innovation · profile ipos is … not your typical intellectual property (ip) office. ... ms sreeja...

1Annual Report 2017/2018

INNOVATIONA New Frontier of IdeasA n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 1 7 / 2 0 1 8

Annual Report 2017/20182 3Annual Report 2017/2018

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INNOVATION IS COMMUNITY

INNOVATION IS GROWTH

INNOVATION IS CONNECTIVITY

INNOVATION IS SUCCESS

Contents

FOREWORD BY CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

INNOVATION IS WHO WE ARE

CORPORATE PROFILE

STATISTICS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ORGANISATION CHART


FOREWORD BY CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Our global economy is increasingly driven by the ownership and effective deployment of intangible assets. In terms of dollar value, the value of intangible assets globally has tripled in the last decade, closing in to almost US$50 trillion as of 2016. At the same time, Asia is growing as a centre for innovation. In 2017, 4 out of 10 research and development dollars were spent in Asia, and 6 out of 10 IP filings originated from Asia. In terms of growth potential, the path ahead for the future of the global economy is clear, and Singapore is well placed to contribute strongly to it.

One of the key strategies recommended by the Committee on the Future Economy (CFE) for our next phase of economic growth was innovation. Our response to this was to update our IP Hub Master Plan (first announced in 2013) in April 2017. The updated plan broadens our focus to IP commercialisation and focuses on helping enterprises use IP for business growth.

To support the CFE vision of a vibrant future economy driven by innovation, IPOS has also been systematically transforming itself from a national IP office and regulator to an innovation agency of consequence.


Building Singapore’s innovation ecosystemOver the past year, IPOS has launched fresh initiatives to build and facilitate Singapore’s innovation ecosystem. These initiatives aim to hone the competitive edge of enterprises in industries that vary from design to financial technology (FinTech).

One such initiative is the FinTech Fast Track programme. The accelerated patent application-to-grant process will see FinTech patents granted in as quickly as six months. This further sets Singapore apart as a FinTech Hub with strong IP offerings. By looking at IP from a strategic business angle and introducing pro-enterprise initiatives, IPOS is catalysing the innovation ecosystem and helping businesses reap the fruits of their ideas faster.

IPOS is also growing Singapore’s pool of IP specialists. IP professionals today must be conversant in legal and technological fields but also possess savvy business acumen, accompanied by strategic IP management skills. In January 2018, we opened applications for the second intake for the Master of IP and Innovation Management graduate programme and are happy to announce that enrolment has significantly increased by 33% from 2017.

Singapore’s robust, and balanced IP regime is already recognised as one of the best in the world, and we continuously upgrade our IP laws to ensure we stay ahead of the game. Last year, the Registered Designs Act was updated to ensure our design protection regime remains relevant and useful to businesses. It will allow designers to claim broader protection over their creative works, and encourage them on their innovation journey. In February 2018, we also set the local design community abuzz with the launch of the inaugural Registered Designs (RED) Programme, showcasing the talents and creations of our local designers and creators, and getting them ready to develop the right IP strategies to grow their businesses.

“From Singapore, Through Singapore” With Asia now as the fastest growing region for innovation and IP activities, Singapore is well-positioned at the crossroads between the West and the East to maintain its status as the foremost IP Hub in the region. We are proud to be ranked amongst the top in many international rankings and studies of national legal, IP and innovation ecosystems. For example, Singapore was ranked 3rd on the Bloomberg 2018 Innovation Index, ahead of European countries like Germany and Switzerland. Beyond IP, our legal, finance, business infrastructure and manpower are also regarded as world-class.

Innovation is a collaborative effort that potentially transcends national boundaries. IPOS has built an extensive network of connections with IP and innovation offices around the world that covers 150 markets and 80 jurisdictions. We continue to have strong ties with well-established IP Offices such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Japan Patent Office and the China National Intellectual Property Administration, as well as in offices in regional economies such as Vietnam’s National Office of Intellectual Property and Indonesia’s Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP). These networks are essential in facilitating innovation flows between the respective countries. By easing enterprise access to global markets, we are anchoring Singapore’s position as an attractive destination where ideas from anywhere in the world can take flight and flourish.

Moving Singapore to the innovation frontier is about building the right structures, expertise, processes and stakeholders to make it happen. Our ambition is to create a dynamic innovation ecosystem where local innovators will use their IP to expand their businesses beyond Singapore, and foreign enterprises will use Singapore as a base to commercialise their IP to access growth markets in Asia and beyond. We have coined this to be the “from Singapore” and “through Singapore” strategy.

AppreciationAs IPOS continues its transformation, we are thankful for the support from our Board of Directors and the Ministry of Law. We are also fortunate to have very strong partners and stakeholders from the public and private sectors, within Singapore and globally, to work closely with us to build Singapore’s innovation ecosystem. And of course, IPOS could not have achieved what it has without the extraordinary energy and effort of everyone in the IPOS Family, including our subsidiaries: the IP Academy, IP ValueLab and IPOS International.

We at IPOS look forward to build upon the growth of 2017 and play our part to transform Singapore’s future economy for the benefit of generations to come.


BOARD OFDIRECTORS

Dr Stanley LaiChairmanIPOSPartner and Head of IP PracticeAllen & Gledhill LLP

Han Kok JuanDeputy Secretary Ministry of Law

Abhijit GhoshPartner, International Tax PricewaterhouseCoopers

Douglas FooExecutive Chairman Sakae Holdings

Ali Ijaz AhmadCo-Founder and CEO Makara Capital

Daren TangChief Executive IPOS

Dr Lim Kuo-YiManaging Director Monk’s Hill Ventures

Sim Feng-JiDirector, Resource Division Ministry of Trade and Industry

Prof Tsui Kai ChongProvost Singapore University of Social Sciences

Audrey YapManaging Partner Yusarn Audrey

Eric TeoAdjunct Associate Professor, Division of Accounting, Nanyang Business School Nanyang Technological University

Suresh SachiDeputy Managing Director (Corporate & Legal) and General Counsel Agency for Science, Technology and Research

Tan Min-LiangCEO Razer Inc.

Neo Gim HuayManaging Director, Enterprise Development and Managing Director, Sustainability Temasek International


Assistant Chief ExecutiveTan Shau En2

Note:1 Ms Chiam Lu Lin is also holding concurrent appointment as Executive Director, Strategy, IPA2 Mr Tan Shau En is also holding concurrent appointment as CFO, IPOS and Executive Director, IPVL3 Internal Audit Department reports to IPOS Audit Committee

CommercialisationCluster

Finance

IP Management (Government)

IP Management& Markets

Corporate Services Cluster

Human Capital

Information Technology

Knowledge & Workspace

Legal

as of 1 May 2018

ORGANISATION CHART BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Assistant Chief ExecutiveWoo Yew Chung

Chief Executive / RegistrarDaren Tang

Principal Consultant Chiam Lu Lin1

Internal AuditDepartment3

Hearings & Mediation

International Engagement

Innovative Solutions

Media & Communications

Partnership & Programme

Strategic Planning & Policy

Assistant Chief ExecutiveNg Kok Wan

Chief Executive OfficeDepartments

Registries Cluster

Registries of Patents,Designs & Plant Varieties

Registry of Trademarks

Members of theIPOS Family

IP Academy (IPA)

IPOS International (IPOS-I)

IP ValueLab(IPVL)


Daren TangChief Executive/Registrar

Tan Shau EnAssistant Chief Executive (Commercialisation)Chief Financial Officer (IPOS)Executive Director (IP ValueLab)

Kenneth KohHead (Internal Audit)

