Singapore has a strong IP framework with mechanisms for patents, trademarks, copyrights, and registered designs, overseen by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) under the Ministry of Law.

IP rights can be enforced through civil litigation, criminal prosecution, and customs seizures, with a focus on creating a balanced, internationally recognized IP regime to foster innovation and commerce.

Types of IP Protection

• Patents
• Trademarks
• Copyright
• Registered Designs
• Geographical Indications (GI)
• Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits
• Trade Secrets
• Plant Varieties Protection

Main IP Lesgislation

• Patents : Patents Act 1994 (amended 2022)
• Trademarks : Trade Marks Act 1998 (amended 2022)
• Copyright : Copyright Act 2021
• Registered Designs : Registered Designs Act 2000
• Geographical Indications (GI) : Geographical Indications Act 2014
• Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits : Layout-Designs of Integrated Circuits Act 1999
• Trade Secrets : Protected under common law (Breach of Confidence)• Plant
• Varieties Protection : Plant Varieties Protection Act 2004

Enforcing IP Rights

Singapore has an effective IP enforcement framework with several options for rights holders:

• Civil Litigation
• Criminal Prosecution
• Customs Seizures

Main IP Authority

The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) is the national authority responsible for administering and promoting IP protection and innovation.

Web: www.ipos.gov.sg