Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS)

The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) is Singapore’s primary authority in charge of registering and overseeing intellectual property rights. Established by the Ministry of Law, IPOS aims to establish Singapore as a global hub for businesses wanting to leverage intangible assets and intellectual property.

Internationally recognized, IPOS has been appointed by the World Intellectual Property Organization as both an International Searching Authority and an International Preliminary Examining Authority following its establishment under the IPOS Act of 2001.

For more information, visit: https://www.ipos.gov.sg/

 

Roles and Tasks of IPOS

IPOS is structured into various divisions, each responsible for a specific area. It consists of four main sectors, each catering to individuals, businesses, students, and the wider public, respectively.

One of IPOS’s key tasks is ensuring that the intellectual property laws are modern and up-to-date. These laws include the Patents Act, the Trade Marks Act, the Registered Design Act, the Copyright Act, the Plant Varieties Protection Act, the Geographical Indications Act, and the Designs of Integrated Circuits Act.

IPOS has worked hard to make Singapore’s IP laws among the strictest worldwide, and as part of its duties, it has secured specific intellectual property free trade agreements with countries including India, the United States, and the European Free Trade Association. Furthermore, Singapore has implemented distinct tax rates for intellectual property income in most of its double-tax treaties.

 

Registering Intellectual Property in Singapore

Every year, IPOS receives a large number of applications for intellectual property registration. Copyright, trademark, and patent applications are most popular, as Singapore’s thriving research, development, and innovation industries lead a high number of businesses to safeguard their new discoveries.