In Singapore, the applicant must apply through the Singapore Intellectual Property Office (IPOS) in order to realize trademark registration and obtain legal protection. Generally speaking, the period of applying for a trademark in Singapore is generally 4 to 6 months, depending on the applicant's personal situation. Of course, if the applicant is well prepared and familiar with the process, it can effectively save time and energy!
1. Who can apply?
Singapore does not require the nationality of trademark applications. If the company's goods or services are necessary, both locals and foreigners can apply. The application is not mandatory, and it is entirely out of the applicant's personal will. However, it should be noted that the applicant must provide a stable Singapore address for contact during the application period. It is worth mentioning that trademark registration is one of the ways to apply for a business license in Singapore. Registering a trademark in advance can also prepare for applying for a business license.
Two. Types and forms of trademark registration in Singapore
Singapore classifies trademark registration according to the international Nice Agreement, including 34 categories of goods and 1 1 services.
Applicants can apply for a certain commodity or several commodities together according to the business content of the company and the trademark/service category they want to protect. For example, if Company A's business covers business management and medical services, it needs to be registered in categories 35 and 44. However, it should be noted that the trademark must be distinguished from similar goods or services of other merchants, and the following forms can be registered as trademarks:
Letters/words/names/signatures/labels/patterns/labels/shapes/colors/and combinations of the above elements.
Third, the application process
1. Information required for application
Although trademark application is not mandatory, once it is applied, it must be strictly in accordance with the relevant provisions of IPO. In Singapore, trademark applications need to provide the following information:
(1) a statement requesting the registration of a trademark;
(2) The name and address of the applicant;
(3) A clear trademark map. If the trademark is a three-dimensional diagram, the outline diagram should clearly show all dimensions;
④ List all goods and services related to registered trademarks;
(5) A statement on the intended use of the trademark.
2 Application methods and steps:
(1) mode:
According to the relevant instructions of IPOS, there are two ways to register a trademark in Singapore:
First, submit the application materials and pay the application fee through the online platform of eTrademarks. ：
2. Fill in the relevant application forms and sort out the relevant materials, and send the complete forms to the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore:
② Steps:
Generally speaking, it takes about four to six months to apply for a trademark in Singapore. Of course, this does not include the time for preparing relevant materials in the early stage. The specific application procedures during this period are shown below:
Fourth, the trademark application fee
Here, we have listed some expenses mainly involved in the application process. In addition, there are also fees for applying for cancellation of trademarks, legal filing, application for change of name or address, and application for restoration of rights. The specific amount of fees to be paid in the application is determined by the various requests made by the applicant during the application period. V. Follow-up management of registered trademarks
How long is the validity of the 1. trademark? Can I renew it?
If you successfully apply for a trademark, the trademark is valid for 10 year from the date of application. However, if the applicant correctly uses the trademark within the validity period and pays the necessary renewal fee, it is still uncertain whether the trademark can be renewed. Applicants may need to pay more attention to this.
2. Trademark infringement
Trademarks successfully registered in IPOS are protected by law. If the applicant finds that his registered trademark has been used by others without his permission, he may exercise his right to protect the trademark according to the Trademark Law.
How to define tort;
-others use the same trademark on the same goods or services without the permission of the trademark owner.
-others use the same trademark on similar goods or services without the permission of the trademark owner.
-without the consent of the trademark owner, others use similar trademarks on similar goods or services, causing certain troubles to customers;
-The trademark used is similar to the registered well-known trademark, although the goods or services involved are different. (May cause trouble or harm the interests of the trademark owner)
3. Revocation of trademarks and trademarks is invalid.
According to the relevant instructions of IPOS, a successfully registered trademark may be revoked or invalidated later, mainly in the following situations.
(1) Revocation of trademark:
-The trademark owner has not used the trademark within 5 years after completing the registration;
-The trademark has been suspended for five consecutive years;
-Due to the actions or activities of the trademark owner, the trademark has become a common name within the trade scope of its registered goods and services;
The use of trademarks misleads the public, especially those related to the nature and source of goods or services.
② The judgment is invalid:
-Violating the basic requirements of the Trademark Law for registered trademarks;
-Conflicts between trademarks and earlier trademarks;
-The registered trademark is judged to be fraudulent;
-False statements in the application process.
Common problems and suggestions on intransitive verbs
1. What are the advantages of registering a trademark?
In fact, it is a legal monopoly to register a trademark for goods or services. A trademark can add value to the enterprise, because it can be used to protect your market share, and the trademark owner can also authorize the trademark to a third party, such as a franchisee; It can also be sold directly at a specified price. In addition, you can also use trademarks to help you provide shares to promote business development.
2. Suggestion: Search in advance to avoid infringement.
In order to avoid infringement and save time and money, business owners should search for existing or similar registered trademarks before using unregistered trademarks (including logo) or submitting trademark applications, so as to avoid troubles caused by possible infringement.