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Out-Law News 1 min. read

Singapore launches ‘one-stop’ e-portal for intellectual property registration


The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and NEC Asia Pacific have launched a "one-stop on line platform" for the registration of intellectual property (IP) rights in Singapore.

IPOS said the launch of the ‘IP2SG’ system “integrates all e-filing processes for patent, trademark and design applications into a single convenient portal”.

Previously, three types of IT platforms had to be used to file different types of IP. “With the new system, the filing of all types of IP can be done on a single on line platform, making it easier to use, and saving time and costs,” IPOS said.

According to IPOS, the new system will boost Singapore’s IP infrastructure to meet growing demand for IP services in the region.

Singapore has seen a “healthy increase” in overall patent filings of more than 20%, from 7,908 in 2003 to 9,722 in 2013, IPOS said. In terms of trademarks, IPOS said a record 39,671 classes were filed in 2013, representing a 40% increase from the 28,262 classes filed in 2009.

IPOS deputy chief executive officer Daren Tang said the new system was expected to help businesses and creators “build a competitive IP edge”.

In 2013, Singapore’s government unveiled a 10-year plan to establish the country as a "global IP hub" (73-page / 1.59 MB PDF). IPOS said then that it would invest SIN$50 million (approximately $38m) to "build up patent search and examination capabilities in technology areas of strategic importance to Singapore".

The World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015 (565-page / 10.3 MB PDF), published last September, said Singapore had retained its ranking as top in Asia and second in the world for IP protection.

IPOS said in the area of franchising and licensing, Singapore was estimated to have over 600 franchising systems with more than 40,000 franchisees in 2012, accounting for 18% of total domestic retail sales volume.

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