One of the most dangerous myths among new business owners in Singapore is this:

“I registered my company name with ACRA, so nobody else can use it.”

This is false.

Registering your business with ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority) only gives you the right to operate under that name. It does not give you ownership of the brand. To actually own your name and logo—and stop competitors from copying it—you need a Trademark from IPOS (Intellectual Property Office of Singapore).

In this guide, we explain why your ACRA registration isn’t enough and when you should invest in a trademark.

1. The Critical Difference: ACRA vs. IPOS

Comparison of ACRA Business Registration vs IPOS Trademark Protection in Singapore

Think of it like buying a car vs. buying a license plate.

  • ACRA Registration (Business Name):

    • What it is: A legal requirement to trade in Singapore.

    • Protection Level: Weak. It only stops someone from registering another company with the exact identical name (e.g., “Excellence Singapore Pte Ltd”).

    • The Loophole: It does not stop a competitor from opening a shop called “Excellence SG” or selling products under the brand “Excellence.”

  • IPOS Trademark (Brand Protection):

    • What it is: A legal title of ownership over your brand (Name, Logo, Slogan).

    • Protection Level: Strong. It gives you the exclusive right to use that mark in your industry. You can sue others for infringement.

    • The Power: You can stop others from using even similar names that might confuse customers.

2. Do You Need a Trademark? (The 3-Point Test)

Not every small business needs a trademark immediately. Use this test to decide:

  1. Is your brand your main asset? If you are a fashion label, a tech app, or a franchise, your name is the product. You must trademark it. If you are a generic “Tan & Sons Logistics,” it may be less critical.

  2. Do you plan to expand overseas? You cannot franchise or license your brand internationally without a registered trademark in your home country first.

  3. Are you worried about “Copycats”? If seeing a competitor use a logo similar to yours would hurt your sales, you need IP protection.

3. The Cost: Is It Worth It?

In Singapore, trademark fees are relatively affordable compared to the cost of a re-branding lawsuit.

  • Government Fees (IPOS): Approximately S$280 – S$380 per class (category of goods/services).

  • Validity: It lasts for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.

4. Why You Should Not DIY Your Trademark

While it is possible to file a trademark yourself, IPOS data shows that many DIY applications face objections or rejections—and application fees are not refundable.

The process is more than just filling out a form. A single mistake in the “Classification” stage can leave your brand completely unprotected.

How Excellence Singapore Secures Your Brand:

Instead of guessing your way through the IPOS portal, we manage the entire lifecycle for you:

  1. The “Conflict” Search: We don’t just check for identical names. We perform a comprehensive search for phonetically similar marks and logos that could cause your application to be rejected 6 months down the line.

  2. Strategic Classification: Choosing the wrong “Class” (e.g., Class 35 vs. Class 42) is the #1 error beginners make. We analyze your business model to ensure your trademark protects your future revenue streams, not just your current one.

  3. Objection Management: If an IPOS examiner challenges your application (which happens frequently), our team handles the legal correspondence to defend your right to the name.

Conclusion: Protect Your Asset the Right Way

Your brand is likely the most valuable asset your company will own in 10 years. Don’t leave its protection to chance or a “DIY” attempt.

At Excellence Singapore Group, we integrate Trademark Protection into your business setup. We ensure that the name you register with ACRA is the name you actually own with IPOS.

Ready to secure your brand name? Contact us for a Professional Trademark Assessment