Advantages of Trademarks

A trademark represents a brand and is legally recognized as a form of intellectual property. Registering a trademark provides several key advantages. Successful trademark registration grants exclusive rights, ensuring no one else can use the trademark without consent and preventing similar trademarks from being registered and used again.

• Market Seizure: Trademark registration helps create a brand and secure market share.

• Infringement Prevention: Once registered, a trademark can use the R label and is protected by law, preventing unauthorised use and competition infringement.

• Brand Recognition: Consumers recognise and trust a trademark associated with a reliable brand.

• Longevity: In Singapore, a trademark registration is valid for 10 years from the application date and can be renewed indefinitely in 10-year periods.

Types of Registrable Trademarks

• Trademarks: The most common type, used to distinguish goods or services from those of others.

• Collective Marks: Used to differentiate the goods or services provided by members of an association or group of traders from those provided by non-members.

• Certification Marks: Used to distinguish goods or services that meet certain standards set by the mark owner from those that do not.

Specific Requirements for Registered Trademarks

• Graphic Elements: Trademarks must include graphic elements such as words, names, acronyms, letters, numbers, devices, colors, combinations or shades of colors, sounds, signatures, labels, tickets, three-dimensional forms, or their packaging, and any combination of these attributes.

• Distinctiveness: The trademark must be able to represent its own products and distinguish them from those of other companies.

• Non-Similarity: The trademark must not be confusingly similar to an already registered trademark.

Trademarks That Cannot Be Registered

• Descriptive Marks: Marks that describe qualities (e.g., “superior”), quantities (e.g., “a dozen”), values (e.g., “cheap”), intended uses (e.g., “cleaner”), or geographic origins.

• Generic Terms: Industry-general terms such as “laptop,” “watch,” or “tweet.”

• Contrary to Public Policy or Morality: Marks that are offensive or immoral, such as “profanity.”

• Deceptive Marks: Trademarks that mislead consumers.

• Confusing Marks: Trademarks likely to cause confusion with existing ones.

Choosing Move2SG

Move2SG provides comprehensive support throughout the Singapore Trademark Application process. Our services include:

• Assisting in the preparation and submission of all required documents.

• Ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.

• Offering expert guidance to ensure a smooth and efficient application process.

For personalized support and expert advice, please contact us.