Trademark

A trademark is an intellectual property that comprises a recognised symbol, design, or expression that identifies and differentiates products or services from a specific source. An individual, a corporate organisation, or any other legal entity can hold a trademark. For example, a trademark might be found on the packaging, a label, a voucher, or the actual product. Service marks are trademarks that are used to identify services.

What Can I Do to Safeguard My Trademark?

Trademark protection can be obtained at the national/regional level by filing a registration application with the national/regional trademark office and paying the relevant fees. In addition, you can file a trademark application with the trademark office of each country in which you want protection at the international level. 

In Singapore, you can register your trademark with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS). Before applying for trademark registration, you can check if your trademark is similar or identical to any other mark. It usually takes about 12 months for the approval to come. 

What are the Benefits of Registering a Trademark?

In theory, a trademark registration grants the owner of the trademark the exclusive right to use it. This means that it can either be used solely by the owner or licensed by another party in exchange for a fee. Also, registration gives legal clarity and strengthens the holder’s rights, for example, in the event of a lawsuit.

What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?

The duration of a trademark registration varies, although it is typically 10 years. In Singapore, too, it is valid for 10 years and can be renewed upon expiry. Trademark rights are personal property, and court rulings protect them.

What Trademarks are Available for Registration?

A trademark can be made up of a single word or a mixture of words, characters, and numbers. In addition, drawings, symbols, three-dimensional qualities such as the design and packaging of items, non-visible indications like sounds or aromas, or colour tints utilised as identifying features are all possibilities for trademarks.