Essential Guide to Trademarks in Singapore

Protecting Your Brand with Brealant's Expertise

Hand filling in a trademark application form
  • Checkmark icon

    Legal Definition of a Trademark in Singapore

    A trademark registration in Singapore is a legally recognised sign — word, logo, or other distinctive element — that identifies your goods or services under the Trade Marks Act 1998.

  • Checkmark icon

    Purpose and Function of Trademarks in Singapore

    Registering a trademark with IPOS gives your business exclusive rights to use, license, or sell the mark for the goods and services it covers, protecting your brand's identity and reputation.

  • Checkmark icon

    Protecting Your Trademark

    A registered trademark covers distinctive elements like words, logos, sounds, and colours. Partnering with experts in trademark IP in Singapore helps maintain your brand integrity and prevent imitation.

A Hassle-Free Registration Journey with Brealant

  1. Contact Brealant step icon

    Contact

    Reach out to Brealant, your trusted trademark agent in Singapore, to discuss your trademark needs.

  2. Trademark search step icon

    Search

    Request a FREE trademark search in Singapore to ensure your brand's uniqueness.

  3. Get a quote step icon

    Quote

    Receive a service quote tailored to your filing requirements.

  4. Payment step icon

    Pay

    Proceed with secure payment for the selected services.

  5. File application step icon

    File

    Brealant submits your trademark application to IPOS.

  6. Waiting period step icon

    Wait

    Await IPOS's response; response times vary. Check our country page for time estimates, or contact us for case-specific guidance.

  7. Office action response step icon

    Response

    Receive IPOS's decision, which may include your official registration certificate.

Hand signing a trademark document with TM symbol icon

Clear, Simple Steps to Secure Your Trademark

In Singapore, a trademark is a legally recognised sign, symbol, word, or combination that distinguishes a company's goods or services from others. Governed by the Trade Marks Act 1998, a registered trademark grants you exclusive rights to prevent others from using similar identifiers that may cause consumer confusion.

Safeguarding Your Trademark in Singapore — With Brealant by Your Side

Trademark registration in Singapore provides significant advantages for your business in securing your brand identity. Once registered, you have exclusive rights concerning specific goods or services across the country. This legal protection prevents competitors from using or imitating the trademark, helping build consumer trust and recognition.

Limitations

What Cannot Be Trademarked in

Certain elements cannot be trademarked under Singapore law, including

  • Generic Terms

    Common words or phrases that describe the product (e.g., 'bread' for a bakery).

  • Descriptive Words

    Words that simply describe characteristics, quality, or geographical origin of goods (e.g., 'fresh' or 'Singapore').

  • Offensive or Scandalous Material

    Marks that contain offensive language or imagery, or that are contrary to public policy.

  • Misleading Terms

    Words that could mislead consumers about the nature or quality of the goods or services.

  • Shapes Dictated by Function

    Shapes resulting from the nature of the goods themselves, or necessary to achieve a technical result.

IPOS evaluates every application on absolute grounds to ensure these non-registrable elements are not part of the proposed trademark.

What a Trademark Protects

A registered trademark in Singapore protects various elements that identify and differentiate a brand. The protection extends to

  • Words

    Unique brand names, slogans, and taglines.

  • Logos

    Distinctive graphical elements representing the brand.

  • Colours

    Unique colour combinations closely associated with the brand.

  • Slogans or Non-Traditional Marks

    Distinct sounds and, in appropriate cases, other non-traditional marks uniquely related to the brand.

By partnering with IP experts in Singapore, you can ensure your brand is safeguarded from infringement and prevent customer confusion or loss of trust due to imitation.

Timeline for Trademark Registration in Singapore

Professional reviewing patent documentsCertified registration document icon with pen

The registration process for a trademark in Singapore typically involves

  1. Step 1

    Application Submission

    Once the application is filed with IPOS, it is examined on formal and absolute grounds, generally within a few months.