Chiam Lu LinPrincipal Consultant (IPOS)Executive Director, Strategy (IP Academy)

Woo Yew ChungAssistant Chief Executive (Corporate)

Ng Kok WanAssistant Chief Executive (Registries)

Dexter TeoExecutive Director (IPOS International)

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Chig Kam TackDirector (Knowledge & Workspace)

Kelvin KeeDirector (International Engagement)Director (China Representative Office)

Kok Kitt-WaiExecutive Director, Programmes (IP Academy)

Hazel MoiDirector (Information Technology)

Isabelle TanDirector (Trademarks)

Trina HaDirector (Legal)Head (IP Management – Government)

Mark LimDirector (Hearings & Mediation)

Dr Bernard OngDirector (Strategic Planning & Policy)Director (Partnership & Programme)

Alfred YipDirector (Patents, Designs & Plant Varieties)

William LimDirector (Media & Communications)

Ong Lay SeeDirector (Human Capital)

Sharon Wong ThorpeDirector (Innovation Solutions)

Sharmaine WuDirector (IP Management & Markets)


CORPORATE PROFILE

IPOS is …Not your typical intellectual property (IP) office.

We are an innovation agency that uses our deep IP expertise and global networks to grow our enterprises beyond Singapore’s shores.

We are passionate about ideas that transform our world. We transform good ideas into great products and services ready for the global market.

We are focused on business success for our enterprises. We enable businesses to scale up by realising the potential of their intangible assets, commercialising them and growing through IP management and innovation strategies.

An IP office for the future, we are building the innovation ecosystem for Singapore’s future economy where today’s ideas become tomorrow’s assets.

Ideas Today. Assets Tomorrow.

OUR SUBSIDIARIES IP Academy Singapore is the education and training arm of IPOS. IP Academy aims to be a leading centre for excellence in IP and innovation education, with a mission to grow a vibrant network of skilled IP and innovation professionals and users through quality education. IP ValueLab empowers businesses to maximise the value of their intangible assets, driving exponential growth and profits. As the enterprise engagement arm of IPOS, it delivers IP management solutions to help businesses gain a competitive edge in their innovations. To offset the costs of these engagements, it administers Enterprise Singapore’s Collaborative Industry Projects grant to qualifying companies. IP ValueLab is also a partner of the Makara Innovation Fund, and facilitates IP business due diligence and advisory.

IPOS International is the international arm of IPOS. Appointed as an International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authority by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), IPOS International has over 100 patent examiners with a heavy concentration of Ph.Ds in different areas of technology and science. It is ISO 9001 accredited for its patent search and examination services. IPOS International’s services include patent search and examination, customised searches, and bespoke patent analytics and technology intelligence reports for informed decision making.

VISIONA global partner for an IP-driven economy

MISSIONWe foster innovation and creativity by building a vibrant and robust IP-enabled ecosystem for Singapore’s future growth.

CORE VALUES Integrity Professionalism Teamwork People-focused

https://www.ipacademy.com.sg/

https://www.ipvaluelab.com.sg/

http://iposinternational.com/

Annual Report 2017/2018 Annual Report 2017/201816 17

IPOS brings together the IP & innovation communities in Singapore.

INNOVATION ISCOMMUNITY

Ideas Today. Assets Tomorrow. 17

STRIVING TO SERVE THE PUBLIC BETTERMs Samantha Yio was privileged to have been the first representative of an ASEAN IP office to participate in a Fellowship programme with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The 2-year secondment allowed her to have a better understanding of how the international trademark regime operated. “After returning, you have the advantage of understanding complex applications and work processes from a wider perspective.” The experience also served as a bridge between IPOS and WIPO and paved the way for constructive dialogue. “It was a good opportunity to refine the practices back at the Trade Mark Registry. We are able to anticipate our customers’ needs to serve them better,” she added.

Ms Sreeja Sasindran

Ms Samantha Yio

VIRTUALLY THERE FOR IPOS CUSTOMERSIP2SG is a one-stop online portal that innovators use daily for IP transactions and searches – and Ms Sreeja Sasindran is the woman who keeps the system up and running smoothly. Her work can be challenging, but what keeps her going is her self-professed love for IT systems. "I'm intrigued by how users interact and behave with systems.” Her love of her work spurs her on as she continues to work on IP2SG and other platforms for our customers. “It gives me satisfaction to bring a system online successfully, like when we launched MyInfo (a one-stop data platform for government e-forms) for the customers.”


WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DAY 2017: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. INNOVATIVE ECONOMY.World Intellectual Property Day (WIPD) 2017, which took place on 26 April 2017, paid homage to the design and innovation communities. Themed “Intellectual Property. Innovative Economy”, the day highlighted the role IP plays in powering innovation and creativity in today’s economy.

Design took centre stage as Ms Indranee Rajah, then Senior Minister of State for Finance and Law, announced the Registered Designs (Amendment) Bill, that allows more designers to protect their creative works. Furthermore, she presented trade mark certificates to local creators that took part in the Mark Your Trade initiative, a pilot programme for budding creators-entrepreneurs to grow the value of their brand through IP such as trademark registration.

IPOS also took the opportunity to announce our collaboration, through our subsidiary IP ValueLab, with the one-billion dollar Makara Innovation Fund, a private equity investment fund aiming to grow IP-rich and high-growth potential companies.

IPOS and the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) also inked a new Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in driving enterprise growth through IP and innovation. The deepened engagement between both organisations will help more than 25,000 SBF member companies gain direct access to IPOS’ suite of IP services, such as training, executive education and complimentary IP clinics.

IP WEEK @ SG 2017: IDEAS TO ASSETS – DRIVING THE FUTURE ECONOMY WITH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYOver 3,000 participants from 40 countries attended IP Week @ SG 2017, which took place on 29 and 30 Aug. Singapore’s premier international IP event brought together thought leaders and key decision makers from the IP and innovation ecosystem to explore the theme, “Ideas to Assets – Driving the Future Economy with Intellectual Property”. This sixth edition celebrated the important role IP plays in transforming ideas into economic assets that build our future. IP Week @ SG 2017 also saw the success of the inaugural Connections @ IP Market Place, a business-meets-service provider platform which created opportunities for tailored networking and transactions over 100 meetings.

Mr K ShanmugamMinister for Home Affairs and Law,

Guest of Honour for IP Week @ SG 2017

Innovation is more than creativity or invention. It is also about bringing new ideas to the market,

transforming the ideas into intangible assets. And then protecting them, using them, in a company

in terms of its knowledge base; and of course companies will then hope to get an edge in a

competitive field.


ENCOURAGING CONTENT CREATION THROUGH IP MANAGEMENTContent creation and IP are closely intertwined in today's digital age of fast uploads and downloads. StoryDrive Asia, a two-day symposium for writers and publishers, was held at IP101 by the Singapore Book Publishers Association and Frankfurter Buchmesse (organisers of the Frankfurt Book Fair) on 13 Nov 2017. Writers and publishers networked and gained insights in the publishing industry. The symposium highlighted different avenues for creators to monetise their content from rights strategy to cross-media sales.

In the opening keynote, Chairman of IPOS Dr Stanley Lai shared how Singapore is well-positioned as an IP hub for ideas and innovation. “IP trade has picked up dramatically in recent years. I urge everyone here to keep a lookout for opportunities on the market … never before have we been presented with so many platforms for creation and distribution.”

