Patent registration in Singapore

Patent contributed the huge value for growth of Singapore, which is currently ranks first in the world in the intellectual property index in the field of patents. According to the International Intellectual Property Index 2022 report by the Center for Global Innovation Policy of the American Chamber of Commerce, Singapore topped the list of 55 countries and territories with a score of 97.22 (on a 100-point scale). 2022: IPOS received 10,057 patent applications, an increase of 10.2% compared to 2021 mainly in leading technology fields such as computing, biomedical, telecommunications. In the context of an increasingly developing world, patents in Singapore will be a promising picture with technological breakthroughs and innovations across many fields. The patents will focus on developing personalized treatments and medicines based on each patient’s genetic information and biological characteristics. In the field of regenerative biotechnology, patents in this area will focus on developing artificial tissues and organs to replace damaged or diseased parts. Advanced battery and energy storage system patents will help optimize the use of renewable energy and ensure a stable power supply. In addition, AI will continue to be an area of focus, with patents focused on developing AI applications in multiple sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, and transportation. However, many businesses when expanding their business scope here do not know about patent registration procedures. Viet An Law would like to guide customers through the preliminary procedures for patent registration in Singapore through the article below.

Legal basis

• The Patent Law of 1994 (Amendments of 2020, amended in addition to the Law (Other Amendments) of 2022)

Patent concept in Singapore

A patent is a right granted to an patent. It can take the form of a new product, new process, or technical improvement to existing technology.

Benefits of patent registration

When an applicant registers a patent for his patent, the applicant holds the exclusive right to use that patent. This means that no one else can take advantage of that patent, unless the permission of the applicant is obtained. When an applicant’s patent portfolio is properly managed, it can offer a variety of economic opportunities – whether as a means to develop new and advanced technologies, mobilize investment, or create value from third parties through sale or licensing.”

Types of patents that can be registered in Singapore

Patent patents

It is the most common type of patent and protection for new products, processes, or technical improvements to existing technology. To be patented, the patent must be new, have an innovative step (not obvious to someone with expertise in the field) and be capable of industrial application.

Sub-patents

This type of patent is granted for an improvement or modification of an existing patented patent. It is usually valid for the remainder of the primary patent.

Conditions for patent registration in Singapore

To apply for a patent in Singapore, the applicant’s patent must meet the following conditions:

• Novelty: The applicant’s patent must be new, which means that it has never been publicly disclosed anywhere in the world prior to the date of filing of the applicant’s patent application. This includes any form of disclosure, such as publications, presentations, or even patent offerings.
• Creative step: The applicant’s patent must not be obvious to someone with expertise in the field. This means that it must include an innovative step that is not just an ordinary improvement or a simple combination of existing technologies.
• Industrial applicability: The applicant’s patent must be capable of being created or used in any type of industry. This means that it must have a practical application and cannot be just theoretical or abstract.

Patent lookup in Singapore

IPOS Digital Hub

IPOS Digital Hub is the official online platform for searching patents and other intellectual property rights in Singapore, offering both basic and advanced search options.

• Basic search: Allows the applicant to search by a single criteria, such as patent number, applicant name, or keyword.
• Advanced Search: Provides more flexibility, allowing applicants to combine multiple search criteria and filter results by date, technology classification, and other parameters.

You can access IPOS Digital Hub here: https://digitalhub.ipos.gov.sg/

Espacenet

Espacenet is a free online service provided by the European Patent Office (EPO) that allows applicants to search for patents and patent applications from around the world, including Singapore. It offers a comprehensive database and various search options, including search by keyword, search by classification, and search by applicant/inventor.

Customers can access Espacenet here: https://worldwide.espacenet.com/

Google Patents

Google Patents is another free online patent search tool that provides access to an extensive database of patents from many countries, including Singapore. It provides a simple search interface and allows claimants to search by keyword, patent number, inventor or assignee.

You can access Google Patents here: https://patents.google.com/

Patent Representation

If the applicant needs assistance with a complex patent search or requires in-depth advice, the applicant may contact a registered patent representative in Singapore. They have expertise in patent search and can help an applicant identify relevant patents and assess their impact on the applicant’s patent.

