Singapore IP Office Launches Patent and Trademarks Acceleration Program

18 June 2025

On May 8, 2025, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) announced the official implementation of two new acceleration programs, SG Patents Fast and SG Trade Marks Fast, effective May 20, 2025. These programs represent a comprehensive enhancement of the SG IP FAST pilot program, which concluded on December 31, 2024, and are designed to establish a more efficient and streamlined pathway for enterprises to secure intellectual property protection.

Highlights of the SG Patents Fast Program

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

The application must not be a divisional application.
The request must contain 20 or fewer claims.
The request must be submitted using Patents Form 11 (Search and Examination Report) or Patents Form 12 (Examination Report), along with the applicable acceleration fee.

Official Fees:

SG Patents Fast 4:
- To accelerate search and examination: SGD 1,800 (on top of standard search and examination fee).
- To accelerate examination only: SGD 1,200 (on top of standard examination fee).
SG Patents Fast 8:
- To accelerate search and examination: SGD 900 (on top of standard search and examination fees).
- To accelerate examination only: SGD 600 (on top of standard examination fee).
To accelerate response to examination objections (under either SG Patents Fast 4 or SG Patents Fast 8): SGD 150.

Successful applications also qualify for accelerated subsequent office actions on Patents Form 13A (Response to Written Opinion).

Important Notes:

A monthly cap of five requests per entity applies, but this cap does not extend to subsequent office action requests.
IPOS has removed the overall monthly cap on accelerated applications, providing applicants with greater flexibility in planning their filings.

Highlights of the SG Trade marks Fast Program

The SG Trade Marks Fast programme expedites trade mark applications, issuing the first examination report or publication notice within three to six weeks.

To enhance the program’s accessibility and appeal, applicants will no longer be required to possess (i) a related patent application or (ii) full adherence to pre-approved descriptions of goods and services from the IPOS Classification Database. This constitutes a positive advancement, as the prior iteration of the program imposed such prerequisites, thereby rendering the accelerated program for trademark applications unsuitable or unattainable for the majority of potential applicants.

Under the new programme for accelerated examination of trade mark applications applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify:

The application must be a national trade mark application and not for a certification or collective mark.
The acceleration request must be made at the point of filing Form TM4 with payment of the acceleration fee.

For trade mark applications with multiple classes, the acceleration request will automatically apply to all classes in the application.

For accelerated examination of a trade mark application, the official fees are SGD 200 per class for classes that fully adopt pre-approved descriptions of goods and services from IPOS’ Classification Database. Otherwise, the official fees are SGD 250 for classes that partially or do not adopt pre-approved descriptions of goods and services from IPOS’ Classification Database.

Practical Suggestions

1. Accurately Assess Your Own Needs: Strategic Alignment with Business Goals

Before considering these acceleration programs, a thorough assessment of your enterprise’s specific needs and business objectives is paramount. These programs are particularly beneficial when there’s an urgent requirement for IP examination results to support critical business initiatives.

For Product Launches and Market Promotion (SG Trade Marks Fast): If your company is poised to launch a new product or service, securing trademark registration quickly is vital for market differentiation and consumer recognition. Delays in trademark registration can hinder marketing campaigns, allow competitors to establish similar branding, and potentially lead to costly re-branding efforts. The SG Trade Marks Fast program is an ideal choice in such scenarios, enabling you to secure your brand identity and initiate promotional activities without unnecessary delays. Imagine a scenario where a new beverage company needs to launch its unique drink before a major seasonal event. Rapid trademark registration for their brand name and logo through this program would be critical to their marketing success and market penetration.

For Innovative Technology Protection (SG Patents Fast): In the realm of technological innovation, the speed of patent protection can be the difference between market leadership and being outmaneuvered by competitors. If your enterprise has developed groundbreaking technology and urgently needs patent protection to prevent imitation or unauthorized use, the SG Patents Fast program can significantly accelerate the examination process. This is particularly relevant for industries with rapid technological cycles, where early patent grants can provide a crucial competitive advantage, attract investors, and facilitate licensing opportunities. For instance, a biotech startup with a novel drug discovery might utilize this program to secure patent protection rapidly, thereby safeguarding their research and development investments and enabling faster entry into the pharmaceutical market.

2. Fully Prepare Application Materials: Meticulousness for Expedited Processing

The efficiency of any acceleration program hinges on the completeness and accuracy of your application materials. Any discrepancies or omissions can lead to delays, negating the very purpose of utilizing these fast-track options.