TAKING PART IN RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND ENTERPRISE EFFORTSIP is an integral part of Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) efforts. In support of Singapore’s RIE ecosystem, IPOS co-chairs the IP Working Group with the National Research Foundation (NRF). Starting from August 2017, the Working Group guides the implementation of the National IP Protocol, which sets out guidelines on how to manage IP generated from publicly-funded R&D. This makes it easier and faster for both the public and private sectors to commercialise the IP from publicly-funded R&D projects. The end goal? Innovations that have been translated into novel products and services that have economic and social value for Singapore.

BRINGING PATENTS CLOSER TO THE PUBLICWith the launch of the Patents Open Dossier, the public is now able to easily and quickly access published patent documents lodged on or after 14 February 2014 under the positive grant system. Users can view, retrieve and monitor the patent profiles relevant to them. IPOS also created a Patents Formalities Manual to provide applicants with a simple self-help guide on the requirements and processes for patent filings. These initiatives aim to make it effortless for the public to access patents with IPOS.

COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE ON IP MANAGEMENTThe Community of Practice (COP) was reinvigorated by IPOS on 26 Apr 2017 as a follow-up to the call by the Committee on the Future Economy (CFE) for better IP management by public agencies. The COP brings these agencies together to exchange views on wide-ranging topics and themes relating to innovation practices and IP management by conducting thrice yearly sessions. Topics and challenges across the whole gamut of IP management relevant to public agencies feature prominently, such as IP management and commercialisation, licensing and valuation of government IP, and the implementation of the National IP Protocol. With the support of many public agencies, IPOS has successfully conducted four COPs to date, including one hosted by the Housing & Development Board.

At the 3rd COP themed “Commercialisation-Driven Ideas:

Implementing an Endgame”, the Housing & Development Board and National University Health

System shared IP management and commercialisation case studies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeYJIFCc1ws

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeYJIFCc1ws

https://www.ipos.gov.sg/docs/default-source/resources-library/patents/infopacks/patents-formalities-manual-(1-aug-2018).pdf


IPOS' tools and services enable businesses and innovators to expand by tapping on a world of opportunities.

INNOVATION ISGROWTH

A diagnostic tool to ascertain the agency’s IP management (IPM) health status

A focus group facilitation tool that can be used to harness insights from the agency on a myriad of IPM issues

PARTNERING PUBLIC AGENCIES IN IP MANAGEMENT AND COMMERCIALISATIONIP generated from publicly-funded R&D can greatly benefit Singapore enterprises and catalyse industry innovation and growth. IP Management (Government) (IPMG) was set up in August 2017 to partner public agencies on their journey towards effective management of IP to maximise value capture for Singapore. In line with the principles of the National IP Protocol that came into force in April 2018, IPMG’s team of IP Strategists provides a suite of services designed to address IP management (IPM) issues at each stage of the innovation lifecycle. Such services include IP stocktake, reviewing or drafting of IP policy, processes and tools, and advisory on IPM issues in R&D projects.

IPMG’s proprietary tools to assist public agencies include:


PROVIDING CUSTOMISED IP SOLUTIONS FOR INNOVATIVE BUSINESSESIn April 2018, Innovation Solutions Department (ISD) was set up to strengthen IPOS’ ability to provide tailor-made IP solutions, and to develop long-term strategic partnerships with businesses. ISD engages local and international customers to understand their specific IP requirements, and works closely with IP Academy, IPOS International and IP ValueLab to customise solutions to meet these needs. This framework allows IPOS to offer a comprehensive suite of IP services – ranging from patent searches and IP management, to advanced capability building – as a cohesive, business-friendly solution.

PUTTING FINTECH PATENTS ON THEFAST TRACKIPOS launched a FinTech Fast Track initiative to support the growth of Singapore’s financial technology (FinTech) sector and help businesses bring their FinTech innovations to the market more rapidly. The FinTech Fast Track provides expedited patent application-to-grant process for FinTech inventions – shortened to as fast as six months, instead of at least two years expected for normal applications.

The initiative enhances Singapore’s framework for FinTech companies, strengthening the nation’s position as the top-ranked FinTech hub in the world alongside London.

Mr Chia Hock LaiPresident of the Singapore FinTech

Association

The Singapore FinTech sector is growing rapidly. With

innovation at its heart, a swifter patent application process

will help companies come to market faster. The FinTech Fast

Track is an excellent initiative, and one that will support and

aid in further growing our community.

PREPARING IP PROFESSIONALS FOR THE GLOBAL ECONOMYIn June 2017, IPOS’ training arm, IP Academy Singapore (IPA), and one of China’s leading universities, Renmin University, entered into a strategic collaboration agreement in IP training and competency development. The two institutions will offer short training programmes for students of IPA and Renmin University.

The agreement was signed by Chairman of IPA and Chief Executive of IPOS, Mr Daren Tang (right), and Dean of Renmin University’s IP Academy, Professor Liu Chuntian, at the China IP Law Research Association Forum 2017 held in Beijing, China.

Ms Ong Ai Lian

I have been on a look-out for a (IP-related) programme that offers both legal and business

training since assuming the role of Copyright Manager

(at INSEAD). The majority of the local universities provide

programmes that focus strictly on law or business. When I heard

about this programme, I had a look at the programme content and knew without a doubt this

was exactly the kind of training I have been looking for all these years. Before joining the MIPIM

programme, I felt like a lone ranger in a profession I stumbled

into. Now I feel like I belong to an exclusive society of IP

management professionals!

In 2017, the Master of IP and Innovation Management graduate programme (MIPIM), which IPOS developed in partnership with the Singapore University of Social Sciences, welcomed its inaugural intake of students. One of them is Ms Ong Ai Lian, a Senior Copyright Manager at INSEAD. She will graduate from the programme in May 2019.

NEW SKILLSFUTURE STUDY AWARDS IN IP FOR AN INNOVATION-DRIVEN ECONOMYSingaporeans looking to advance their IP careers can now tap on the new SkillsFuture Study Awards for the IP sector. Enterprises that are already leveraging on innovation to stay ahead of the curve, will look towards upskilling their manpower with IP capabilities for Singapore's future economy. To meet the increased demand for IP professionals, up to 60 SkillsFuture Study Awards will be available for the sector.

http://www.ipos.gov.sg/protecting-your-ideas/patent/application-process/accelerated-programmes

http://www.ipos.gov.sg/protecting-your-ideas/patent/application-process/accelerated-programmes

https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/uk/Documents/Innovation/deloitte-uk-connecting-global-fintech-hub-federation-innotribe-innovate-finance.pdf

https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/uk/Documents/Innovation/deloitte-uk-connecting-global-fintech-hub-federation-innotribe-innovate-finance.pdf


GETTING SINGAPORE'S DESIGNERS RED-Y WITH THE RED PROGRAMMEIPOS ran the REgistered Designs Programme (or RED Programme) from February to May 2018 to help designers and creators develop holistic IP strategies to grow their businesses. Besides providing guidance on IP and registration of their designs, IPOS also offered multiple platforms to showcase local designs and creations. Over 30 designers have benefitted from the programme and built their businesses through innovation and smart solutions.

MAKARA INNOVATION FUND INVESTS IN MYREPUBLICSoutheast Asia’s first private equity investment fund that sources IP-driven companies internationally – Makara Innovation Fund (MIF) – invested S$70 million in home-grown telcotech player MyRepublic in Nov 2017. The IP-rich company is now better positioned to take its products and services further, compete effectively and expand globally.

The one-billion dollar private equity fund, established by Makara Capital, has a strategic alliance with IPOS through its enterprise engagement arm, IP ValueLab, to help businesses with strong IP assets go global. IP ValueLab evaluated MyRepublic’s IP portfolio to aid the Fund’s investment decisions, and recommended business strategies to increase the commercial value of its intangible assets.

