Trademark registration Singapore is the smartest way to protect your brand before someone else profits from your name, logo, or tagline.
You’ve worked hard to build a business customers recognise and trust, but without a registered trademark, your brand is vulnerable.
This guide breaks down the entire Singapore trademark registration process step by step, including what you can trademark, how much it costs, and how to avoid common mistakes.
What is a Trade Mark?
A trade mark is your brand’s legal signature. It could be a symbol, word, or design that sets your business apart from others in the market. In Singapore, a registered trademark gives you exclusive rights to use that mark for your goods or services.
Once registered with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), no one else can legally copy or use something confusingly similar. So, if you need peace of mind, legal control, and long-term brand value, registering a trade mark is crucial for your brand.
Why is trademark registration Singapore important
Let’s be honest; you started your business to build something of your own. A trademark makes that ownership official. It is your brand’s shield in the competitive marketplace.
- It grants you exclusive rights. This means you, and only you, can legally use your brand name or logo for the goods and/or services you listed. If someone else tries to use it, you have the law on your side.
- It stops copycats or looklike brands in their tracks. A registered trademark prevents others from using a similar brand, which could confuse your customers. This protects the reputation you’ve worked so hard to build and fosters customer loyalty.
- It’s a valuable business asset. You can license it to others for a fee, creating another revenue stream. You can even sell your brand someday, and registered trademarks significantly increase its value.
- It builds customer trust and credibility. When customers see the little ® symbol next to your name, it sends a powerful message. It shows you are a serious, established business that values its brand and is here to stay.
What can (and can’t) be trademarked in Singapore?
Not everything can be trademarked, but you might be surprised by what can. As long as your mark is distinctive and clearly represents your brand, there’s a good chance it qualifies.
What you can trademark in Singapore
You can trademark any sign that distinguishes your goods or services, so long as it’s unique and can be represented graphically. The most common include:
Brand names – e.g. Tiger Beer, Lazada, Razer
Logos – graphic designs or stylised text
Slogans and taglines – e.g. “The Best a Man Can Get”
Sounds – like the Intel jingle
Colours, shapes, or packaging – if they uniquely identify your brand
Collective marks – used by members of an association (e.g. industry certifications)
What you can’t trademark
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) enforces clear rules to prevent monopolisation of everyday language or misleading claims. A trademark will be rejected if it’s:
Too generic – e.g. “Shoe” for a shoe brand
Descriptive – e.g. “Fresh Coffee” for a café
Misleading or deceptive – claiming something your brand isn’t
Offensive or scandalous – violates moral or cultural norms
Too similar to an existing trademark – even in spelling, sound, or meaning
What to do before you apply for trademark registration Singapore
Trademarking isn’t just about filling out a form. A bit of prep can make the process smoother and more successful.
Before you apply, remember that IPOS will reject marks that are generic, descriptive, misleading, or too similar to existing trademarks. Understanding these rules upfront helps avoid rejections and wasted fees.
1. Conduct a trademark search
Before you fall in love with your brand name or logo, you need to check if someone else has already registered something similar. This isn’t optional, it’s your first line of defense against rejection.
How to do it:
Visit the IPOS Digital Hub (IP Hub)
Search by:
Exact name
Alternative spellings
Similar-sounding words
Synonyms or related visuals (if it’s a logo)
💡 Pro tip: Even if your spelling is unique, a name that sounds or looks too similar to another trademark may still be rejected.
If you find a conflict, don’t panic. Consider a slight brand tweak or seek professional advice before applying.
2. Identify your class of goods or services
Trademark protection isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your application only covers the specific categories of goods or services you list, known as “classes.”
Singapore follows the Nice Classification System, which has:
Classes 1–34: Physical goods (e.g., food, clothing, electronics)
Classes 35–45: Services (e.g., legal services, software, design)
You must identify every class relevant to your operations, as your services’ trademark protection is tied to your chosen classes. This system of international classification helps standardize the process globally.
For instance, if you sell clothing, you would file under Class 25. If you also offer design services, you may need a separate application under Class 42. You can use IPOS’ classification assistance tools to find the right categories and ensure your services are classified correctly.
Confused by trademark rules?
