Trademark registration in Singapore

Last updated 4 November 2026

IPOS charges S$280 per class to file a trade mark when every goods or services description comes from its pre-approved Classification Database, and S$410 per class when any description does not. A clean application takes about 9 months. Protection lasts 10 years from the filing date. Fees checked November 2026 on the IPOS fees page, last updated by IPOS on 3 September.

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How much does it cost to register a trademark in Singapore?

The official fee is charged per class of goods or services. The Nice Classification has 45 classes, so a brand sold as both clothing and an online shop needs two.

The S$280 rate applies when the application is filed online through IPOS Digital Hub. IPOS pushes the database hard, since it also cuts objections and processing time.

At least one provider page in the search results still shows an older, lower renewal fee. The figure on IPOS's own page at the check date is S$480 per class. If a quote shows another number, ask which fee schedule it uses.

What are the steps to register a trade mark?

1. Check the mark meets the criteria. IPOS says it must be capable of being shown graphically, be distinctive, not be only descriptive of the goods or services, not be customary in trade, and not clash with an existing mark.
2. Search for similar marks. Use the Similar Mark Search on IPOS Digital Hub, the IPOS online portal. A similar mark for similar goods can lead to an objection.
3. Pick your classes and descriptions. Use the pre-approved database to keep the fee at S$280 and cut the risk of objection.
4. File Form TM4 and pay. You file online and pay per class.
5. Examination. IPOS checks the application and gives a filing date once the essentials are in. If it objects, it sends an examination report.
6. Reply within 4 months. You can argue in writing, amend the application with Form TM27 or ask for a hearing. The 4 months can be extended with Form CM5.
7. Publication. An accepted mark is published in the Trade Marks Journal for 2 months, when anyone can oppose.
8. Registration. With no opposition you receive a certificate and 10 years of protection.

How long does it take?

IPOS says about 9 months for an application with no deficiency, objection or opposition. A reply to an examination report, a hearing or an opposition each adds time, and IPOS suspends the application while an opposition runs. The accelerated route under SG Trade Marks Fast only speeds up the first examination stage, and it costs extra.

If you do not answer an examination report in time, IPOS treats the objected goods or services as withdrawn. If every item is objected, the whole application is treated as withdrawn.

Who can apply, and do you need an agent?

The IPOS pages read for this guide set no nationality rule. A company, a sole proprietor or an individual can file. IPOS says engaging professionals is not a requirement, and that the Registry of Trade Marks gives no legal advice on whether your mark is registrable.

An agent or lawyer is worth the fee when the mark is close to existing ones, the goods are hard to classify, or the brand is central to the business. IPOS does not set agent fees. Ask two or three firms for a fixed quote that states what is included in the IPOS fees and what is extra.

Does a company registration protect the brand name?

No. ACRA registers companies and business names. IPOS registers trade marks. They are separate registers, so holding a company name does not give you a registered trade mark. If the name matters to your business, file the trade mark early, ideally while you set up the company. See company registration and setting up a company.

How do you renew a trade mark?

You can file renewal from 6 months before the 10 years end. On time it is S$480 per class. If you miss the date, late renewal is S$700 per class, and restoring a lapsed registration is S$770 per class. Put the expiry date in your company records and give the corporate secretary the reminder. See corporate secretary.

What about protection outside Singapore?

You can file in each country separately, or file one international application under the Madrid Protocol, which WIPO administers. You need a Singapore application for the same mark first. IPOS charges a S$250 administrative fee on the international registration form, and WIPO charges Swiss franc fees on top.

Why do applications run into trouble?

• Descriptive names. A mark made only of words like "best" or "cheap" does not pass.
• Similar existing marks. The search on IPOS Digital Hub shows this before you pay.
• Free-text descriptions. Descriptions outside the pre-approved list cost S$410 and invite objections.
• Missed deadlines. The 4 month reply window is firm unless you extend it with Form CM5.
• Wrong classes. Protection covers only the goods and services you list.

Total spend for a typical filing is the IPOS fee times the number of classes, plus any agent fee. Compare it with the rest of your start-up budget in company formation cost.

Want a provider to file the mark? Use the quote form on this page and tell us the brand, the goods or services and the countries you want covered. We pass the request on and you compare what comes back.

Sources

• IPOS, trade mark forms and fees: https://www.ipos.gov.sg/about-ip/trade-marks/forms-and-fees/ (all fees in the table, acceleration, Madrid fee).
• IPOS, how to register trade marks: https://www.ipos.gov.sg/about-ip/trade-marks/how-to-register/ (criteria, steps, 9 months, 4 month reply, 2 month publication, 10 year term, professional help).
• IPOS, introduction to trade marks: https://www.ipos.gov.sg/about-ip/trade-marks/introduction-trade-marks/ (term of protection, TM and registered symbol).