The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has launched a new pilot initiative to encourage use of the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programme. From 15 September 2025 to 31 December 2027, applicants who file a PPH request together with a search and/or examination (S&E) request will be eligible for a 30% refund on official fees.
Key Details:
Applicants can receive refunds of S$615 for a full search and examination request, or S$426 for an examination-only request. For PCT national phase applications where IPOS established the ISR/IPER, the refund is S$315. To qualify, the PPH request must be filed within the pilot period, and examination must not have started at the time of request.
How to Apply:
There are two simple ways to apply. At the time of filing the S&E request, select the “ASPEC/PPH” checkbox on Patents Form 11 or 12 and attach the necessary PPH documents. If the S&E request has already been filed but examination has not yet begun, applicants can email PT_acceleration@ipos.gov.sg with the subject line “PPH acceleration requested”, stating the application number and any required claim amendments.
Upon acceptance of the PPH request, IPOS will automatically process the refund, which applicants can expect to receive within 1 to 2 months.
Benefits of the PPH Programme:
The PPH programme offers significant advantages, including a high patent grant rate of 94% in Singapore, a faster first office action typically issued within 10 months of the request, and a streamlined process where about 70% of patents are granted at the first office action. Singapore's extensive PPH network includes over 30 global partners, such as the patent offices of China, Japan, Korea, the US, and the European Patent Office.
Other Acceleration Options:
IPOS continues to offer a suite of other acceleration programmes, including SG Patents FAST, the ASEAN Patent Examination Co-operation (ASPEC), and Collaborative Search and Examination (CS&E) programmes with Vietnam and Indonesia.
This pilot initiative underscores IPOS's commitment to supporting businesses with more efficient and cost-effective patent prosecution pathways.
Source: https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/61/a8f60347-b64a-4ecb-a034-f79a7b1ebd49/circular-no-4-2025.pdf
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