Mr. Malcolm RodriguesCEO of MyRepublic

Our engagement with IP ValueLab has proven most beneficial, and we are now working closely with

MIF to implement recommended IP monetisation strategies in view

of further value creation for our investors.

Ms Yilin ChooCEO of Choo Yilin and REgistered

Designs (RED) Programme participant

I would say that IP is very, very important, especially when you are planning to go overseas. I think we

learned it the hard way as with many other brands. We had clients coming

to us, and they were highlighting these designs in the market that were so

similar to what we had actually designed five to six years ago. We went to IPOS,

and IPOS gave us a very clear road map of what we could have done and what

we could do going forward. So with this advice on how to protect our trademarks

and registered designs, that’s exactly what we did … Protecting our IP, it’s

more than protecting design, it’s also protecting the brand heritage DNA.

Mr Levon LimDesigner of SPIN and RED Programme participant

Intellectual property has never crossed my mind as I am still studying. However, after designing SPIN [a modular and flexible workspace furniture], I feel like I should look into how I could get the rights for it … IPOS helped and guided me on how I could get my design registered – or why I should get my design registered. It protects my design from my competitors. It gives me the freedom and the confidence to go into the design world, and commercialise my product without being afraid of any copyright issues.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcEZWFXGVTo

https://chooyilin.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOLw-1Oj1dU

https://www.levonlim.com/spin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOLw-1Oj1dU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcEZWFXGVTo


INNOVATION ISCONNECTIVITY

At home and abroad, new ties and strengthened partnerships with IP and innovation o�ces facilitate a flow of ideas and an exchange of expertise between Singapore and the rest of the world.

PLUGGED INTO THE RIE LANDSCAPE

When Mr Fu Zhikang was seconded to the National Research Foundation (NRF) in 2016, he managed the issuance of grants for two innovation and research-related funds. This was an entirely new job scope for him – he was previously with the International Engagement Department in IPOS – but he eventually saw how his background in IP could serve the larger Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) landscape. “When I was with NRF, I had the opportunity to understand IP issues and constraints from a national perspective. It was a privilege to be able to work with various agencies and Institutes of Higher Learning in setting up of IP processes and management. IP affects the public agencies as it impacts their operations and strategic planning.” And after his stint with the NRF, he said: “I now understand with more clarity how the different innovation engines come together to power the RIE landscape.” This knowledge has served him well in his present role as a IP Strategist with IP ValueLab.

HELPING SG COMPANIES INNOVATE BETTER“At the start, I didn't know how to get start-ups to start thinking of IP as part of their business strategy,” said Dr Terence Goh, who was part of SGInnovate from Sep 2016 to Jun 2017. So he put in time on the ground, talking to this main group of customers to understand their needs. Armed with this knowledge, Dr Goh was able to use his background as a patent examiner to better help these start-ups flourish within the innovation ecosystem. “I helped start-ups understand the technological and IP landscape around their particular product, for example, how advanced the tech is in a particular field. I also showed them what opportunities they could seize to deploy their tech, for example, in an industry where there is greatest potential for growth.” With his stint at SGInnovate, Dr Goh has shown how sound IP management could support innovation and growth.

Mr Fu Zhikang

Dr Terence Goh


AROUND THE WORLD WITH IPOSInnovation and IP transcend borders, and IPOS’ work extends beyond Singapore. By tapping on IPOS’ global networks, local businesses can ride these pathways to take their innovations to the world market.

IPOS warmly welcomed representatives of leading U.S. companies such as Oracle, Qualcomm and Time Warner, as part of the US-ASEAN Business Council’s annual Singapore Business Mission for senior executives in May 2017. The group discussed how innovative enterprises enforce and commercialise their IP from Singapore, driving economic and enterprise growth.

The first-ever Senior Examiner Training Programme between the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and IPOS took place in May 2017. Team leaders and management staff from IPOS-I learned about the leadership skills and management techniques USPTO patent managers employ, strengthening the IPOS family’s capabilities.

Learning from an exchange of ideas

In April 2017, we visited the German Patent and Trademark Office, where both offices explored working closer in areas such as the exchange of patent examiners.

IPOS also visited Fraunhofer Society, Europe’s largest application-oriented research organisation. We maintain a strong partnership with Fraunhofer. Chief Executive Mr Daren Tang sits on the Board of Fraunhofer Research Singapore Ltd, while Dr Lorenz Kaiser, then director R&D Contracts and IPR at Fraunhofer, took part in our 2nd Community of Practice on IP management at IP Week @ SG 2017.

Building closer international ties

USA

Israel

Hungary

Germany Czech Republic and Poland

BEING PART OF THE INTERNATIONAL IP COMMUNITYMs Chan Mei Hui was excited to have the chance to work for a year with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), an agency of the United Nations. Besides the opportunity to learn first-hand the Madrid System, a worldwide system for registering and managing trademarks, she added: “As an examiner, opportunities to know and work with examiners from other IP offices are limited. But being in an international community like WIPO, there are numerous such opportunities. And when we return to our national offices, we bring with us a valuable network of connections.” During her time at WIPO, she volunteered to be in the Special Madrid Programme, which was put in place to reduce the massive volume of international applications. “It was on weekends. We’re not obligated to [join], but I wanted to do my part in the international community.”

Ms Chan Mei Hui

IPOS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office in May 2017, signalling closer cooperation in the exchange of IP expertise.

New windows of opportunities

In September 2017, IPOS visited the Czech Republic and Poland, and gained fresh insight into their innovation ecosystems and business environments. Such visits enable us to build stronger relationships with these emerging innovation hubs in Europe.

Developing ties with emerging innovation hubs

We visited the Israel Patent Office, and met with representatives from the Israel Innovation Authority, Start-Up Nation Central and two technology transfer offices, Yissum Research Development Company and Ramot. The visits offered insights on the close intersection of IP and business development offices, research institutes and industry in developing a vibrant innovation landscape.

Gaining insight into new innovation landscapes


IPOS subsidiary IP Academy (IPA) and the Dubai Department of Economic Development, signed a MoU in April 2017 to train Dubai government officials in capacity building, knowledge transfer, and raising IP awareness. In a first between IPA and a partner from the Persian Gulf, IPA will develop and deliver customised IP training programmes to equip Dubai public officers with knowledge on IP policy and strategy management from the public sector’s perspective.

Following the MoU signed, Chief Executive Mr Daren Tang as Chairman of IPA hosted a visit from a delegation led by Dubai SME CEO Mr Abdul Baset Al Janahi in March 2018. IPOS Board members Mr Ali Ijaz Ahmad and Mr Douglas Foo were also involved in the discussions, which touched on topics such as utilising innovation and IP to spur the development of our small and open economies.

Supporting the growth of IP and innovation knowledge

The United Arab Emirates

Closer cooperation for greater business opportunities

Singapore took on the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2018, with innovation designated as the year’s theme for ASEAN-China cooperation. Initiatives include the establishment of an ASEAN Smart Cities Network and the creation of an ASEAN Innovation Network. Such collaboration will enhance the region’s capability to remain competitive in today’s innovation-powered economy.

IPOS visited the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO)1, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, and the National Copyright Administration of the People’s Republic of China in February 2017 and January 2018. Discussions were held on how both countries could work together to aid companies to protect and commercialise their intangible assets, especially IP, along the Belt and Road.

