Please note that you are able to conduct a patent search online free as follows:

https://digitalhub.ipos.gov.sg >>> Search >>> Basic Search >>> Search Criteria (Key in the patent number) >>> Select (Patent Application No) >>> Search.

The result will be at the bottom of the page. You may proceed to click the patent number in red for full detail.

Hope you find the above information useful and please feel free to contact us if you require further assistance.

Singapore, like many countries, allows priority claims to be made in a patent application. If an applicant has an application filed earlier in a Paris Convention Treaty or a World Trade Organization (WTO) member country (other than Singapore), the applicant may claim priority from this first-filed application, provided the Singapore registration is filed within 12 months from the date of the first filing.

Similarly, an application which is first filed in Singapore can be used to claim priority in a corresponding application filed in a Paris Convention country or a World Trade Organization member country, provided that the corresponding application is filed within 12 months from the date of the first-filed Singapore application.

Applicants have two more months after the 12-month period to file the Singapore patent application and claim priority, based on an earlier application filed in a Paris Convention or World Trade Organization member state if they can show that they missed the initial 12-month period either unintentionally, or despite showing due care.

Other requirements include the payment of a fee and the furnishing of Patents Form 57 within a prescribed period if such a restoration is sought in a patent application. For the list of parties to Paris Convention and members of the World Trade Organization, please refer to the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation) website and the WTO website.

While it is not mandatory to apply for patent protection in Singapore first before seeking protection overseas, a national security clearance may be required. Section 34 of the Singapore Patents Act <https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/PA1994#pr34>  states that any person resident in Singapore is required to obtain a written authorisation from IPOS before the person files or causes to be filed outside Singapore an application for a patent for the same invention.

A request to amend the specification of your patent after grant shall be made on Patents Form 17 , together with the prescribed fee.

The request shall be accompanied by a clean copy along with the marked-up copies of the page(s) of the specification to be amended and a supporting document to support the reason(s) for amendments. For more details, please refer to the Patents Formalities Manual - Amendment after Grant.

To file a patent application in Singapore, you have to file Patents Form 1 together with the prescribed fee.

Your application should include a specification of your invention, i.e. the description, one or more claim(s), drawing(s) (if any) sequence listing(s) (if any), and an abstract of your invention.

Default communications will be performed via electronic correspondences through IPOS Digital Hub . Applicants are however still required to furnish to IPOS an address for service in Singapore. This is the address to which any correspondence from IPOS will be sent where necessary.

As the patent process is complex, you may wish to consider engaging the service of a registered patent agent .

Yes, there is the official register of patent agents and foreign patent agents. The register contains details such as the names, addresses, contact numbers and email addresses of all registered patent agents.

No further action is required from you after receiving the notification that the Search and Examination request has been sent to the examiner. You will receive the relevant reports from the examiner subsequently.

To correct errors in a patent submission, please file Form CM4. For detailed requirements on submitting Form CM4 to request for correction of error, refer to the Patents Formalities Manual - Correction of Error (https://www.ipos.gov.sg/about-ip/patents/managing-patents/guides).

“Any persons residing in Singapore” refers to applicant(s), inventor(s) and agent(s) including foreigners with valid pass lawfully issues to them eg: Singapore permanent residents and work pass holders

You are able to check online free of charge at the following:

Search >>> Basic Search >>> Search Criteria (key in the patent description) >>> Please Select (Patent Title of Invention) >>> Search.

What is post-grant binding re-examination?

Post-grant binding re-examination is a process in which a request can be made to re-examine a granted patent with accompanying reasons and documents. If IPOS finds that an alleged ground is made out and not resolved by the patentee, the patent may be revoked. It also allows patentees to evaluate and strengthen their patent through amendments which will be subject to an examination process. The grounds for re-examination are generally limited to requirements which are considered during examination.

As re-examination is an ex parte process, the applicant seeking re-examination cannot participate in the process after filing the request (unless it is the patentee) and would only be notified when a re-examination examination report is issued.

When can this be filed?

May be filed any time after the grant of the patent, and only if there are no other proceedings in which the validity of the patent may be put in issue whether in court or before IPOS.

How can this be filed?

It should be filed using Request for Re-Examination of the Specification of a Patent under section 38A of the Patents Act via Patents Form 36 with the prescribed fee of $3,200 at the IPOS Digital Hub. The request must state the reasons supporting the non-validity of the granted patent, and accompanied with relevant prior art documents if appropriate. The patentee will be notified when such a request is filed.

Can my identify be kept anonymous?

The request for re-examination may be submitted via a registered patent agent or lawyer without disclosing the filer’s identity.

For more information, please refer to Examination Guidelines for Patent Applications found here

Local companies may apply for grants that are administered by Enterprise Singapore to defray eligible IP costs. You may visit https://www.ipos.gov.sg/manage-ip/develop-capabilities for more information.