CHANG TSI
Insights
On May 8, 2025, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) made an important announcement. Starting from May 20, 2025, two new acceleration programs, SG Patents Fast and SG Trade Marks Fast, will be officially implemented. These programs are comprehensive upgrades of the SG IP FAST pilot program, which ended on December 31, 2024. Their goal is to create a more efficient and convenient channel for enterprises to protect their intellectual property.
1. Flexible Acceleration Options: Enterprises can choose their preferred acceleration pace according to their actual needs. With SG Patents Fast 4, they can receive the first examination report within 4 months after a successful application. For SG Patents Fast 8, the first examination report will be received within 8 months. If eligible, subsequent examination reports will be issued within 4 months after a successful application.
2. Clear Eligibility Criteria: The patent application cannot be a divisional application in Singapore. The number of claims for the acceleration request must be 20 or fewer. The acceleration request should be made on Patent Form 11 (Request for Search and Examination Report) or Patent Form 12 (Request for Examination Report), and the corresponding acceleration fees should be paid. For subsequent Patent Form 13A (Response to Written Observations) after a successful SG Patents Fast application, it can also enjoy accelerated examination. Each entity (individual or enterprise) has a monthly application limit of 5 requests, but this limit does not apply to subsequent examination report acceleration requests.
3. Differentiated Fee System: The acceleration examination fees vary depending on different application types and acceleration duration. For example, for accelerated search and examination (PF11), the fee for SG Patents Fast 4 is SGD 1,800, and for SG Patents Fast 8, it is SGD 900. For accelerated examination (PF12), the fee for SG Patents Fast 4 is SGD 1,200, and for SG Patents Fast 8, it is SGD 600. The fee for accelerating the response to examination objections (PF13A) is SGD 150.
1. Significantly Shortened Examination Cycle: Enterprises can receive the first examination report (or notice of the application being published for opposition) within 3 - 6 weeks from the application date, greatly reducing the examination time for trademark applications and accelerating the enterprise's trademark layout process.
2. Lower Application Threshold: There is no longer a requirement for a related patent application as a prerequisite, and enterprises are not forced to fully adopt the pre-approved descriptions of goods and services in the IPOS classification database, giving enterprises more autonomy.
3. Classified Fee Standards: If an enterprise fully adopts the pre-approved descriptions of goods and services in the IPOS classification database, the acceleration request fee for each class is SGD 200. If it partially or does not adopt them, the fee for each class is SGD 250.
1. Main Differences between the Two Programs: SG Patents Fast is for patent applications, offering two options to receive the first examination report within 4 or 8 months. It has strict requirements for application types and the number of claims and charges fees based on different application types and acceleration durations. SG Trade Marks Fast is for trademark applications, enabling enterprises to receive the first examination report within 3 - 6 weeks. It has a lower application threshold and charges fees based on whether the pre-approved descriptions are adopted.
2. Application Quantity Limit: Currently, each entity has a monthly limit of 5 SG Patents Fast applications, but this limit does not apply to subsequent examination report acceleration requests (Patent Form 13A). If an enterprise wants to submit more than 5 acceleration requests for the first examination report, it cannot be done under the current policy. Enterprises need to pay attention to possible future policy adjustments.
1. Accurately Assess Your Own Needs: If your enterprise has an urgent need for patent or trademark examination results to promote its business layout, you may consider using these two acceleration programs. For example, if you are preparing to launch a new product and urgently need to complete trademark registration for market promotion, the SG Trade Marks Fast program may be an ideal choice. If your innovative technology needs urgent patent protection to prevent competitors from imitating, the SG Patents Fast program can speed up the examination process.
2. Fully Prepare Application Materials: Before applying, ensure that the application materials are complete and accurate. For patent applications, clearly describe the technical solution of the invention and the claims. For trademark applications, clearly define the trademark pattern, designated goods or service categories, etc., to avoid delays in the examination process due to material issues.
3. Comprehensively Weigh Costs and Benefits: Although the acceleration programs require additional fees, considering potential business benefits such as obtaining intellectual property protection in advance and seizing market opportunities, enterprises should comprehensively evaluate costs and benefits. In addition, IP acceleration fees, like IP application fees, are eligible for tax relief. Some enterprises can also obtain financial support through the Enterprise Innovation Scheme (EIS) or the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG).
4. Actively Consult Professionals: The intellectual property application process is complex and involves a lot of legal and professional knowledge. If you have any questions, it is recommended to consult professional intellectual property agents or lawyers in a timely manner. They can provide detailed application guidance, help you make the most of the advantages of the acceleration programs, and smoothly complete the application process.
We will continue to follow up on this program and provide with the latest intellectual property information and professional services.