A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by IPOS, the Sino-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City Investment and Development Co Ltd, and Business China Singapore in August 2017. This took place at the 8th Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration Council (SGCC) meeting held in Guangzhou, Guangdong. The MoU aims to create business opportunities along the Belt and Road and to increase collaboration in innovation, research and commercialisation.

ASEAN-China Year of Innovation

In September 2017, IPOS also signed an agreement with SIPO to extend the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) arrangement to 31 August 2019. Under the PPH, patent applicants can rely on the examination results issued by one office to accelerate their patent applications filed in another office.

Singapore also hosted the IP Commercialisation along the Belt and Road Conference in August 2017, welcoming more than 100 participants. Speakers comprising IP legal practitioners, business leaders and academia from China shared insights on China’s IP developments. The event underscores the importance of IP as the key mechanism for commercialisation and exchange of technology along this 21st century Silk Road. China

Vietnam

Mr Daren Tang, Chief Executive of IPOS, attended the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) High Level Forum in Tokyo, Japan in February 2018. He was one of the panellists for the session titled “New Challenges and Initiatives on IP Policies for Promoting Innovation”. Mr Tang shared about moving towards an innovation-driven world and how IPOS can help ideas become assets.

Japan

The PhilippinesChief Executive Mr Daren Tang made an introductory call on Dr Freddy Harris, the new Director-General of the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) in March 2018. They discussed the importance of IP in today’s innovation-driven economy and the forging of an ASEAN Economic Community. In December 2017, IPOS also hosted the DGIP Patents Directorate and shared Singapore’s patent regime and our patent quality management system, recruitment and training processes.

Indonesia

Republic of Korea

Sharing IP offices’ best practices

IPOS signed a MoU with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines in October 2017. This marked the Offices’ intention to work together to encourage IP commercialisation, creating greater growth opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Collaborating to support IP commercialisation

IPOS signed a new implementation work plan with Vietnam’s National Office of Intellectual Property in November 2017 for greater cooperation in the areas of IP commercialisation, patent work sharing and IP training.

Deeper bilateral cooperation on IP commercialisation

Building a stronger regional IP network Innovative IP policies for an innovative economy

IPOS, together with the other ASEAN IP Offices, inked a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Korean Intellectual Property Office in March 2018, deepening collaboration in areas such as IP training, commercialisation and information exchange.

Note:1 As of 29 Aug 2018, SIPO has been renamed to China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).


IPOS is an award-winning IP o�ce, recognised for its contributions to the IP and innovation communities.

SUCCESSINNOVATION IS

Our Public Sector Transformation Awards winners with Chief Executive Mr Daren Tang (centre).

IPOS won 4 awards at the Public Service Transformation (PST) Awards, including the Star Service and ExCEL Innovation Projects awards, for our achievements in 2017. The PST Awards are given to public officers and agencies for excellence in service delivery, organisational practices and innovation.

Ms Cheung Kar Onn received the Star Service Individual award for her outstanding service and contributions, while Ms Lee Lily received the Star Manager Award for her dedication and leadership.

The team behind the “Mark Your Trade” initiative, which comprises Ms Nicolette Wong, Ms Alisa Yu and Ms Nurhadiana Mohammed Rahim, received the Star Service Team award for their efforts in encouraging innovation within the local community.

IPOS subsidiary IPOS International’s Technology Foresighting Unit (TFU) also clinched an award – the ExCEL Innovation Project award for their contribution to the patent analytics capability of Singapore. TFU works with the National Research Foundation and partner agencies across the four Research, Innovation and Enterprise domains to solve their organisational challenges, identify worldwide trends, spot areas of opportunity, and support Singapore’s R&D capability.

IPOS International’s Technology Foresighting Unit (TFU) won the ExCEL Innovation Project award. From left: Dr Ng Kay Siong, Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Trade and Industry, Ms Ang Wunly, Head of TFU, and Dr Sun Ting.

Ms Cheung Kar OnnStar Service Individual award winner

It is heartening and encouraging to receive the award as a recognition of the effort and hard work that all Star Service Award recipients put in to help transform

the public service and service industry.

Mr Dexter Teo Executive Director, IPOS International

Congratulations to our patent analytics team for winning the ExCEL Innovation

Project Award. Another testimony to the good work that the team has achieved since we started this journey in 2015.

Well done!


Mr Anthony TrippeManaging Director of Patinformatics,

LLC, who mentored and developed IPOS-I capabilities in patent analytics

It has been an honour, and a pleasure to work with

IPOS-I in the development of the Singapore Patent

Landscape Report. The level of dedication and professionalism

demonstrated by the organisation, and its personnel

was truly world-class. Of the report itself, I can safely say

that it is based on a rigorous, and statistically relevant

approach and is truly one of the best pieces of work in the field of patent analytics that I

have seen from a government institute.

RECOGNISED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO SINGAPORE’S INNOVATION-DRIVEN ECONOMYIPOS subsidiary IPOS International (IPOS-I) received the Stu Kaback Business Impact Award at the 2017 Patent Information Users Group (PIUG) Conference. This is the first year that the Stu Kaback Business Award has been awarded to a government-linked organisation. IPOS-I supported Singapore’s transformation into an innovation-driven economy through its “Singapore Patent Landscape Report 2014”, which was used by government organisations in their outreach and partnerships with private business enterprises to help drive R&D and business innovation.

SINGAPORE TOPS ASIA IN 2017 GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEXThe Republic ranked top in Asia and seventh globally for innovation capabilities and outcomes, according to the Global Innovation Index (GII). Singapore is the only Asian country in the global top 10, ranking ahead of South Korea (11th), Japan (14th) and China (22nd). Singapore topped the global list for innovation input, and showed marked improvement in innovation output and innovation efficiency.

AWARDED FOR BEST LEADERSHIP ENGAGEMENT WITHIN AN AGENCYIPOS won the Workplace Transformation Awards for Best Leadership Engagement Within An Agency. Presented by Deputy Secretary (Leadership), Public Service Division, Ms Ong Toon Hui, at the inaugural Public Service Workplace Transform event held on 17 Jul 2017, the award recognises IPOS senior management’s staff engagement efforts in sharing a wide range of topics from work to leisure on Workplace by Facebook. IPOS also has the highest percentage of active users.

https://www.ipos.gov.sg/docs/default-source/resources-library/patents/infopacks/singapore-patent-landscape-report-2014-(also-available-at-ipos-website).pdf?sfvrsn=2

https://www.ipos.gov.sg/docs/default-source/resources-library/patents/infopacks/singapore-patent-landscape-report-2014-(also-available-at-ipos-website).pdf?sfvrsn=2

https://www.globalinnovationindex.org/gii-2017-report


IPOS was honoured to receive the Architecture Excellence Award in the “Business Architecture” category presented by iCMG International on 13 Jul in Sydney, Australia. We were recognised for our achievements in re-engineering our business services, information, timing cycle and stakeholders for achieving business goals. This attests to our commitment to be an innovative agency that supports Singapore’s IP and innovation communities.

EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATIVE BUSINESS ARCHITECTURE

IPOS CHIEF EXECUTIVE NAMED TRADEMARK PERSONALITY OF THE YEARChief Executive Mr Daren Tang was named one of the “Trademark Personalities of the Year” by established trade publication World Trademark Review (WTR) for leading and promoting innovation at IPOS, and defining its role as an innovation agency in today’s global innovation economy. Nine other individuals and entities also received the accolade, including Alibaba Group’s Founder and Executive Chairman, Mr Jack Ma, and Velcro Companies.

