Intellectual Property Office of Singapore

IP DIRECTEconomy: Singapore Organisation: Intellectual Property Office of Singapore .Contact Person’s Name : ___________________________________ Email : ____________________________________________________Information accurate as at:[ 4 May 2010 ]IP value Chain(a)Key Activities(b)IP-relatedagencies/organization(c)Description(d)Websites(e)Invention/InnovationR&D & Experts SourcingAgency for Science, Technologyand Research (ASTAR)The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) isthe lead agency for fostering world-class scientific research andtalent for a vibrant knowledge-based Singapore. A*STAR activelynurtures public sector research and development in BiomedicalSciences, as well as Physical Sciences and Engineering, andsupports Singapore's key economic clusters by providingintellectual, human and industrial capital to its partners in industryand the healthcare sector. It oversees 23 research institutes, andsupports extramural research in the universities, hospitals, researchcentres, and with other local and international partners.www.a-star.edu.sgNanyang TechnologicalUniversity (NTU)NTU is a research-intensive university with globally acknowledgedstrengths in science and engineering. NTU makes significantcontributions to the nation's drive for research and innovationspearheaded by the Singapore National Research Foundation.www.ntu.edu.sgNational University ofSingapore (NUS)NUS has more than 80 faculty-based research institutes and centres.It is well-known for its research strengths in engineering, lifesciences and biomedicine, social sciences and natural sciences.www.nus.edu.sgNUS is actively involved in international academic and researchnetworks such as the Association of Pacific Rim Universities(APRU) and International Alliance of Research Universities(IARU).Technology Sourcing Exploit Technologies Exploit Technologies is the strategic marketing andcommercialisation arm of the Agency for Science, Technology andResearch (A*STAR). Its mission is to support A*STAR intransforming the economy through commercialising R&D. ExploitTechnologies enhances the research output of A*STAR scientistsby translating their inventions into marketable products orprocesses. Through licensing deals and spinoffs with industrypartners, Exploit Technologies is a key driver of technology transferin Singapore. It actively engages industry leaders and players tocommercialise A*STAR's technologies and capabilities, bridgingwww.exploit-tech.com

IP value Chain(a)Key Activities(b)IP-relatedagencies/organization(c)Description(d)Websites(e)the gap from Mind to Market. Exploit Technologies’ charter is toidentify, protect and exploit promising intellectual property (IP)created by A*STAR’s research institutes.NTU Innovation & TechnologyTransfer Office (ITTO)The ITTO aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship and tofacilitate the transfer of leading-edge technologies developed inNTU to industry. It evaluates, protects and commercialises theUniversity's technologies through either licensing or the formationof spin-off companies.www.ntu.edu.sg/ittoNUS Industry Liaison Office(ILO)The ILO was set up to handle technology transfer matters and topromote research collaboration between NUS, industry and otherparties. It protects NUS intellectual property, manages itscommercial promotion, and continues to encourage joint NUSindustryresearch.www.nus.edu.sg/ilowww.nus.edu.sg/intro/ind_partneringnus.shtmlFinancing & IncentivesNational Research Foundation(NRF)The NRF provides secretariat support to the Research, Innovationand Enterprise Council (RIEC). It coordinates the research ofdifferent agencies within the larger national framework in order toprovide a coherent strategic overview and direction; developspolicies and plans to implement the national R&D agenda; andimplements national research, innovation and enterprise strategiesapproved by the RIEC, and allocates funding to programmes thatmeet NRF's strategic objectives.www.nrf.gov.sgEconomic Development Board(EDB)The EDB plays a pivotal role in identifying and pioneeringeconomic opportunities for Singapore, its people and its businesspartners.www.edb.gov.sg/edb/sg/en_uk/index/why_singapore/Guide_to_Investing_in_Singapore/financial_assistance.htmlEDB has a comprehensive list of incentive and developmentschemes to assist businesses. The schemes range from assistance inmanpower development, technological/equipment upgrading, toR&D, intellectual property and industry development.SPRING SingaporeSPRING Singapore is the enterprise development agency forgrowing innovative companies and fostering a competitive SMEsector. They work with partners to help enterprises in financing,capabilities and management development, technology andinnovation, and access to markets.www.spring.gov.sgProtection Legislation Intellectual Property Office ofSingapore (IPOS)The IPOS is a statutory board under the Ministry of Law. It is thelead government agency that advises on and administers intellectualproperty laws, promotes intellectual property awareness andprovides the infrastructure to facilitate the development ofintellectual property in Singapore. As the intellectual propertywww.ipos.gov.sg

