Singapore: From application to grant in six months

On 4 May 2020, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) launched the new "SG Patent Fast Track Programme" which provides applicants an opportunity to have a patent granted in as fast as 6 months from filing in the ideal case. The programme runs as a pilot project for an initial period of two years until late April 2022. It replaces the previously existing fast track options for patents related to FinTech (FTFT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI²).

The new programme is eligible for patent applications in all technical fields meeting the following requirements:

• The application must be a first filing in Singapore, i.e. the programme is not available for PCT applications entering the national phase or filings based on a foreign priority.
• The application may not include more than 20 claims.
• The overall number of applications under the new fast-track scheme will be limited to a 5-10 applications per month based on a "first come, first served" scheme.

Applicants are requested to submit the examination request on the filing day and to provide a cover letter stating the reasons for accelerating the examination.

Fast-tracked applications in Singapore will still be published before grant, i.e. much earlier than the usual 18 months from filing.

For further information, please refer to IPOS Circular 2/2020 and information on IPOS' website on accelerated programmes.