(ip) hub master plan - Ministry of Law

CHAPTER 4
STRATEGIC OUTCOME 2: A HUB FOR QUALITY IP FILINGS
Strategy 3: Create a strong value proposition to attract IP filings, by offering world-class
services and strengthening international collaborations with other IP offices.
1. Build a search and examination (S&E) team capable of producing quality S&E services
expeditiously within publicised target timeframes, which should be equal to or better
than that offered by the best in the world, and cost-efficiently.
2. Build comprehensive international networks and collaborations with other IP offices to
develop Singapore as a gateway to other markets.
3. Grow a larger pool of Singapore-qualified patent agents with the necessary expertise to
cater to the needs of international companies and attract more patent work to
Singapore.
4.1. TRENDS IN GLOBAL IP FILINGS
4.1.1. The second strategic outcome is to build Singapore as a hub for quality IP filings.
The decision of whether to file for IP protection in a particular country often
depends primarily on the commercial returns of doing so. Although Singapore is
inherently disadvantaged due to our small domestic market size, we must aim to
punch above our weight as a Global IP Hub in Asia. Singapore can develop into a
hub for IP filings if we can offer a strong value proposition to inventors and
companies.
4.1.2. In terms of broad trends, global R&D activity and output are expected to grow,
especially in Asia. In recent times, Asia has seen the highest percentage of
trademarks, patents, and industrial designs filed (Figure 4.1.). In addition to the
rise of Asia in IP creation, companies are also looking to protect their IP in multiple
jurisdictions concurrently. In light of this, Singapore should seek to forge more
synergistic collaborations with the IP offices of other countries to provide greater
value-add to companies and attract IP filings to Singapore. The objective is not to
divert IP bound for other national IP offices to Singapore, but to attract IP filed in
Asia and other key global markets to also be filed in Singapore.
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