How to file a patent in Singapore II

In the follow up to the article How to file a patent in Singapore, we continue to provide information for our readers on filing an application.

To seek patent protection, the participant must file the application form together with the necessary supporting information and documents with the Registry of Patents, IPOS. There are four components to a patent: description, claims, drawings and abstract, and only the first three form the specification of a patent application. The information required includes the following:

• Description: The description should explain and disclose the invention in a clear and lucid manner. It should be understood by any specialist skilled in that area of the invention to perform or reproduce the invention.
• Claim(s): This section define the scope of the patent sought by the applicant. It includes the essential principles or features of the invention. Following that, the description must reinforce the claim. It is not an easy task to draft a well-crafted claim because they set out the boundaries and limits demarcated by the patent. It is important to note that in Singapore, the filing of claims is not required at the point of filing the patent application. However, they must be furnished within a prescribed period. Failure to do so, will lead to the abandonment of the patent.
• Drawing(s): The drawing(s) can be scehmatic, cross-sectional or in a form that can properly illustrate the invention. They should be furbished because they form part of the disclosure of the invention.
• Abstract: Every application must have an abstract, i.e. a summary of the invention. It is not part of the patent, but is used in the publication of the patent.

A suggestion for the inventor, is to consider seeking the services of a patent agent for his patent application. Patent applications are technical and legal documents and hence it is crucial to ensure that the patent is carefully crafted to be effective for future uses.

Do note that the processing time for an application takes about 2 to 4 years depending on the complexity of the invention, amendments to the applications and the search and examination processes.

You can download the forms in Patents Form In IPOS. The applications can submited via ePatents or use paper copies. The applicant can refer to the IPOS website (Patents > Application processes) for advice to how to file a patent.

References:
[1] IPOS Patents Infosheet, dated 14 March 2005. You should go to their website for more information. They have set up clinics for those who wish to seek advice on intellectual property issues.

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