Trademark registration Singapore process: Step-by-step
Once your trademark is cleared through a search and you’ve selected your classes, it’s time to file your application. The good news? The process is fully online and relatively straightforward, if you’re prepared.
Here’s exactly how to register your trademark with IPOS:
1. Prepare your application
Before you start your application, have the following ready:
Your full name or company name
A Singapore address for official correspondence
A clear image of your trademark (if it’s a logo or design)
A list of classes and descriptions of goods/services
Optional: agent details, if someone’s filing on your behalf
💡 Logos must be represented graphically in high resolution. No blurry uploads!
2. File your mark application online
You can apply via:
The IPOS Digital Hub
Or the IPOS Go Mobile App
Here’s what to do:
Log in or create an account
Fill in Form TM4
Upload your trademark image (if applicable)
Select your goods/services classes
Pay the fee (S$280–S$380 per class, depending on description type)
💰 Tip: Use IPOS’ pre-approved goods and services descriptions to enjoy the lower S$280 fee and speed up processing.
3. Examination by IPOS
After submission, an IPOS examiner will:
Check for application completeness
Ensure your trademark meets legal requirements
Conduct a search for conflicts with existing trademarks
If there are issues (like similarity to another mark), IPOS will raise an objection, and you’ll have a chance to respond or amend your application.
4. Publication and opposition proceedings
If no objections are raised, your trademark will be published in the Trademarks Journal for a 2-month period. During this time:
Anyone can file an opposition if they believe your mark conflicts with theirs
If opposed, you’ll need to provide evidence or legal arguments in response
5. Registration
If the 2-month window passes without opposition or if any opposition is resolved in your favour, your trademark is officially registered. You’ll receive:
A certificate of registration
Exclusive rights to use your mark in Singapore for 10 years
🛡 You can now legally defend your brand, use the ® symbol, and enjoy peace of mind.
How long does it take?
Standard timeline: ~11 months from the date of application
With objections or opposition: may take longer
How much does trademark registration cost in Singapore?
The cost of trademark registration in Singapore depends on two main factors:
The number of classes you apply under
Whether you use pre-approved descriptions or custom ones
Here’s a full breakdown of government fees, optional services, and long-term costs:
Government fees (IPOS filing fees)
These are the fees you pay directly to IPOS. The main cost is the application fee, which depends on the number of classes for your goods or services. There may also be other administrative fee payments for requests like extensions or changes to your application.
Item | Cost (SGD) | Details |
Application Fee (per class) | S$280 (if using only pre-approved descriptions) S$380 (if not using only pre-approved descriptions) | Depends on filing method and whether you use pre-approved goods/services. |
Renewal Fee (every 10 years) | S$440 per class | Required to keep protection active. |
Request for extension of time | Varies | Only if needed during examination or response windows. |
Tip: You are strongly encouraged to use IPOS’ Classification Database of pre-approved goods and services. This reduces processing time and gives you access to the lower fee (S$280 per class).
Professional service fees (Optional)
You can apply yourself. However, many business owners hire a trademark agent or a firm specialising in intellectual property. These professionals can provide valuable legal advice.
They can conduct a more thorough mark search before you apply. They also help ensure you file in all the right classes and handle communications with IPOS, including responding to objections. The cost for these services can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Renewal fees
Your Singapore trademark registration is not forever; it is valid for 10 years. After that, you must renew it to keep your trademark protection active. The renewal fee is also paid per class, and you can continue to renew it every 10 years indefinitely, as long as you use the mark.
Need it done faster? Use SG Trade Marks Fast
If you’re in a hurry, IPOS launched a fast-track programme in May 2025 called SG Trade Marks Fast.
By paying an acceleration fee of S$200 (for pre-approved classes) or S$250 (for custom descriptions), you can receive your first examination report or publication notice within 3 to 6 weeks.
This applies only to national applications (not collective or certification marks) filed via Form TM4.
Note: If your application receives an objection, the fast-track ends there; subsequent responses follow regular timelines.
Common mistakes to avoid while registering trademarks in Singapore
The process for registering trademarks is logical. But it is very easy to make small mistakes that can derail your application. Knowing about these common pitfalls can save you a lot of grief.
- Skipping the trademark search: One of the biggest mistakes is not doing a good enough search. Getting excited about a name and filing immediately without a thorough check is risky. If it gets rejected for being too similar to another mark, you lose your fee and have to start from scratch.
