Intellectual Property Fee Changes in Singapore with effect from 1 April 2017

07 Feb 2017

We are pleased to report that the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (“IPOS”) has revised the official fees in relation to trade mark and patent filings and maintenance.

In general, there has been a reduction in the filing fees for the filing of trade marks and patents with 20 or fewer claims. Renewal fees for registered trade marks and patents, however, will be increased, while patents which are made available for licensing will enjoy a 50% reduction on the new renewal fees. This is part of IPOS’ efforts to support innovators in Singapore and to make IP protection more affordable, while at the same time discouraging IP hoarding.

In addition, the filing of forms for IP transactions to be recorded will no longer be required. Applicants may simply write in to IPOS to request for these IP transactions to be recorded. Official fees for these requests have also been removed, thereby simplifying the process.

IPOS will also be removing official fees for some transactions to be recorded, such as changing or removing an agent, recording a change of name and/or address and requests to surrender or cancel intellectual property rights.

The above changes, which will come into effect on 1 April 2017, reflect Singapore’s continued efforts to remain competitive by making it easier and cheaper to obtain IP protection. 

Please refer to a compiled list of changes in the Official Fees by clicking here. If you would like to refer to the Official Notification issued by IPOS, please click here.