  2. Step 2

    Examination

    If IPOS raises issues, it issues an examination report, giving the applicant a window to respond and address the concerns.

  3. Step 3

    Acceptance and Publication

    If accepted, the trademark is published for a two-month opposition period, extendable on request.

  4. Step 4

    Registration

    If no opposition arises, the trademark is officially registered, with the certificate issued shortly after the opposition period concludes.

On average, an undisputed application can proceed from filing to registration in around 6 to 9 months, though this varies with any objections or opposition.

Understanding Trademark Costs in Singapore — Simplified with Brealant

The cost of trademark registration in Singapore varies depending on the number of classes (categories of goods or services) the trademark covers

  • Pricing dollar icon

    Official Filing Fees

    IPOS charges an official fee per class, typically in the range of a few hundred SGD, when filed online.

  • Legal scales of justice icon

    Professional fees

    When using the services of a trademark agent in Singapore, there may be additional fees for their assistance in the search, application, and examination stages.

These costs represent a valuable investment in securing a brand's exclusive rights and protecting it against infringement.

Brealant support specialist providing continued trademark support

Continued Trademark Protection in Singapore — Supported by Brealant

Once registered, a trademark can be actively monitored and enforced to ensure others are not using similar marks that may confuse customers. Businesses often partner with IP professionals to monitor potential infringements, maintain renewal timelines, and manage licensing agreements, strengthening their market position in Singapore.

Customer support specialist with headset working at a desk

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a trademark mean in Singapore?

Expand answerCollapse answer

In Singapore, a trademark is a legally recognised sign, symbol, word, or phrase that identifies and differentiates a company's goods or services from others, protected under the Trade Marks Act 1998.

What is the difference between copyright and trademark in Singapore?

Expand answerCollapse answer

Copyright protects original works like art and music, while a trademark protects brand identifiers like logos and names that distinguish products or services in the market.

How long is a trademark valid in Singapore?

Expand answerCollapse answer

A registered trademark in Singapore is valid for 10 years, with the option to renew indefinitely in further 10-year terms.

How much does it cost to renew a trademark in Singapore?

Expand answerCollapse answer

The renewal fee for a trademark in Singapore is typically a few hundred SGD per class if renewed online — we quote the exact current fee before you commit.

What can't be trademarked in Singapore?

Expand answerCollapse answer

Singapore trademark law dictates that generic, purely descriptive, offensive, or misleading terms, and shapes dictated by function, generally cannot be trademarked.

Who is eligible to apply for a trademark in Singapore?

Expand answerCollapse answer

Any individual, company, or organisation can apply, whether or not they are based in Singapore or already trading there — there's no local use requirement before filing.

Can I file a single application to cover multiple Nice classes?

Expand answerCollapse answer

Yes, IPOS allows multi-class applications, and Brealant will advise which classes genuinely need coverage so you're not paying for classes you don't use.

What happens if my application is refused by IPOS?

Expand answerCollapse answer

You can respond to the examiner's objections, request a hearing, or in some cases appeal to the courts — Brealant handles this process and will advise on the merits of pursuing it.

Can I file in Singapore through the Madrid System instead of directly?

Expand answerCollapse answer

Yes, Singapore is a Madrid Protocol member, so you can designate it through an international application, though a direct national filing is often quicker for a Singapore-first business.

What documents do I need to file a Singapore trademark application?

Expand answerCollapse answer

You'll need a clear representation of the mark, a list of goods or services, and applicant details — no proof of use or local address is required at filing.

Start Your IP Registration

Blogs and Resources

Discover more insights and stay informed about the latest in intellectual property with Brealant's blog. From expert advice on trademark registration and patent protection to strategies for safeguarding your brand in a competitive market, our resources are here to empower your business. .

Explore our blog to learn how effective IP management can strengthen your brand's position and protect your innovations

WhatsAppSend hi on whatsappCalendar iconBook a free IP consultation