Why Speed Matters in Trademark Protection

In the tech-driven, brand-first landscape of 2025, getting your trademark through examination quickly can:

  • Secure priority against competitors

  • Support fundraising and market-entry deadlines

  • Reduce the risk of copycats while you wait for approval

The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has answered this need with a brand-new SG Trade Marks Fast scheme launched on 20 May 2025, replacing the earlier SG IP FAST pilot.

Feature Standard Application SG Trade Marks Fast
First examination report / publication ~6–8 months 3–6 weeks
Extra fee – S$200 per class (using pre-approved goods/services) or S$250 per class (custom wording)
When to request Anytime before examination starts At point of filing Form TM4
Eligible marks All national TM filings (except certification/collective marks) Same
Class cap None — fee auto-applies to every class in the filing

Eligibility Checklist

To qualify, your application must:

  1. Be a national trade-mark filing via Form TM4 (not Madrid Protocol).

  2. Not be a certification or collective mark.

  3. Include the acceleration request and fee at filing.

  4. (If you want the lower fee) adopt IPOS’ pre-approved goods & services descriptions fully.

Step-by-Step Fast-Track Process

  1. Prepare your mark — conduct clearance searches to avoid objections.

  2. Draft the goods/services list — choose pre-approved terms if possible

  3. File Form TM4 with “Request for Acceleration” — pay the standard application fee plus the acceleration fee.

  4. Receive examination outcome in as little as 3 weeks; respond promptly if objections arise.

  5. Publication for opposition follows immediately if no objections — moving you rapidly toward registration.

Pros and Considerations

Advantages

  • Protects branding in under two months

  • Aligns with funding rounds or product launches

  • Acceleration fees qualify for tax deduction/EDG funding under Singapore’s Enterprise Innovation Scheme

Points to note

  • Fee is non-refundable even if the mark later faces objections.

  • The fast-track covers up to the first examination report/publication; subsequent opposition periods still apply.

How Excellence Singapore Makes It Easy

  • Clearance search & advice to minimise objections

  • Preparing goods/service lists to secure the lower fee where possible

  • Drafting and filing Form TM4 with acceleration request

  • Handling examiner queries within the tight timelines

  • Managing oppositions, renewals, and Madrid Protocol extensions post-registration

Conclusion: Secure Your Brand — Fast

IPOS’ SG Trade Marks Fast programme lets businesses lock in trademark protection four to six times quicker than the regular route. Let our experts navigate the filing, pay the correct fees, and keep you fully compliant.

Contact us to fast-track your trademark today or explore our full suite of intellectual property services.