IPOS announces new IPOS Digital Hub from 4 May 2022, process changes and fee updates from 29 April 2022

7 April 2022

(On 28 April 2022, IPOS announced that it will be launching IPOS Digital Hub on 2 June 2022, instead of 4 May 2022. Please click here to read our latest article on this development).

On 4 May 2022, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (“IPOS”) will launch a new intellectual property (“IP”) filing system, IPOS Digital Hub, which will replace the existing e-services platform, IP²SG. Users of the new IPOS Digital Hub can expect an improved user interface and an enhanced search function. There will also be features for IP management and more support for IP dispute resolution processes, among others. IPOS will provide more information on the IPOS Digital Hub in a subsequent circular and organise complimentary information sessions in April 2022 to familiarise users with the new functions and features.

In tandem with the launch of the IPOS Digital Hub, IPOS is also introducing process changes to improve business-friendliness and operational efficiency and fee updates. The process changes and fee updates will generally come into effect on 29 April 2022. Along with the Intellectual Property (Amendment) Act 2022, various IP subsidiary legislation will be amended to support the process changes. The IP subsidiary legislation amendments will also be communicated once they are finalised.

On 11 March 2022, IPOS issued various circulars titled “IPOS Digital Hub, Legislative Amendments and Fee Updates” in relation to patents, trade marks, registered designs, geographical indications and plant varieties protection. Details of key process changes as well as form/fee updates are listed in Annex A and Annex B of the circulars, respectively. The circulars are available on the IPOS website www.ipos.gov.sg as follows:

• Circular No. 1/2022: Introducing IPOS Digital Hub, Legislative Amendments and Fee Updates (Registry of Patents)
• Circular No. 2/2022: Introducing IPOS Digital Hub, Legislative Amendments and Fee Updates (Registry of Trade Marks)
• Circular No. 1/2022: Introducing IPOS Digital Hub, Legislative Amendments and Fee Updates (Registry of Registered Designs)
• Circular No. 1/2022: Introducing IPOS Digital Hub, Legislative Amendments and Fee Updates (Registry of Geographical Indications)
• Circular No. 1/2022: Introducing IPOS Digital Hub, Legislative Amendments and Fee Updates (Registry of Plant Varieties Protection)