A list of registered patent representatives in Singapore can be found on the IPOS website: https://www.ipos.gov.sg/about-ip/patents/patent-agents

Patent application in Singapore

To apply for a patent in Singapore, an applicant needs to submit a complete application to the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) including the following documents:

Patent application: The IPOS application form grants a patent to the applicant’s patent, including information such as the name of the patent, the name and address of the applicant(s) and inventor(s), and the type of application (e.g. national stage,  division application).

Description: A detailed explanation of the applicant’s patent, including the technical field, the actual application of the patent, the problem to be solved, a detailed description of the solution, and examples of how to implement the patent.

Drawings (if applicable): Provide technical drawings, diagrams or diagrams that illustrate the applicant’s patent and support the description.

Abstract: A brief summary of the patent.

Additional documents (if any):

• Priority Documentation: If the applicant claims priority rights from a previous patent application filed in another country, the applicant needs to submit a certified copy of that application.
• Statement of inventor: A statement signed by the inventor(s) confirming that they are the real and first inventor of the claimed patent.
• Written assignment: If the applicant is not the inventor, a written assignment transferring rights from the inventor to the applicant should be provided.
• Power of attorney: If the applicant is using a patent representative to represent him/herself, a power of attorney authorizing the representation is required on the applicant’s behalf.

Fee to register a patent in Singapore

Patent registration in Singapore through PCT system

What is a PCT system?

The PCT system stands for Patent Cooperation Treaty – an international treaty that aims to create a uniform process for filing international patent applications. The system is administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and has more than 150 countries involved, including Singapore. Singapore acceded to the treaty on 23 February 1995

Benefits of PCT system:

• Time and cost savings: The PCT system allows applicants to file a single patent application for patent protection in multiple Treaty countries, instead of having to file a separate application in each country. This saves time, costs and administrative procedures.
• Postponement of national filing deadline: When filing a PCT application, the applicant has an additional 30 months to decide which country the applicant wants to protect the patent. This is valuable time for the applicant to assess the commercial potential of the patent and prepare for the national filing.
• Simplified Process: The PCT system uses a common set of rules and procedures for all participating countries, which simplifies the filing process and saves time for both the applicant and the national patent office.
• Early Search Information: The International Patent Search Office and Written Opinion will provide the applicant with information about the novelty and patentability of the patent, helping the applicant make an informed decision about the national filing.
• Strengthening international cooperation: The PCT system encourages international cooperation in the field of patents by creating a common platform for the exchange of information and sharing of experiences between countries.
• Innovation support: PCT systems help promote innovation by reducing the procedural burden on inventors and making it easier for them to protect their patents worldwide.

Patent application through PCT system

To file a patent application through the PCT system, you need to prepare a dossier that includes the following documents:

• PCT Application: Applications can be submitted in Vietnamese or English, however, it is recommended to be submitted in English to facilitate the processing process. You can download the PCT form from the WIPO website: https://www.wipo.int/pct/en/forms/
• Description of patent: The description of the patent should present details and clarity about the patent, including:
  • Patent Name Technical field
  • Patent summary
  • Detailed explanation of the patent
  • Drawings (if any)
  • Claims for protection
• Claim for protection: The claim should clearly define the scope of protection that the applicant wants for the patent.
• Patent Declaration: The patent statement should clearly identify the inventor (or inventors).
• Letter of Authorization (if applicable): If the applicant uses an intellectual property representative to file the application, the applicant should provide a Power of Attorney Letter authorizing the representative to represent the applicant on behalf of the applicant during the application process and processing the procedure.

Additional documents (may require):

• Priority Document (if applicable): If the applicant filed a patent application for the same patent in another country prior to filing the PCT application, the applicant may claim priority based on the filing date.
• Translation (if applicable): If any of the documents on file are not in English or French, the applicant needs to provide a translation into either of these languages.
• Application fee: The applicant needs to pay the PCT application fee to the International Reception Office (IB).

Patent registration service in Singapore of Viet An Law Firm

• Perform the search and notify customers in writing the results of the patent search in Singapore;
• Draft the dossier and directly file and monitor the status of the filing in Singapore on behalf of the patent owner;
• Inform, advise and handle deficiencies/refusals of competent State agencies (if any) in the process of monitoring patent applications in Singapore;
• Support monitoring, representing the resolution of objections and feedback with intellectual property representatives to carry out procedures in Singapore.
• Receive dispatches, certificates and hand over to customers (if any).

If you need to file a patent application in Singapore, please contact Viet An Law for the most effective support.