Since assuming the role of Chief Executive in 2015, Mr Tang has instituted a transformation at IPOS to move beyond its regulatory role to become an innovation agency. IPOS is now deploying its deep IP expertise and networks to grow IP-intensive companies and help them take their ideas to the market.

AWARD-WINNING WORK PROCESSES FOR SPEEDIER S&E RESULTSAs an innovation agency, IPOS also looks within to see how to processes can better designed for maximum efficiency and output. IPOS’ Patent Examiners’ Workbench is a CIO Award Honouree by CIO Asia, as well as Project Management Institute (Singapore Chapter) Project of the Year Awards 1st runner up in 2017. The Workbench is used by examiners to consolidate information and collaborate more closely, making it easier and quicker for their search-and-examination work to be completed and benefiting customers.


WHO WE AREINNOVATION IS

CELEBRATING HOW WE WORK AND PLAY TOGETHER AS ONE IPOS FAMILYOur IPOS Family is made up of creative thinkers, who are passionate about IP and innovation. Every day, we roll our sleeves up and put our hands together to bring IPOS forward in our journey as an innovation agency. Equally important is the time we spend together at fun events and social activities, where team bonds are strengthened and celebrated.


STATISTICSCY2017

United States of America

7,258Japan

4,211

China

4,078

SINGAPORE’S TRADEMARK LANDSCAPE IN 2017

TOP 5 COUNTRIESSingapore

10,570

Germany

2,931

Advertising; Business Management; Business Administration; Office Functions 4,563

Scientific, Nautical, Surveying, Photographic, Cinematographic, etc. 5,335

Scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto; industrial analysis and research services; design and development of computer hardware and software3,151

Education; Providing of Training; Entertainment; Sporting and Cultural Activities3,043

Cleaning Preparations, Soaps, Perfumery, Essential Oils, Cosmetics etc2,635

TOP 5 LOCAL FILERSTOP 5 CLASSES

TWG Tea Company Pte. Ltd.

TCL Business Services Pte. Ltd.

Woh Hup (Private) Limited

Mobile Health Pte. Ltd.

Grabtaxi Holdings Pte. Ltd.


Chemistry; Metallurgy2,214

Human Necessities1,665

Performing Operations; Transporting1,265

Physics 1,359

Electricity1,242

SINGAPORE’S PATENT LANDSCAPE IN 2017

Agency for Science, Technology and Research

Nanyang Technological University

National University of Singapore

Mastercard Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.

Singapore University of Technology And Design

TOP 5 COUNTRIES


Japan

1,689

China

508

Singapore

1,609

Germany

483


3,544

SK Jewellery Pte. Ltd.

WOHA Architects Pte. Ltd.

Aspial-Lee Hwa Jewellery Singapore Pte. Ltd.

Mashizan Pte. Ltd.

Teng Huat Jewellery Pte. Ltd.


355European Union

871

France

530

TOP 5 COUNTRIES/ REGION

Singapore

611


SINGAPORE’S INDUSTRIAL DESIGN LANDSCAPE IN 2017

Furnishing493

Articles of Adornment957

Means of Transport or Hoisting500

Recording, Communication or Information Retrieval Equipment585

Clocks and Watches and other Measuring Instruments, Checking and Signalling Instruments721

Switzerland

1,063


Applications and Registrations

Note: Local includes all applications with at least one local applicant.

Applications Registrations

2016 2017 2016 2017

Trademarks Total (Class) 41,386 50,035 53,000 37,030

Local 9,752 10,570 10,432 8,595

Foreign 31,634 39,465 42,568 28,435

National 22,909 26,012 28,130 20,895

Applications filed under Madrid Protocol 18,477 24,023 24,870 16,135

Patents Total (Applications) 10,980 10,930 7,341 6,217

Local 1,601 1,609 432 414

Foreign 9,379 9,321 6,909 5,803

National 3,940 3,667 1,715 1,402

PCT applications entering National Phase 7,040 7,263 5,626 4,815

Industrial Designs Total (No. of designs) 4,459 4,740 4,481 4,620

Local 642 601 684 494

Foreign 3,817 4,139 3,797 4,126

National 1,360 1,537 1,399 1,389

Applications filed under Hague 3,099 3,203 3,082 3,231

STATISTICS 2016 - 2017International applications filed through Singapore

1 TM IA by class counts. 2 Patent registrations in force do not include patents pending restoration. Data for 2017 was extracted in Jan 2018.

Registrations in force in Singapore

Renewals filed in Singapore

2016 2017

Trademark international applications filed through Singapore as the office of origin1

931 1,018

PCT international applications filed through Singapore as the receiving office

649 664

Industrial Design international applications filed through Singapore 0 0

2016 2017

Trademarks 430,690 440,149

Patents2 48,603 49,514

Industrial Designs 21,463 24,762

2016 2017

Trademarks 21,841 28,230

Patents 45,148 47,233

Industrial Designs 1,304 1,297


Top 10 filers of applications in Singapore in 2017

Trade Marks

Patents

Rank Overall filers Number Local filers Number1 AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

US382 TWG TEA COMPANY PTE. LTD. 87

2 TARGET BRANDS, INC. US 354 TCL BUSINESS SERVICES PTE. LTD.

76

3 CHEUNG KONG PROPERTY HOLDINGS LIMITED HK

297 WOH HUP (PRIVATE) LIMITED 70

4 L'OREAL FR 134 MOBILE HEALTH PTE. LTD. 52

5 IVOCLAR VIVADENT AG LIALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED KY

131 GRABTAXI HOLDINGS PTE. LTD. 51

6 MERCK KGAA DE 127 SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS LIMITED

49

7 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V. NL 125 SATS LTD. 48

8 APPLE INC. US 124 RAZER (ASIA-PACIFIC) PTE. LTD.

47

9 KOBAYASHI PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD. JP

122 ASIA COATINGS ENTERPRISES PTE. LTD.

46

10 CP ALL PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED. TH

120 THE X-COLLECTIVE PTE. LTD. SINGAPORE TECHNOLOGIES TELEMEDIA PTE. LTD.

42

Rank Overall filers Number Local filers Number1 AGENCY FOR SCIENCE,

TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH SG

353 AGENCY FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH

353

2 NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY SG

178 NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

178

3 MASTERCARD INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED US

160 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE

143

4 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE SG

143 MASTERCARD ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD.

50

5 ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED KY

137 SINGAPORE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN

34

6 HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. CN

72 RAZER (ASIA-PACIFIC) PTE. LTD.

23

7 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS S.A. CH

68 HUAWEI INTERNATIONAL PTE. LTD.

17

8 APPLIED MATERIALS, INC. US 66 SINGAPORE HEALTH SERVICES PTE. LTD.

16

9 EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY US

64 ASLAN PHARMACEUTICALS PTE. LTD.HEPTAGON MICRO OPTICS PTE. LTD.

15

10 QUALCOMM INCORPORATED USF. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE AG CH

57 STATS CHIPPAC PTE. LTD. 10

Numbers are in Class Counts

STATISTICS 2016 - 2017

Industrial Designs

Rank Overall filers Number Local filers Number

1 THOMAS SABO GMBH & CO. KG EM

171 SK JEWELLERY PTE. LTD. 63

2 HERMES SELLIER FR 134 WOHA ARCHITECTS PTE. LTD.

56

3 PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA FR

116 ASPIAL-LEE HWA JEWELLERY SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.

44

4 SWATCH AG (SWATCH SA) (SWATCH LTD.) CHKONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V. EM

100 MASHIZAN PTE. LTD. 31

5 RICHEMONT INTERNATIONAL SA CH

82 TENG HUAT JEWELLERY PTE LTD

27

6 FLOS S.P.A. EM 81 SKJ GROUP PTE. LTD. 23

7 THE GILLETTE COMPANY LLC CH

77 LOVE & CO. PTE. LTD.NATHAN YONG DESIGN PTE. LTD.LIM JEE KENG, JAMES

19

8 SEAT, S.A. ES 75 STAR FURNITURE PTE. LTD. 18

9 AUTOMOBILI LAMBORGHINI S.P.A. IT

65 RAZER (ASIA-PACIFIC) PTE. LTD.

13

10 BIRKENSTOCK SALES GMBH DE

64 KIDS ELEMENT EDUTAINMENT PTE. LTD.

11

Top 10 filers of applications in Singapore in 2017(continued)


