Singapore Patent Applications Play Extra Time

Singapore has a unique patent system in which a patent will be granted even if the invention to be protected is demonstrably or arguably lacking in the novelty or inventiveness required for the patent to be valid. In Singapore, the patentee assumes the responsibility for ensuring the validity of the patent.

Every Singapore patent application, whether filed nationally or under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), is subject to an overall time limit of 42 months within which the application must be brought into order for grant. Within this period, apart from meeting certain formal, the invention must be examined for patentability under Singapore law or evidence submitted of the result of an examination of the same invention in a recognized foreign country. This is, however, not necessary if the invention has already been examined under the PCT.