Normally, the process of brand registration in Singapore is by registering a brand as a trademark in order to protect your intellectual property, thereby giving you exclusive rights to the usage of your brand. Here’s how to follow through on the step-by-step guide on how to register a brand in Singapore:
1. Check if Your Brand Can Be Registered as a Trademark
- A brand can be registered as a trademark at the Trademark Office, provided that it consists of certain elements, such as a logo, name, phrase, symbol, or any combination of those features.
- The trademark has to be distinctive and may not describe the goods or services.
- Check that your brand is not in conflict with any existing trademarks; do a search.
2. Conduct a Trademark Search
- It is advisable to conduct a search using the IPOS e-Trademark Search tool before filing the application, whether your brand-or a similar brand-already exists in the registry.
- This saves you from probable rejection because of conflict with an existing trademark.
3. Prepare the Trademark Application
- The following information is needed in the trademark application:
- Applicant’s details: Name, address, and contact information.
- Representation of the mark: This is the brand’s logo, name, or design that you are registering.
- In the description of goods/services, one has to classify his brand under the
- Nice Classification system since it’s a categorization of goods and services. Make sure the trademark is not vague and its usage is the same when represented on any product or service.
4. Submit Your Application via IPOS
- The application should be submitted online via the IP2SG portal from the IPOS website.
- The minimum filing fee for a single class is SGD 240 for e-filing.
- Ensure that you complete the form with due care and that the supporting documentation pertaining to the application are provided to you, since incomplete information can give rise to delay.
5. Search and Examination of the Application
- IPOS will carry out the formal examination after the application date on:
- Formality check: Whether all necessary documents and information have been submitted.
- Substantive examination: The fact that the brand is distinctive and not in conflict with any existing trademarks will be checked.
- Issues If there are issues, IPOS will send an Office Action requesting further clarification or changes to the application.
6. Trademarks Journal Publication
- After passing the examination, the trademark will be published for a period of 2 months within the Trademarks Journal.
- Any third party will have this period to object to the registration of your brand as a trademark.
7. Trademark Registration
- If there are no objections or if objections filed have been decided in your favor, then the trademark would be registered.
- You will receive a Certificate of Registration and your brand would be protected for 10 years from the date of filing.
- A trademark can be renewed every 10 years to continue exclusive rights in it.
Key Aspects to Consider:
- In the absence of any objection or complications arising, the entire process of registration is done within a period of 6 to 9 months.
- The Exclusive right to use the brand in connection with the goods or services as specified in Singapore is granted to the owner of a registered trademark.
- Renewal is required after the 10-year validity period to retain legal protection.
Your brand can be registered and protected as a trademark in Singapore with these steps.