Singapore Trademark

When Establishing A Business In Singapore, Trademark Registration Is Among The Priorities

Ensuring intellectual property assets is a primary concern when setting up a business in Singapore.

In the Lion City, the process of establishing a business starts with a company name that should be duly approved by the Accounting And Corporate Regulatory Authority, otherwise known as ACRA. Incorporation, being the most stable and efficient type of business structure, is touted as the most preferred set up among aspiring business people. This is especially true for those setting up shop in the medium to large sized category of business.

It is also useful to note that in Singapore, the word “company” is equivalent to a “corporation” in the US and other European countries.

Back To Singapore Trademark: Important Things To Know

The main function of a trademark is to distinguish one’s goods or services from those offered by your competitors. A registered trademark grants the owner of said mark a lawful monopoly.

What lawful monopoly means is that if someone other than the registered owner uses the same or even a confusingly similar mark in the same segment of goods of services in which said mark is registered, the said owner can seek redress from the a duly mandated agency of government by suing for infringement.

For a mark to be registered, it has to be represented graphically. Such a graphic representation can be in the form of a letter, word, name, numeral, device, heading, shape, color, signature, an aspect of packing or any combination of any of the aforementioned.

In Singapore, Trademark Registration Is Made Easy By Certified Registration Agencies

The registration process for trademarks may take anywhere between 6 – 8 months and can extend when there are oppositions encountered.

While many transactions between the applicant and the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) may be done online, it is still time-consuming and may interfere with the time to manage and spearhead the other important procedures involved in setting up a business.

Since the Registry of Trade Marks does not provide legal advice, is it common among Singapore trademark applicants to course their applications through these registered entities who are also IP experts.