English
Registration is not a requirement to secure rights to a trademark. The law recognizes prior use as a proof of trademark ownership. The "first to use" principle is effective in Singapore.
The national office is accessible online at the following URL: http://www.ipos.gov.sg/.
Neither actual use nor intent to use is required for application.
The following can be grounds for opposition:
- proprietary rights
- breach of copyright
- the mark is not distinctive
- the mark is descriptive
- the mark is generic
- notorious or well-known mark
- protection of armorial bearings, flags and other State emblems
- the mark is against public policy or principles of morality
- the mark consists of a geographical indication
- representation of the proprietor of the mark
- the mark is of such a nature as to deceive the public
Anyone may oppose an application.
The following can be grounds for cancellation:
- proprietary rights
- the mark is generic
- the mark is descriptive
- breach of copyright
- the mark is not distinctive
- protection of armorial bearings, flags and other State emblems
- notorious or well-known mark
- using a representative for the proprietor of the mark
- registered design rights
- the mark is against public policy or principles of morality
- the mark consists of a geographical indication
- the mark is of such a nature as to deceive the public
The following rights are established by registration:
- the exclusive right to use the registered trademark
- the right to object to later conflicting applications
- the right to request for the cancellation of a later conflicting registration
- the right to sue third parties for infringement or for using a confusingly similar trademark
- the right to license other third parties to use the trademark
- the right to request for the seizure of counterfeit goods by customs authorities
- the right to receive compensation for infringement
The opposition period begins on the date of publication.
The opposition period ends two months from the date of publication. A two-month extension may be granted upon agreement with the other party.
Singapore is a member of both the Madrid Protocol and the Madrid Agreement. International applications may be designated in this country.
Periodic statements of use are not required.