28 January 2025
IPOS Introduces Expedited Track for Trade Mark Disputes
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has announced a new Expedited Track for trademark opposition and invalidation proceedings, commencing 2 Jan 2025. This pilot program, limited to the first 8 cases filed, offers a streamlined process for resolving disputes more efficiently.
Benefits for IP Owners
Shortened timelines facilitate quicker decision-making for branding and commercialization strategies, potentially leading to lower legal fees. Moreover, decisions are more likely to be able to be used as precedents in other jurisdictions.
Key Features
The Expedited Track is characterized by:
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Accelerated timelines: Deadlines for evidence and arguments are around 50% more condensed than normal proceedings. Parties will have 2 months to file their evidence and 1 month for written submissions.
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Strict page limits: Evidence and arguments must also be around 50% shorter than in normal proceedings. Notably, written submissions are now limited to 25 pages. No additional submissions or supplementary bundles are allowed.
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Possible absence of oral hearings: For most cases, decisions will be made based on written submissions without an oral hearing.
Suitability
This track is best suited for straightforward disputes with minimal evidentiary requirements, such as those involving a simple mark for mark comparison as well as those involving non-distinctiveness or descriptiveness.
As no cross-examination will be allowed, this track is not suitable for cases involving allegations of bad faith.
Considerations for Parties
Both parties must agree to use the Expedited Track. This requirement for mutual consent is likely to be an obstacle in most cases.
Further, there won't be any room for delays: parties must request an extension if they're unable to meet deadlines. Failure to request an extension will lead to the matter being treated as withdrawn. Filing an extension will also cause the case to be placed back on the standard track.
Conclusion
The Expedited Track is a promising step towards a more efficient trademark dispute resolution regime, offering businesses faster, lower-cost resolutions for less complex disputes.
We expect it to be a valuable tool for businesses looking for faster resolutions in trademark matters.
For queries or more information, please contact:
This article is intended to provide general information only and should not be relied upon as an exhaustive or comprehensive statement of law. Should you have any specific questions, please speak with one of our above contacts, or your usual contact at Amica Law LLC.
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