Applications and Registrations in 2017 according to country of applicant

Country / Economy

Trademarks Patents Designs

Applications Registrations Applications Registrations Applications Registrations

National Madrid National Madrid National PCT National PCT National Hague National Hague

Albania 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Algeria 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Andorra 4 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Angola 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Antarctica 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

Antigua and Barbuda

0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Argentina 2 0 6 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

Armenia 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Aruba 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Australia 294 1,380 215 869 32 119 9 79 50 0 58 0

Austria 8 197 6 172 18 41 7 31 0 0 0 0

Azerbaijan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Bahamas 26 11 7 4 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

Bahrain 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Bangladesh 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Barbados 5 0 10 0 8 3 0 8 5 0 3 0

Belarus 0 5 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Belgium 7 89 10 94 16 84 13 41 3 0 3 0

Belize 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

Benelux 0 585 0 295 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Bermuda 16 0 6 0 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0

Bolivia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Botswana 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Bosnia and Herzegovina

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Brazil 16 1 19 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0

British West Indies

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Brunei Darussalam

1 4 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Bulgaria 0 35 0 21 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 3

Cambodia 2 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Canada 183 33 141 24 30 58 12 48 11 0 12 0

Cayman Islands 719 2 436 7 5 150 1 11 1 0 1 0

Chad 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Channel Islands 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Chile 14 0 4 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0

China 2,036 2,042 1,530 1,343 133 375 21 218 61 0 53 0

Colombia 2 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Costa Rica 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Côte D'Ivoire 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Croatia 2 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 9


Country / Economy




Cuba 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0

Curacao 10 2 11 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Cyprus 2 73 4 38 2 10 3 5 0 0 0 0

Czech Republic 0 62 0 60 0 8 0 1 0 0 0 0

Democratic People's Republic of Korea

1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Democratic Republic of the Congo

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Denmark 6 327 26 162 6 48 4 33 3 22 2 22

Dominica 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Dominican Republic

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Dutch Antilies 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Ecuador 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Egypt 0 7 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Estonia 0 18 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 5

Ethiopia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

European Union 0 316 0 160 0 0 0 0 0 871 0 871

Fiji 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Finland 6 224 12 172 10 31 14 44 2 4 2 4

France 219 1,826 272 1,395 60 250 32 198 22 508 11 536

Georgia 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Germany 248 2,683 131 1,968 104 379 64 289 17 185 17 185

Ghana 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Gibraltar 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Greece 4 17 5 18 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

Guernsey 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0

Guatemala 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Guyana 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Holy See 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Hong Kong SAR 883 19 814 13 17 3 5 4 11 0 10 0

Hungary 9 39 2 9 0 5 1 1 0 0 0 0

Iceland 0 12 3 20 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

India 185 143 116 63 27 63 3 32 5 0 5 0

Indonesia 152 0 100 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

0 12 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Ireland 24 112 46 99 19 39 15 30 0 0 0 0

Isle of Man 42 1 31 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Israel 16 89 19 59 30 81 22 38 3 0 3 0

Applications and Registrations in 2017 according to country of applicant (continued)


Country / Economy




Italy 27 1,167 20 815 24 71 12 50 74 0 35 0

Jamaica 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Japan 2,034 2,177 1,483 1,584 412 1,277 259 1,026 212 100 214 100

Jersey 2 42 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Jordan 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0

Kazakhstan 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Kenya 0 7 0 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Kyrgyzstan 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Kuwait 8 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Lao People's Democratic Republic

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Latvia 0 29 0 6 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Lebanon 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Liberia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Liechtenstein 30 168 15 61 0 10 1 3 1 0 1 0

Lithuania 0 19 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Luxembourg 51 126 12 122 3 31 1 20 4 0 4 0

Macau SAR 9 0 11 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0

Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of

0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Madagascar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Malaysia 695 1 837 1 18 26 4 10 13 0 12 0

Maldives 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Mali 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Malta 7 18 1 27 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Marshall Islands 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Mauritius 4 5 19 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Mexico 1 33 18 1 0 5 0 1 3 0 3 0

Monaco 1 13 1 10 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0

Mongolia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Montenegro 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Morocco 0 7 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Mozambique 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Myanmar 4 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Nepal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Netherlands 72 317 48 270 30 130 15 89 1 0 1 0

Netherlands Antilles

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

New Zealand 77 211 38 145 10 41 1 12 0 0 0 0


STATISTICS 2016 - 2017Applications and Registrations in 2017 according to country of applicant (continued)

Country / Economy




Nigeria 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0

Northern Mariana Islands

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Norway 3 166 0 107 7 39 5 24 0 36 0 36

Oman 8 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Pakistan 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Panama 3 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Papua New Guinea

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Paraguay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Peru 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Philippines 21 41 24 6 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0

Poland 4 113 2 72 0 6 0 3 0 10 0 10

Portugal 0 56 4 45 2 4 2 3 0 0 0 0

Puerto Rico 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Qatar 22 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

Republic of Korea

696 633 530 399 60 145 42 90 63 11 61 11

Republic of Moldova

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Reunion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Romania 6 8 6 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0

Russian Federation

30 213 4 182 0 10 0 5 0 0 0 0

Saint Kitts and Nevis

2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Saint Lucia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Saint Vincent and The Grenadines

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Samoa 15 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

San Marino 0 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Sao Tome and Principe

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Saudi Arabia 18 0 9 0 3 34 1 34 0 0 0 0

Serbia 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

Sierra Leone 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Seychelles 15 9 13 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Singapore 10,521 49 8,535 60 1,219 390 171 243 587 24 492 25

Sint Maarten (Dutch Part)

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Slovakia 0 20 0 14 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 0

Slovenia 0 21 6 10 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 6


Country / Economy




South Africa 19 2 32 0 1 3 0 4 1 0 1 0

Spain 17 276 21 212 2 21 5 16 4 129 4 129

Sri Lanka 3 0 6 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Suriname 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Sweden 47 375 28 181 8 72 4 63 7 0 7 0

Switzerland 271 1,832 249 1,068 70 369 49 276 22 1,041 20 1,041

Syrian Arab Republic

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Taiwan 664 0 577 0 58 25 44 6 22 0 22 0

Tanzania, United Republic of

0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Thailand 337 0 256 0 3 19 0 4 1 0 2 0

The Former Yugoslav Rep of Macedonia

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Timor-Leste 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Trinidad and Tobago

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Tunisia 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Turkey 14 118 10 144 0 3 0 3 0 29 0 29

Turkmenistan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Turks and Caicos Islands

3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Uganda 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Ukraine 0 10 0 5 0 1 0 0 0 16 0 16

United Arab Emirates

213 3 77 2 1 2 0 10 2 0 2 0

United Kingdom 605 1,779 551 1,171 77 315 45 133 103 0 109 0

United States Minor Outlying Islands

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


3,839 3,419 3,091 2,190 1,107 2,437 505 1,545 184 171 175 171

Uruguay 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Uzbekistan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Vanuatu 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Venezuela 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Viet Nam 10 103 13 66 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0Virgin Islands, British

405 28 289 14 11 3 5 8 20 0 38 0

Virgin Islands, U.S.

