- Accepted applications are published, and third parties have two months to oppose.
- Common grounds are an earlier similar mark, a well-known mark, or the opponent's goodwill (passing off).
- Oppositions are decided by IPOS, as a contested proceeding.
- Brand owners should watch for similar applications and act within the deadline.
When an opposition can be filed
Once IPOS accepts an application, it is published in the Trade Marks Journal. For two months after publication, a third party can file an opposition. If no opposition is filed, or an opposition fails, the mark proceeds to registration.
Common grounds
An opponent will usually rely on one or more of these:
- The opponent has an earlier mark that is identical or similar, for identical or similar goods or services, and the public is likely to be confused.
- The new mark conflicts with the opponent's well-known mark.
- The opponent has goodwill in Singapore and could stop the applicant's use under the law of passing off, even without a registration of its own.
- Bad faith on the applicant's part.
Passing off can be powerful here. In a 2025 IPOS decision, a foreign business that had not yet launched in Singapore succeeded in opposing an identical mark, because its pre-launch activity aimed at Singapore customers was enough to show goodwill.
If your application is opposed
An opposition is a contested case before IPOS, with formal steps, evidence and deadlines. Missing a step can be costly, so it is important to get advice as soon as you receive the notice. Options may include defending the application in full, narrowing the goods or services, or negotiating with the opponent, for example over how each side will use its mark.
Oppositions are not limited to obvious competitors. In one reported case, a jewellery business's application was opposed by a video game publisher whose goods and services fell in entirely different classes.
If you want to oppose someone else's mark
If you spot an application that is close to your brand, the two-month window is the time to act. Lawyers commenting on a 2022 appeal have advised brand owners to oppose similar applications promptly, as letting them through can suggest the earlier mark is weak. It is worth keeping an eye on published applications in your field.
If the window has passed and the mark is registered, there may still be ways to challenge it, such as an application to invalidate it or, after five years, to revoke it for non-use. These are separate proceedings with their own requirements.
Rules may change
In late 2025, IPOS consulted on changes to its procedures, including tighter rules on late filing of opposition papers. Check the current rules before relying on any procedural point. A lawyer can explain the steps and your options in your particular dispute.
This article is general information on Singapore law and is not legal advice. Rules and agency policies change, and every situation is different. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
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