Singapore: The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore enhances existing programs to strengthen IP protection

31 May 2022    2 minute read

In brief

The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has extended its SG IP FAST Program and increased funding under the Revised Enhanced Mediation Promotion Scheme (REMPS) to encourage businesses to protect their IP.

Contents

SG IP FAST Program

The SG IP FAST Program, initially set to run until 29 April 2022, has been extended for two years, from 30 April 2022 to 30 April 2024, with a doubled annual cap of now 120 patent applications. To allow more businesses to obtain IP protection via the SG IP FAST Program, the 12 Months File-to-Grant program will come to a halt.

Two main revisions came into effect on 30 April 2022. First, the monthly cap for patent applications has been increased to 10 requests, and each entity (individual or corporate) can file up to two applications. Second, the period to request acceleration for a trademark/registered design application has been extended from one month to 12 months.

Further details and background on the SG IP FAST Program can be found here.

REMPS

The REMPS, which encourages parties to choose mediation to resolve their disputes, has been extended for three years from 1 April 2022. Under the REMPS, parties will receive up to SGD 14,000 as reimbursement if the dispute involves both Singapore and foreign IP rights. If the dispute only involves Singapore IP rights, parties may receive up to SGD 10,000. Parties may also claim up to 80% of mediation-related lawyer/agent fees and disbursements from the funding.

If only one party applies for funding, the party may claim up to SGD 3,000 per case, which further encourages both parties to participate in the REMPS.

The full IPOS announcement can be accessed here.

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