IP value Chain(a)Key Activities(b)IP-relatedagencies/organization(c)Description(d)Websites(e)regulator and policy advisor, IPOS is committed to maintaining arobust and pro-business intellectual property regime for theprotection and commercial exploitation of intellectual property.RegistrationQualified personsIntellectual Property Office ofSingapore (IPOS)Intellectual Property Office ofSingapore (IPOS)Administers systems for registrable IP.Administers Patent Agents qualifying examinations.Maintains register of Patent Agents.www.ipos.gov.sgwww.epatents.gov.sgwww.etrademarks.gov.sgwww.edesigns.gov.sgwww.ipos.gov.sgEnforcementEnforcement AgenciesImmigration & CheckpointsAuthority (ICA)The ICA is responsible for the security of Singapore's bordersagainst the entry of undesirable persons and cargo through our land,air and sea checkpoints. ICA also performs other immigration andregistration functions such as issuing travel documents and identitycards to Singapore citizens and various immigration passes andpermits to foreigners.www.ica.gov.sgSingapore CustomsSingapore Customs is the lead agency on trade facilitation andrevenue enforcement matters. It is also responsible for theimplementation of customs and trade enforcement measuresincluding those related to Free Trade Agreements and strategicgoods.www.customs.gov.sgSingapore Police Force (SPF)The SPF aims to uphold the law, maintain order and keep the peacein the Republic of Singapore.www.spf.gov.sgDispute ResolutionCopyright TribunalThe Copyright Tribunal is a forum established under the SingaporeCopyright Act (Cap. 63) for the resolution of certain disputesbetween copyright owners and users of copyright materials.www.ipos.gov.sg/leftNav/cop/Copyright+Tribunal.htmThe Hearings and MediationDivision of the IntellectualProperty Office of Singapore(HMD)The Supreme Court ofSingapore (Supreme Court)The HMD facilitates the resolution of disputes relating to theregistration of Trade Marks, Patents, Registered Designs andPlant Varieties ProtectionThe Supreme Court is made up of the Court of Appeal and the HighCourt, and hears both civil and criminal matters.www.ipos.gov.sg/topNav/abo/div/Hearings+and+Mediations.htmwww.supcourt.gov.sgThe Subordinate Courts ofSingapore (Subordinate Courts)The Subordinate Courts comprise of District Courts, MagistratesCourts, Juvenile Courts, Coroner’s Courts and the Small ClaimsTribunal.www.subcourts.gov.sgMaxwell Chambers Centre ofInternational DisputeMaxwell Chambers houses top international ADR institutions underone roof and provides best-of-class hearing facilities and supportwww.maxwell-chambers.com

IP value Chain(a)Key Activities(b)IP-relatedagencies/organization(c)Description(d)Websites(e)Resolutionservices.Singapore InternationalArbitration Centre (SIAC)SIAC, an independent, not-for-profit organisation, was establishedto meet the demands of the international business community for aneutral, efficient and reliable dispute resolution institution in a fastdevelopingAsia. As an institution administering arbitration, it iscommitted to complete impartiality and transparency in all that itdoes for parties.www.siac.org.sgSingapore Mediation Centre(SMC)SMC is a non-profit organisation guaranteed by the SingaporeAcademy of Law. It is dedicated to promoting the amicable andfair settlement of disputes. It aims to create an environment inwhich people can work together to find enduring solutions toconflicts and tensions created by human interactions.www.mediation.com.sgExploitationFinancing & IncentivesEconomic Development Board(EDB)The EDB plays a pivotal role in identifying and pioneeringeconomic opportunities for Singapore, its people and its businesspartners.www.edb.gov.sg/edb/sg/en_uk/index/why_singapore/Guide_to_Investing_in_Singapore/financial_assistance.htmlEDB has a comprehensive list of incentive and developmentschemes to assist businesses. The schemes range from assistance inmanpower development, technological/equipment upgrading, toR&D, intellectual property and industry development.International EnterpriseSingapore (IE Singapore)IE Singapore’s mission is to promote the overseas growth ofSingapore-based enterprises and international trade. IE Singaporeoffers assistance to help enterprises export, develop businesscapabilities, find overseas partners and enter new markets.www.iesingapore.gov.sgSPRING SingaporeSPRING Singapore is the enterprise development agency forgrowing innovative companies and fostering a competitive SMEsector. They work with partners to help enterprises in financing,capabilities and management development, technology andinnovation, and access to markets.www.spring.gov.sgTechnology Transfer Exploit Technologies Exploit Technologies is the strategic marketing andcommercialisation arm of the Agency for Science, Technology andResearch (A*STAR). Its mission is to support A*STAR intransforming the economy through commercialising R&D. ExploitTechnologies enhances the research output of A*STAR scientistsby translating their inventions into marketable products orprocesses. Through licensing deals and spinoffs with industrypartners, Exploit Technologies is a key driver of technology transferin Singapore. It actively engages industry leaders and players towww.exploit-tech.com

