*** For immediate use December 16, 2014

Singapore, 16 December 2014 - The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and NEC Asia Pacific, a wholly owned subsidiary of NEC Corporation, announced the phase two launch of the IP²SG system - a one-stop online platform for the registration of intellectual property in Singapore.

The launch of the IP²SG system integrates all e-filing processes for patent, trade mark and design applications into a single convenient portal. Previously, users had to use three different types of IT platforms to file different types of IP. With the new system, the filing of all types of IP can be done on a single online platform, making it easier to use, and saving time and costs.

The move to introduce IP²SG boosts Singapore's IP infrastructure to cater to the growing demand for IP services in the region. Over the past decade, Singapore has seen a healthy increase in overall patent filings by more than 20%, from 7,908 in 2003 to 9,722 in 2013. For trade marks, a record 39,671 classes were filed in 2013. This is a 40% increase from the 28,262 classes filed four years ago in 2009.

Mr Daren Tang, Deputy Chief Executive of IPOS said, "IP²SG is part of our ongoing efforts to deliver better services to our users, and help them save time and costs in the IP filing process. With the new system, we hope to make it easier for businesses and creators to file for IP protection, and build a competitive edge with IP."

User feedback to the new integrated system has been encouraging. Kristian Robinson, Director & Head of Patents at Spruson & Ferguson Asia said, "The streamlined IP²SG system has enabled our firm to better serve our clients, with the consolidated platform making for a simpler and more efficient filing process for intellectual property stakeholders in Singapore."

Ooi Siew Ting, Patent Agent at Horizon IP said, "With the enhanced IP²SG system, I am now able to apply for IP registration and protection, do complex searches, and correspond with IPOS - all at my convenience. The improved user-interface and upgraded capabilities ultimately enable me to be more responsive to the needs of our firm's clients, and to deliver more robust services to them."

Mr Lim Kok Quee, Managing Director, NEC Asia Pacific said, "Together with IPOS, we have developed an integrated system with improved operational efficiency and greater user-centricity for the filing of intellectual property in Singapore. We look forward to continuing to serve IPOS and their end users, to provide a seamless and enhanced user experience."

Further enhancements

In addition to the streamlining of all e-filing processes, other enhancements made in phase two of IP²SG include:

  • Reduction of red tape by removal of 30% of forms;
  • Auto-population of data for repeat customers;
  • Electronic alerts to agents or applicants for key deadlines;
  • Larger files can be uploaded and unlimited drafts can be saved before final submission;
  • Hassle-free login via SingPass for registered customers; and
  • Ease of use by one-time customers through a public portal without need for registration.

To access IP²SG, please visit www.ip2.sg or visit IP 101, IPOS' customer service centre, at 51 Bras Basah Road, #01-01 Manulife Centre.

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