Comprehensive Guide to Industrial Design Protection in Singapore
Industrial Design Protection in Singapore: Key Requirements and Procedures
Singapore’s intellectual property system offers a clear and efficient pathway for the registration and protection of industrial designs. Administered by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), the process emphasizes formal examination, rapid registration, and flexibility in protecting both physical and non-physical (digital) products. This article outlines the essential filing documents, examination process, validity period, and renewal requirements for industrial design applications in Singapore.
Authority:
- Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), www.ipos.gov.sg
Terms of Protection:
- An industrial design registration in Singapore is valid for an initial term of five years, which can be renewed twice for a maximum total protection period of 15 years.
Filing Deadline:
- Applications claiming Paris Convention must be filed within 6 months from the earliest priority date.
Required Documents:
- Representations / Pictures
- A brief statement of novelty
- Declaration by the inventor
- Certified copy of priority document (if any)
- Ownership Statement / Employment Statement / Priority Assignment
Process & Procedure:
IPOS conducts only a formality examination for industrial design applications. Applications submitted through the IPOS Digital Hub receive an acknowledgment notice containing the application number once the payment has been made. During examination, IPOS reviews the statement of novelty, the classification, the name of the article or non-physical product, and assesses whether the representation or image of the design is suitable for reproduction. If the application meets the registration requirements, IPOS issues a certificate of registration. If any deficiencies are identified, IPOS will issue a Notification of correction, and the applicant must respond with corrections within 3 months.
- An industrial design refers to features of shape, configuration, color, pattern, or ornamentation applied to any article or non-physical product, giving it a distinctive appearance.
- The protection covers the appearance of the article or product.
- Designs may be two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional, and they can be applied to everyday items.
- Up to 50 designs belonging to the same class may be included in a single industrial design application.
- A Graphical User Interface (GUI) may also be filed as an industrial design.
- Once registered, the industrial design will be published in the Patents Journal and made available for public inspection.
- Applicants may also request deferred publication, which can be delayed for a maximum of 18 months.
Accelerated Examination – SG IP Fast Track:
- Since September 1, 2020, the SG IP Fast Track program has been expanded to include trademarks and registered designs.
Under this scheme, industrial design applications may be granted within as little as 1 month, with no monthly cap on the number of applications processed.
Grace Period for Novelty:
- Singapore provides a 6-month grace period prior to the filing date, allowing disclosure of the design without losing novelty.
Grant and Renewal Fees:
Renewal fees must be paid every 5 years. If missed, they can still be paid within a 6-month grace period, subject to a late fee of 50 SGD.
Granting Time:
On average, industrial design registrations are granted within 4 months. When using the SG IP Fast Track, the process can be completed within one month.
Conclusion
Singapore’s design protection framework is among the most efficient and forward-thinking in Asia. With its streamlined digital filing system, flexible publication options, and accelerated approval mechanism, it supports creators and businesses seeking fast and reliable protection for both physical and digital designs. For companies expanding in Southeast Asia, securing industrial design rights in Singapore ensures a strong foundation for innovation and commercial success.
(Image sourced from the official website of the IPOS)