The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has announced two significant initiatives to improve the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) framework, effective from mid-2026, alongside clarifying the application of the Invitation to Amend (ITA) process for PPH requests.
Accelerated First Office Action
Starting 1 July 2026, IPOS will aim to issue the first office action within six months from the date a PPH request is filed. This accelerated timeline is designed to provide applicants with greater speed and certainty in the patent prosecution process.
Simplified Payment Process (3 August 2026 – 31 December 2027)
To streamline administrative procedures, IPOS is introducing an upfront fee reduction. From 3 August 2026 to 31 December 2027, applicants who file a PPH request together with a new request for a search and/or examination report will only need to pay 70% of the prevailing official fees at the time of filing.
This replaces the previous system (Circular No. 4 of 2025), where applicants paid the full fee upfront and received a 30% rebate later. The change provides the same financial benefit but simplifies the payment process in response to feedback from applicants and service providers.
For requests made before 3 August 2026, the previous rebate system under Circular No. 4 of 2025 will still apply, and eligible applicants will continue to receive the 30% refund.
ITA Process for PPH and GPPH Applications
In a separate circular, IPOS has clarified the application of the Invitation to Amend (ITA) process—introduced on 29 April 2022—specifically for PPH and Global PPH (GPPH) requests.
Since 27 September 2023, IPOS has implemented a streamlined procedure that removes the need for applicants to withdraw and refile forms to submit amendments. Under this process:
1. An applicant files a request for search/examination.
2. The applicant then requests accelerated examination under PPH/GPPH, indicating that amendments are required to align Singapore claims with foreign allowable claims.
3. The Registrar verifies that examination has not yet commenced.
4. The Examiner assesses whether conforming the claims would resolve prescribed matters.
5. If so, the Examiner may request the issuance of an ITA instead of a written opinion.
IPOS confirms this practice complies with the Patents Act 1994 and Rules. Upon receiving an ITA, applicants have two months to respond. If unresolved objections remain, a written opinion may still be issued later.
Background and Benefits
Singapore has established a PPH network with over 30 partners, including the IP offices of China, Japan, Korea, the USA, and the EPO. Key benefits include a high grant rate (94%), faster first action timelines, and a reduced number of office actions, with approximately 70% of patents granted at first office action.
Applicants seeking even earlier search/examination reports may also explore other programmes such as ASPEC, collaborative programmes with Vietnam and Indonesia, and re-registration with Cambodia and Laos.
Source: https://www.ipos.gov.sg/about-ip/patents/circulars-and-practice-directions/
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