For Patent Applications: Precision in Technical Disclosure and Claims: When applying for a patent, it is absolutely crucial to provide a clear, comprehensive, and precise description of your invention’s technical solution. This includes detailed specifications, drawings, and an exhaustive explanation of how the invention works, its advantages, and its scope. Furthermore, the claims, which define the legal boundaries of your invention, must be meticulously drafted to accurately reflect the novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability of your technology. Vague or overly broad claims can lead to objections and prolonged examination. Conversely, overly narrow claims might not provide adequate protection. Thorough preparation in this phase is essential to avoid requests for clarification or amendments from examiners, which can significantly delay the process.

For Trademark Applications: Clarity in Brand Representation and Categorization: For trademark applications, the clarity and specificity of your submission are equally vital. You must clearly define the trademark pattern (e.g., word mark, logo, combination mark) and ensure it is presented accurately. Most importantly, you must precisely designate the goods or service categories under which your trademark will be used. This involves selecting the correct International Classification of Goods and Services (Nice Classification) classes. Misclassification or an imprecise description of goods/services can result in objections, requiring resubmission or clarification, thereby delaying the registration process. For example, a software company registering a trademark for its new application must carefully specify whether it covers “downloadable software,” “software as a service,” or both, within the correct class.

3. Comprehensively Weigh Costs and Benefits: A Strategic Investment Perspective

While acceleration programs inherently involve additional fees beyond standard application charges, it’s crucial to view these costs as a strategic investment rather than a mere expense. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis should consider the broader commercial implications.

Unlocking Business Opportunities and Competitive Edge: The primary benefit of these programs lies in the ability to obtain intellectual property protection in advance, which can translate into significant business advantages. Early patent grants can deter infringers, strengthen your negotiating position for licensing agreements, and enhance your company’s valuation. Similarly, swift trademark registration allows for immediate brand protection, enabling aggressive market promotion and establishing a strong brand presence before competitors can react. The opportunity cost of delayed protection – such as lost market share, brand dilution, or the need to litigate against infringers – often far outweighs the additional fees for acceleration.

Tax Relief and Financial Support Schemes: Singapore offers attractive incentives that can mitigate the financial burden of IP applications and acceleration fees. Intellectual property application fees, including those for acceleration programs, are generally eligible for tax relief, reducing your overall tax liability. Furthermore, enterprises in Singapore can explore various government grants and schemes designed to support innovation and business development. Notably, the Enterprise Innovation Scheme (EIS) and the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) can provide financial support for eligible activities, including IP protection costs. Businesses should proactively research and apply for these schemes to maximize their financial leverage.

4. Actively Consult Professionals: Navigating the Complex IP Landscape

The intellectual property application process, even with acceleration programs, is inherently complex and requires specialized knowledge of legal frameworks, procedural requirements, and technical intricacies. Engaging with qualified professionals is highly recommended to ensure a smooth and successful application.

Expert Guidance from IP Agents and Lawyers: Professional intellectual property agents and lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of IP laws, regulations, and best practices. They can provide invaluable guidance throughout the entire application process, from conducting comprehensive searches to drafting robust patent specifications and claims, or ensuring accurate trademark classifications. They can also advise on the optimal strategy for leveraging acceleration programs based on your specific circumstances and business goals. Their expertise can help you avoid common pitfalls, address potential objections proactively, and ensure that your application is in the best possible shape for expedited examination.

Maximizing Program Advantages and Streamlining the Process: Professionals can help you strategically utilize the advantages of the acceleration programs. They understand the specific requirements and nuances of the SG Patents Fast and SG Trade Marks Fast programs, enabling them to prepare your application in a manner that maximizes the likelihood of a quick and successful outcome. They can also manage communication with the IP office, respond to official actions efficiently, and generally streamline the entire application process, allowing your internal team to focus on core business activities. Their involvement ensures compliance, reduces the risk of errors, and ultimately helps you achieve your IP protection goals swiftly and effectively.

Our Expertise

Auriga IP has partnered with leading companies and innovative startups in Singapore, guiding them through their most critical and complex intellectual property challenges. Our expertise lies in leveraging patents, trademarks, and registered designs to protect creativity and in developing strategic IP roadmaps to establish market dominance. We are dedicated to delivering unparalleled service, effective solutions, and expert advice for all your IP needs. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary consultation on how we can help secure your intellectual property assets.

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