Singapore is one of the leaders of innovation in Asia. Here is a quick guide about the filing procedures, routes and fees for Patent Filing in Singapore.
Patent Filing in Singapore – The Routes
Seeking a patent in Singapore? You may use the following options:
1. Direct Filing with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS)
- This route allows you to file a patent application with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS)
- But, if granted, the patent shall be valid in Singapore only.
2. International Filing via Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
- With this option, you can file a single international application simultaneously in many countries.
- PCT has 152 Contracting States and is administered by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
- However, the granting of a patent in Singapore remains under the control of the IPOS, i.e “national phase”.
3. International Filing via Paris Convention
- This option is similar to PCT. Hence, the Paris Convention allows simultaneous multi-country filing.
- Paris Convention has 177 Contracting States and is also administered by WIPO.
- However, the granting of a patent in Singapore remains under the control of the IPOS.
- The Paris convention offers a relatively faster route as compared to the PCT and it is more economical.
Filing Requirements (IPOS): Overview
The complete set of documents must include the following information:
- A formal request to grant a patent
- The applicant’s and inventor’s details. These include name, nationality, address and country of incorporation (for a company), priority date and number (if any);
- A description of the invention
- Any drawing(s) referred to in the description or any claim(s);
- Abstract.
- Claims. But, you don’t need to furnish them at the time of filing a patent application to obtain a date of filing. However, you must furnish them within 12 months to complete the application.
Note: Foreigners must perform the patent prosecution in Singapore through an agent, a Singaporean-registered patent attorney.
Filing Options (IPOS)
The IPOS allows Patent Filing in Singapore through their online e-filing system.
Patent Fees: Overview
| Type of Fees | Standard |
| Request for the Grant of a Patent | S$160 |
| Reference to Registrar on Determination of Entitlement to Patent Before or After Grant | S$450 |
| Request for Early Publication | S$50 |
| Payment of Fee for Grant of Patent | S$200 |
To know more, visit Forms and Fees for Patent Filing in Singapore.