In a continuing effort to encourage patent applicants to utilise the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programme to expedite the patent examination process in Singapore, Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) previously launched an initiative in 2025 under which applicants would receive a refund of up to 30% of the prevailing examination fees upon filing a […]
Singapore - Revision of Official Fees Across Trademarks, Patents and Designs - Act Now!
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore will increase its official fee for certain transactions from 1 September 2025 and 1 April 2026 respectively. The last fee revision took place in May 2022. Other than plant variety, there is an overall increase in fees across all IP rights, from application to requesting search & examination to […]
What Constitutes Loss or Damage under the Singapore PDPA
In this landmark judgment, the Court of Appeal (“SGCA”) clarified the scope of the right of private action under the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (“PDPA”). A private action is available to a victim who suffers emotional damage due to his or her personal data being misused. The SGCA overturned the decision below and held […]
New Regulatory Authority Created to Regulate and Oversee Gambling in Singapore
Newly enacted legislations in Singapore have established a single regulatory authority for all forms of gambling, and have updated gambling regulations to protect the country from potentially harmful emerging trends. Establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore Act (“GRA Act”) which came into force 1 August 2022 has tasked the […]
Deceptive Design Pattern (aka “dark patterns”)
A deceptive design pattern or dark pattern is a method employed by companies to make consumers do unintended things or to make it harder to do what they intended to do. Examples include free trial subscriptions which eventually turned out to be pricey and charged automatically to credit cards; additional charges or items appearing when […]
Nutri-Grade Labelling Requirement Extended To Drinks Outlets Offering Freshly Prepared Drinks With High Sugar and Saturated Fat Content By End-2023
Following the requirement for pre-packed beverages to be labelled with a Nutri-Grade mark from 30 December 2022, the Singapore government has extended this requirement to all businesses offering freshly prepared drinks with high levels of sugar and saturated fat content by end 2023. The Nutri-Grade mark is a four colour-coded grade, with Grade A denoting […]
Breach of the Protection Obligation by Trinity Christian Centre
A recent decision highlights the need to implement reasonable security measures in database servers to safeguard against personal data breaches. On 11 March 2021, Trinity Christian Centre (the “Organisation”) reported a data breach involving ransomware to the Personal Data Protection Commission (“PDPC”). The Organisation sought to expedite proceedings, readily acknowledging the facts and admitting to […]
Singapore Launches a New “Local Produce” Logo to Boost Local Food Production and Support
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) aims to raise awareness on food security issues by focusing on the Singapore Food Story. In doing so, SFA has launched a new local produce logo which will be found on packaging and selected marketing collateral to promote local produce. The "SG Fresh Produce (SGFP)" logo was created in consultation […]
CAMBODIA: Foreign Geographical Indications Welcomed in Cambodia
Champagne, a sparkling wine made from grapes grown in the French region of the same name, and one of France’s most famous products, became the first foreign product to be awarded geographical indication (GI) status in Cambodia on April 29, 2019. This was followed closely by Scotch whisky, which is distilled and matured in Scotland […]
Champagne Awarded GI Status in Cambodia
A geographical indication (“GI”) is a sign that identifies a product as originating from a specific venue or location and has given characteristics and qualities that are unique to its location or origin. Champagne - a sparkling wine made from grapes grown in the French region of the same name, is one of France’s most […]