Singapore Intellectual Property Blog

A practical guide for foreign patent attorneys on how Singapore handles added subject matter and unsearched subject matter during patent prosecution, with real examination examples and strategic drafting advice.

TL;DR: Thinking of using PPH in Singapore after filing a request for examination? Think again.

With the patent system in Singapore currently experiencing a significant backlog in examination, it is understandable that applicants want to obtain grant as quickly as possible. Singapore’s Patent Prosecution Highway can be an effective way to accelerate examination.

IPOS currently offers an apparently attractive procedure that, in our view, carries real legal risk. Applicants and advisers should consider that risk carefully before relying on it.

This post explains the issue in practical terms and suggests how to avoid the problem.

Why a technically qualified, registered Singapore patent agent offers stronger protection than general IP lawyers, with privilege and professional safeguards under Singapore law.

I am very much looking forward to attending the CIPA Life Sciences Conference 2025 at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, the UK’s key annual gathering for life sciences patent and IP professionals.

This FAQ summarises the main points from our detailed blog article on what constitutes a patentable invention in Singapore and how exclusions are applied in practice.

For an overview of how patents work in general, see our Guide to Patent Filing in Singapore and Patents Services page.