The accelerated examination option in Singapore under the SG IP FAST PROGRAM is now extended for 2 years from 30 April 2022 to 30 April 2024. Click on this link to recap the timelines under the SG IP FAST PROGRAM for Patents, Trademarks and Designs.
To recap the timelines under SG IP FAST PROGRAM for Patents, Trademarks and Designs are as follows:-
Patents:
- Straightforward applications as fast as 6 months.
- Non- straightforward applications* as fast as 9 months.
*whether an application is straightforward or not is decided by the Patent Office as there is no definition of a straightforward application. Possibly it applies to an application which encounters formality objections only and has at least one patentable claim.
- From 30 April 2022 the annual cap is doubled to 120 patent applications with a cap of 2 requests per entity.
Requirements:
- the application must be first filed in Singapore with no priority claim;
- the application must not contain more than 20 claims;
- the Request for Search and Examination must be filed on the filing date of the application;
- a statement explaining the reasons for the acceleration and the technology field of the invention;
- response to a formalities adverse report must be filed within 2 weeks;
- response to a Written Opinion must be filed within 2 months; and
- there will be no extension of time.
Trade Marks:
- Straightforward trademark applications as fast as 3 months
- Non straightforward trademark applications as fast as 6 months
Requirements:
- the trademark application must be filed within 12 months of the applicant being notified that his patent application is placed on SG IP FAST;
- the application is not for a non-conventional trademark or a series mark;
- objections raised in the first office action are resolved in the first submission which must be filed within 1 month of the office action;
- response to a second office action must be filed within 2 weeks; and
- there will be no extension of time.
Designs:
- Design applications as fast as 1 month.
Requirements:
- the design application must be filed within 12 months of being notified that a patent application is placed on SG IP FAST;
- objections raised in the first office action are resolved in the first submission which must be filed within 2 weeks; and
- there is no extension of time.
Please note:
The 12-month GRANT-TO-FILE PROGRAM has ended on 30 April 2022 so that more applicants may receive their patent grants under SG IP FAST program.