1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

West Indies 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Yemen 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0



Class Goods and Services Number

1 Chemicals used in industry etc 680

2 Paints, varnishes, lacquers etc 254

3 Cleaning preparations, soaps, perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics etc 2,635

4 Industrial oils and greases, lubricants etc 343

5 Pharmaceutical and veterinary preparations etc 2,179

6 Common metals and their alloys etc 534

7 Machines and machine tools etc 1,037

8 Hand tools and implements (hand-operated); cutlery; side arms; razors 282

9 Scientific, nautical, surveying, photographic, cinematographic etc 5,335

10 Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments, artificial limbs etc 844

11 Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, etc 1,070

12 Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water 808

13 Firearms; ammunition and projectiles; explosives; fireworks 29

14 Precious metals and their alloys etc 816

15 Musical instruments 79

16 Paper, cardboard etc 1,409

17 Rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica etc 325

18 Leather and imitations of leather etc 1,031

19 Building materials (non-metallic); non-metallic rigid pipes for building etc 424

20 Furniture, mirrors, picture frames etc 673

21 Household or kitchen utensils and containers etc 741

22 Ropes, string, nets, tents, awnings, tarpaulins, sails etc 89

23 Yarns and threads, for textile use 38

24 Textiles and textile goods, not included in other classes; bed and table covers etc 413

25 Clothing, footwear, headgear 1,927

26 Lace and embroidery, ribbons and braid; buttons, hooks and eyes etc 147

27 Carpets, rugs, mats and matting, linoleum etc 164

28 Games and playthings; gymnastic and sporting articles etc 916

29 Meat, fish, poultry and game; meat extracts etc 1,270

30 Coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, rice, tapioca, sago, powder; salt etc 1,833

31 Agricultural, horticultural and forestry products and grains for animals; malt etc 482

32 Beers; mineral and aerated waters and other non-alcoholic drinks etc 865

33 Alcoholic beverages (except beers) etc 588

34 Tobacco; smokers' articles; matches 248

35 Advertising; business management; business administration; office functions 4,563

36 Insurance; financial affairs; monetary affairs; real estate affairs 1,830

37 Building construction; repair; installation services 1,006

38 Telecommunications 1,133

Trademark applications (by classes) in 2017 according to the Nice Classification


Top 10 Trademark classes filed in 2017

Overall filers Local filers

Rank Class Number Class Number

1 9 5,335 35 1,305

2 35 4,563 41 923

3 42 3,151 9 826

4 41 3,043 43 789

5 3 2,635 42 622

6 5 2,179 36 572

7 25 1,927 30 542

8 43 1,841 44 371

9 30 1,833 3 365

10 36 1,830 5 344

Class Goods and Services Number

39 Transport; packaging and storage of goods; travel arrangement 865

40 Treatment of materials 441

41 Education; providing of training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities 3,043

42 Scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto etc 3,151

43 Services for providing food and drink; temporary accommodation 1,841

44 Medical services; veterinary services; hygienic and beauty care for human beings etc 969

45 Legal services; personal and social services rendered by others to meet the needs of individuals etc

685

50,035

Trademark applications (by classes) in 2017 according to the Nice Classification (continued)


Class Goods Number

1 Foodstuffs 41

2 Articles of clothing and haberdashery 271

3 Travel goods, cases, parasols and personal belongings, not elsewhere specified 264

4 Brushware 104

5 Textile piecegoods, artificial and natural sheet material 87

6 Furnishing 493

7 Household goods, not elsewhere specified 395

8 Tools and hardware 101

9 Packages and containers for the transport or handling of goods 456

10 Clocks and watches and other measuring instruments, checking and signalling instruments

721

11 Articles of adornment 957

12 Means of transport or hoisting 500

13 Equipment for production, distribution or transformation of electricity 84

14 Recording, communication or information retrieval equipment 585

15 Machines, not elsewhere specified 103

16 Photographic, cinematographic and optical apparatus 54

17 Musical instruments 0

18 Printing and office machinery 22

19 Stationery and office equipment, artists' and teaching materials 192

20 Sales and advertising equipment, signs 52

21 Games, toys, tents and sports goods 284

22 Arms, pyrotechnic articles, articles for hunting, fishing and pest killing 10

23 Fluid distribution equipment, sanitary, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment, solid fuel

279

24 Medical and laboratory equipment 225

25 Building units and construction elements 228

26 Lighting apparatus 269

27 Tobacco and smokers' supplies 27

28 Pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, toilet articles and apparatus 296

29 Devices and equipment against fire hazards, for accident prevention and for rescue 8

30 Articles for the care and handling of animals 0

31 Machines and appliances for preparing food or drink, not elsewhere specified 21

32 Graphic symbols and logos, surface patterns, ornamentation 160

99 Miscellaneous 138

Note: Possible for an Industrial Design application to have more than one class 7,427

Industrial Design applications (by design counts) in 2017 according to the Locarno Classification


Top 10 Industrial Design classes filed in 2017

Patents granted in 2017 according to the International Patent Classification

Overall filers Local filers

Rank Class Number Class Number

1 11 957 11 500

2 10 721 6 205

3 14 585 25 168

4 12 500 7 113

5 6 493 21 105

6 9 456 9 102

7 7 395 2 93

8 28 296 23 70

9 21 284 3 68

10 23 279 14 67

Class Field of invention Percentage

A Human Necessities 1,665

B Performing Operations; Transporting 1,265

C Chemistry; Metallurgy 2,214

D Textiles; Paper 37

E Fixed Constructions 308

F Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons 419

G Physics 1,359

H Electricity 1,242

Note: Possible for a patent application to have more than one class.


IPOS Hearings in 2017

2016 2017

Trademarks (by class)

Intended Oppositions 469 362

Oppositions 337 199

Percentage of TM oppositions to TM published 0.68% 0.56%

Invalidations/Revocations/Rectifications 61 77

Patents

Revocations 0 3

Others* 0 0

Industrial Designs

Revocations 0 0

Trademarks (by class) Patents

Industrial Designs

Case Management Conferences 172 6 0

Pre-hearing Reviews 57 0 0

Interlocutory Hearings 5 0 0

Taxation Hearings 13 0 0

Ex Parte Hearings 3 0 0

Inter Partes Hearings

Oppositions 16 0 -

Invalidations 10 - -

Revocations 6 0 0

Appeals to the High Court / Court of Appeal 8 0 0

Intellectual Property Disputes filed with IPOS

* ‘Others’ include cases such as Patent Entitlement or Opposition to Inventorship


Application Successful Application Unsuccessful


Industrial Designs


Industrial Designs

Ex Parte Hearings 0 0 0 3 0 0

Action Successful Action Unsuccessful


Industrial Designs


Industrial Designs


Oppositions 1 0 - 10 0 -

Invalidations 1 - - 7 - -

Revocations 4 0 0 1 0 0

IPOS Decision Upheld IPOS Decision Overturned


Industrial Designs


Industrial Designs

Ex Parte Hearings 4 0 0 0 0 0


Oppositions 2 0 - 0 0 -

Invalidations 2 - - 0 - -

Revocations 0 0 0 0 0 0

IPOS Hearings Outcome in 2017

High Court / Court of Appeal Outcome in 2017


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