You have successfully incorporated your company. You have your ACRA Business Profile and your Unique Entity Number (UEN). You think, “Great, I now own this brand name in Singapore.”

This is the most dangerous myth in Singapore business.

Registering a business name with ACRA does not give you ownership of that brand. It only prevents someone else from registering a company with the exact same name.

It does not stop a competitor from opening a shop next door with a similar name, selling similar products, and stealing your customers.

To truly own your brand, you need Singapore Trademark Registration.

The Difference: ACRA vs. IPOS

Comparison of ACRA Business Name vs IPOS Trademark Registration Singapore

To understand your rights, you must distinguish between two different government bodies:

1. ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority)

  • What you get: A Business Name.

  • Protection Level: Weak.

  • What it does: It allows you to operate a business legally. It only stops others from registering an identical company name (e.g., if “Excellence Pte Ltd” exists, ACRA will reject “Excellence Pte Ltd”).

  • What it misses: It does not stop someone from using your name as a brand on their products or signage.

2. IPOS (Intellectual Property Office of Singapore)

  • What you get: A Trademark.

  • Protection Level: Strong (Legal Ownership).

  • What it does: It gives you the exclusive right to use that mark for your goods and services. You can sue others for “Trademark Infringement” if they try to copy you.

Why You Should Register a Trademark Now

Singapore follows a “First-to-File” system. This means the first person to file the application with IPOS gets the rights—not the first person to use the name.

If you delay, you risk:

  1. Copycats: Competitors using a confusingly similar logo.

  2. Trademark Squatting: Someone else (even a disgruntled employee) could register your brand name before you do. If they succeed, they can legally stop you from using your own name.

  3. Rebranding Costs: Imagine building a reputation for 5 years, only to receive a legal letter forcing you to change your logo, website, and signboards.

How the Process Works

Trademark registration is more complex than incorporation. It involves:

  1. Classification: You must choose the correct “Class” of goods/services (e.g., Class 35 for Business Services, Class 25 for Clothing).

  2. The Search: You must check the IPOS register to ensure no one else has a similar mark.

  3. Objection Period: Once filed, your mark is published for public scrutiny. If no one objects, you receive your certificate.

Expert Tip: A registered trademark is an Intangible Asset. It adds value to your company valuation and can even be licensed (rented out) to franchisees for profit.

Conclusion: Don’t Build a House on Rented Land

Operating without a trademark is like building a house on land you don’t own. You are putting time and money into a brand that isn’t legally yours.

At Excellence Singapore, we don’t just set up your ACRA entity. Our Trademark Services Team helps you conduct the necessary IPOS searches and files your application to ensure your brand is protected from Day 1.

Secure your brand identity today. Contact us for a Trademark Consultation.