want to bring your products to the Singapore market, you should consider registering a trademark for your products/services to avoid future risks.

3. Process and procedures for trademark registration in Singapore

The process of registering a trademark in Singapore (trademark Singapore) will be approved by the trademark registration office in Singapore (IPOS). 

• Protection period: 10 years
• Estimated time: Within 12 months (for simple applications, without errors or objections on merits)

4. How does GLA support businesses in registering trademark protection in Singapore?

GLA is one of the units supporting Vietnamese enterprises in the process of registering trademark protection in Singapore. With experience and deep understanding of the legal process in Singapore, GLA provides comprehensive services, helping you save time and ensure your intellectual property rights.

• Advise you on legal regulations related to trademark registration in Singapore, helping you understand the requirements and necessary procedures.
• Conduct a trademark search to ensure that the trademark you want to register is unique and does not infringe upon the rights of any third party.
• Support businesses in drafting complete and accurate documents required to submit trademark applications.
• Represent you to file a trademark application at the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS).
• Closely monitor the application review process and keep you informed of any developments.
• Dispute Resolution: In the event of a dispute arising regarding a trademark, GLA will assist you in resolving it.

5. Frequently asked questions about trademark registration in Singapore 

Highlights

• The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) is the competent authority for handling trademark registration procedures in Singapore.
• A trademark must be unique, easily recognizable and not infringe upon the rights of third parties.
• It usually takes about 12 months to complete the trademark registration process in Singapore.
• Trademark is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely, each time for an additional 10 years.
• The process of registering a trademark in Singapore includes the steps of checking the possibility of registration, filing, examination, publication and granting of certification.