Accelerate Your Trade Mark Applications with SG Trade Marks Fast

The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) is accelerating the game for businesses.  

On 20 May 2025, IPOS launched the SG Trade Marks Fast program, designed to significantly speed up the examination of national trade mark applications.  

SG Trade Marks Fast streamlines national trade mark applications by aiming to deliver either the first examination report or a notice of publication (if there are no objections) within three to six weeks from filing. This acceleration specifically targets the initial examination phase. Subsequent responses to objections will not be accelerated. To qualify, the acceleration request must be submitted at the time of filing. 

This new program supersedes the SG IP FAST program, which concluded on 31 December 2024.  

• Only national trade mark applications are eligible.
• It does not apply to certification or collective marks.

Note: There is no requirement for trade mark specifications to be fully adopted from IPOS’ pre-approved Classification Database.

Promising a first examination report or publication notice within just three to six , this initiative marks a significant shift from the usual nine-month wait for straightforward applications.Beyond the speed, the program offers crucial benefits:

• Strengthen international filing strategy: While an applicant does not need to wait for an examination report to rely on a Singapore trade mark application for claiming priority, early feedback on registrability can be critical to shaping an effective global filing strategy. SG Trade Marks Fast provides the opportunity to obtain preliminary feedback on potential objections at an early stage. This can inform decisions on whether to proceed with the same mark in overseas jurisdictions or to amend, rebrand, or refine specifications before committing to costly overseas filing fees.
• Secure clearance before product launch or marketing: Accelerated examination provides a quicker way to assess the likelihood of registration, have clear branding internally or for investors and launch a product or marketing campaign with more certainty. This early insight can help businesses reduce uncertainty when finalising branding decisions, or moving forward with marketing campaigns.
• Obtain trade mark registration certificate sooner: The earlier a trade mark is published, the sooner it can proceed to registration (assuming no opposition is filed). This means faster issuance of a trade mark registration certificate, which can be essential for enforcement or customs recordals.
• Better IP Management: A clearer timeline on trade mark examination allows brand owners to better manage licensing discussions, brand rollouts and IP portfolio reviews and strategies.

The breakdown of the acceleration fees is as follows:

SG Trade Marks Fast can empower businesses with earlier certainty, greater agility, and more strategic control over their brands. For those navigating competitive markets, managing investor expectations, or preparing for global expansion, this acceleration scheme is a smart, proactive move.

More information on SG Trade Marks Fast can be found in the Trade Marks Circular No. 2/2025.

If you have any questions about SG Trade Marks Fast or are interested in exploring it as part of your business strategy, we are here to help: contact@ghowsllc.com.