- Wrong classifications: Another common error is filing in the wrong classes. If you register your food blog’s name under a restaurant services class, your brand is not protected for online content. Your protection only covers the classes you list in your application, so precision is important.
- Choosing weak marks: If your brand name is too generic or just describes what you do, IPOS will likely refuse it. Your name needs to be distinctive enough to function as a brand, not just a label.
- Missing deadlines: Finally, pay close attention to deadlines. If IPOS sends you a question or an objection, you have a specific window of time to reply. Missing that deadline could cause your application to be treated as abandoned, meaning you would have to start and pay all over again.
- Using the ® symbol before registration: Using the ® symbol before registration is misleading and may expose you to legal consequences under misrepresentation or consumer protection laws. Until registered, use the ™ symbol instead.
Expanding globally? Register your trademark internationally with the Madrid Protocol
Securing trade mark protection in Singapore is a great start, but what if your business has global ambitions? Filing separate applications in every country can be expensive and time-consuming. This is where the Madrid Protocol comes in.
What is the Madrid Protocol?
The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty that simplifies the trademark registration process across 120+ member countries, including:
Australia
China
United States
United Kingdom
European Union nations
Malaysia, Indonesia, and more
Instead of submitting separate applications in each country, you can:
File one application
Pay one set of fees
Manage all your international trademarks centrally
Who can file a Madrid Protocol application from Singapore?
To file from Singapore under the Madrid Protocol, you must meet at least one eligibility criterion:
- Be a Singapore citizen
- Own a Singapore-registered company
- Be domiciled in Singapore
- Have a real and effective industrial or commercial establishment in Singapore
This process saves you from hiring lawyers in each country and dealing with different application procedures. While you will have to pay the WIPO fee in addition to the Singaporean fee, it is often more cost-effective than filing many separate applications. It is an excellent option for businesses looking to scale their brand internationally.
How Sleek helps with trademark registration Singapore
Protecting your brand with trademark registration Singapore is not an expense; it is a fundamental investment in your business’s future. It gives you legal ownership of your identity and the power to stop others from riding on your coattails. The path to getting your mark registered involves several key steps, from the initial trade mark search to navigating the classification system.
That’s where Sleek can help.
Our expert team works closely with founders and business owners to support their trademark journey, especially during incorporation and brand setup. We help you:
- Understand whether your brand is ready for registration
- Choose the right trademark classes based on your business activities
- Avoid costly filing mistakes and delays
- Connect with trusted professionals if you need company compliance support
Whether you’re launching a new business or formalising an existing one, we ensure your brand identity is legally yours and stays that way.
Secure your trademark, stress-free
FAQs on trademark registration Singapore
Is it mandatory to register a trademark in Singapore?
No, it’s not mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended. Without registration, you have no automatic exclusive rights to your brand. Registration gives you legal ownership and makes enforcement much easier if someone else tries to use your name or logo.
How long does it take to register a trademark in Singapore?
If there are no objections or delays, the process usually takes 11 months from filing to registration. However, this timeline can vary depending on whether IPOS raises any issues or if others file an opposition.
Can I register a trademark in Singapore myself?
Yes, you can file a trademark application directly through the IPOS Digital Hub. However, many business owners choose to work with a trademark agent or corporate secretary to avoid errors, choose the right classes, and handle objections.
Can I trademark my company name and logo together?
You can, but they must be filed as separate trademarks if you want protection for each individually. Filing them as a single mark means you are only protected for that specific combination.
Does a Singapore trademark give me protection overseas?
No, a Singapore trademark only gives you protection within Singapore. If you need international protection, you can apply through the Madrid Protocol, which allows you to seek trademark rights in multiple countries with one application.
What happens if someone objects to my trademark application?
If someone files an opposition during the 2-month publication period, you’ll be notified and given time to respond. This could involve legal arguments or evidence. If unresolved, it could delay or prevent your registration.
Can I change my trademark after registering it?
No, once a trademark is registered, you can’t modify it. If you make significant changes to your brand, you’ll need to file a new application for the updated version.
Do I need to be a Singapore citizen or a company to register a trademark?
No, but you must have a Singapore address for service (e.g., a local representative or agent). This is required for official correspondence with IPOS.
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