Patent applicants in Singapore can look forward to two new initiatives introduced by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS). These initiatives aim to reduce both the financial and administrative burdens on applicants, particularly in examination requests, ultimately streamlining the process for obtaining patents in Singapore.
Singapore’s patent application process has undergone significant simplification in recent years. Presently, applicants can either request an examination based on a suitable search report or opt for a combined search and examination request. IPOS’s newly launched initiatives are designed to further enhance this process, offering cost and time savings, especially for those dealing with Patent Co-operation Treaty (PCT) search reports.
Pilot Initiative Waiving Official Extension Fees
In a circular (No. 4/2024) issued on 19 August 2024, IPOS announced a pilot initiative that allows patent applicants to request an extension of up to 18 months to submit a search and/or examination report without incurring official extension fees. This measure will provide significant financial relief for applicants facing delays in their patent application process.
This waiver applies to cases where the 36-month deadline for requesting an examination or combined search and examination falls between 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2026. Applicants can request retroactive extensions as long as the extension request is made within 18 months of the initial due date. Even if a shorter extension has already been granted, applicants can still use this initiative to extend the remaining period at no additional cost, up to a maximum of 18 months.
Simplified Formalities for Examination Requests Based on IPOS-Established ISR
In a second circular (No. 3/2024) dated 15 August 2024, IPOS amended Rule 42(1B) of the Patents Rules, introducing simplified formalities for requesting examination based on an International Search Report (ISR) issued by IPOS under the PCT. Effective from 16 August 2024, this amendment reduces the documentation requirements for applicants.
Now, when requesting an examination based on an ISR established by IPOS as the International Searching Authority, applicants need only submit the request for examination. They are no longer required to submit additional documents such as cited patent or non-patent literature, significantly reducing the administrative burden.
These two initiatives mark another step toward a more efficient patent system in Singapore. The waiving of official extension fees and the simplification of formalities for ISR-based examination requests offer substantial advantages to patent applicants, including reduced costs and streamlined procedures. Applicants seeking patent protection in Singapore should carefully review these new rules to take full advantage of the benefits offered by IPOS.
