INFORMATION FROM THE EPO
Singapore - New Patents Act
A new Patents Act entered into force for Singapore on 23 February 1995 and Singapore joined the PCT with effect from this date.
The new law provides for the independent grant of patents in Singapore. Applications are subject to search and examination but, as an alternative to requesting a search in Singapore, it is provided that search results from prescribed corresponding applications, including European patent applications filed in English, may be relied upon. Details of the corresponding application must be filed with the Singapore Patent Office within 16 months of the filing, or priority date (see sections 29 and 30 of the Act).
It is also provided that if the corresponding application results in the grant of a patent within 22 months of the filing or priority date, a certified copy of the granted patent may be filed in lieu of requesting examination in Singapore.
Transitional provisions allow UK patents and European patents (UK) granted after 23 February 1992 but before 23 February 1996 to be registered under the old rules provided a request is made before 23 February 1997.
For UK patent applications and European patent applications designating the UK filed before 23 February 1995, it is necessary to file a corresponding patent application in Singapore under the provisions of the new Act before 23 February 1996.