Singapore Patent Steps & Timeline
Non-Convention Patent Applications


This sets out the progress of a typical application and should be taken as a guide only. Always contact us for advice relevant to your specific situation.

STEP 1: Filing Date
File Singapore patent application

STEP 2: Within 13 months of Step 1*
(i) Request search; or
(ii) Defer search until Step 4

STEP 3: 18 months from Step 1
Abstract published and file open to public inspection

STEP 4: Within 21 months of Step 1*
If option (i) followed in Step 2:

(i) request examination

If option (ii) followed in Step 2:

(ii) request combined search & examination; or

(iii) request examination based on a search report of a prescribed corresponding application; or

(iv) defer examination until Step 6 if applicant intends to rely on acceptance/grant of a prescribed corresponding application.

STEP 5
Correspondence with examiner leading to final examination report
(only if examination or combined search & examination requested at Step 4)

STEP 6: Within 39 months of Step 1
If option (iv) followed in Step 4,

(i) if any of the prescribed corresponding applications has been accepted/granted, or will be accepted/granted by 42 months of Step 1, proceed to Step 7, or

(ii) if none of the prescribed corresponding applications will be accepted/granted by 42 months of Step 1, we recommend filing a divisional application to reset the deadlines for requesting examination and grant.

As an alternative to (ii), please note that there is an option of requesting "block extension" at step 6 which delays the grant deadline by 18 months. The applicant also has an option of requesting examination together with the block extension. However, we do not recommend requesting the block extension because of high official fees. Instead, we recommend filing a divisional application which is less costly and also provides more time and options to the applicant.

STEP 7 Within 42 months of Step 1*
Pay Grant Fee and if reliance is placed on acceptance/grant of a corresponding application, file a copy of the granted application.

STEP 8: 4 years from Step 1*
Pay first annual Renewal Fee

STEP 9: One year from Step 8 and every year thereafter*
Pay annual Renewal Fee

STEP 10: 20 years from Step 1
Expiry


NOTE: These deadlines may be extendable depending upon circumstances, please contact us for details.


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Filing Requirements and Timelines - Disclaimer
IMPORTANT - Please read this disclaimer carefully as it concerns your rights.

The Filing & Prosecution Requirements and Steps & Timelines are intended to provide general guidelines only and not advice with regard to specific cases. The information given is non-exhaustive. Furthermore the relevant law and its interpretation is liable to change.

You should contact us for advice specific to your own situation. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility can be accepted by any member (firm or individual) of the Lloyd Wise Group for any inaccuracies or omissions, however caused therein. Nor can any responsibility be accepted for any loss or damage to any company or person as a result of actions taken or not taken on the basis of the Filing & Prosecution Requirements and Steps & Timelines.