IP value Chain(a)Key Activities(b)IP-relatedagencies/organization(c)Description(d)Websites(e)commercialise A*STAR's technologies and capabilities, bridgingthe gap from Mind to Market. Exploit Technologies’ charter is toidentify, protect and exploit promising intellectual property (IP)created by A*STAR’s research institutes.NTU Innovation & TechnologyTransfer Office (ITTO)The ITTO aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship and tofacilitate the transfer of leading-edge technologies developed inNTU to industry. It evaluates, protects and commercialises theUniversity's technologies through either licensing or the formationof spin-off companies.www.ntu.edu.sg/ittoNUS Industry Liaison Office(ILO)The ILO was set up to handle technology transfer matters and topromote research collaboration between NUS, industry and otherparties. It protects NUS intellectual property, manages itscommercial promotion, and continues to encourage joint NUSindustryresearch.www.nus.edu.sg/iloOthersEducation IP Academy Singapore The IP Academy was established in 2003 as part of a nationalinitiative to develop Singapore into an IP Hub and serves as thefocal point for executive IP training and thought leadershipdevelopment in Singapore and the region.In line with its objective to develop and broaden IP knowledge andcapabilities, the IP Academy provides a wide range of continuingexecutive training opportunities for IP professionals, businessorganisations, research institutions, and other IP creators and users.These include short term IP training courses, executive seminars,postgraduate certification and Masters programmes in IP.The IP Academy also undertakes quality inter-disciplinary researchto provide unique and commercial insights on IP issues and therebysupport local and regional development of IP best practices andpolicies, and improve industry’s ability to protect, manage andexploit IP.www.ipacademy.com.sgRight Management(Collecting Societies)Composers & Authors Societyof Singapore Ltd (COMPASS)COMPASS represents composers and lyricists. The rights that itadministers include the following:• Reproduction rights of musical works;• Reproduction rights of lyrics;• Public performance rights of musical works;• Public performance rights of lyrics.www.compass.org.sgHorizon Music EntertainmentPte LtdHorizon Music Entertainment Pte Ltd represents a specific group ofrecord labels. The rights that it administers include the reproductionrights of films featured in music videos and karaoke videos.www.hme.sg

IP value Chain(a)Key Activities(b)IP-relatedagencies/organization(c)Description(d)Websites(e)InnoForm Entertainment PteLtdInnoForm Entertainment Pte Ltd represents major record labels.The rights that it administers include the reproduction rights offilms featured in music videos and karaoke videos.www.innoform.com.sgMusic Publishers (S) Ltd (MPS)The MPS is an association currently comprising 12 musicpublishing companies in Singapore. The rights that it administersinclude reproduction rights of musical works and reproductionrights of lyrics.www.mps.org.sgRecording IndustryPerformance Singapore Pte Ltd(RIPS)RIPS represents major record labels. The rights that it administersinclude (i) Reproduction rights of sound recordings; and (ii) Publicperformance rights of films featured in music videos;and karaokevideos.www.rips.com.sgThe Copyright Licensing andAdministration Society ofSingapore Ltd (CLASS)CLASS represents authors and book publishers. The rights that itadministers include reproduction rights of literary works featured inbooks, journals and periodicals.www.class-singapore.comNetworking(IP Associations)Business Software Alliance(BSA)The BSA aims to promote a long-term legislative and legalenvironment in which the industry can prosper and to provide aunified voice for its members around the world. Its programs fosterinnovation, growth, and a competitive marketplace for commercialsoftware and related technologies.www.bsa.orgInternational Confederation ofSocieties of Authors andComposers (CISAC)The International Confederation of Societies of Authors andComposers (CISAC) is an international non-profit, nongovernmentalorganisation established in 1926 with its headquartersbased in Paris, France. The Asia-Pacific Regional Office of CISACis based in Singapore.www.cisac.orgRecording Industry Associationof Singapore (RIAS)The RIAS was formed with the objective of fostering andmaintaining trade ethics and fair business practices within membersof the recording industry and to serve as the industry's voice bothlocally and internationally.www.rias.org.sgMotion Picture Association(MPA)The Motion Picture Association (MPA) is a trade associationrepresenting seven of the largest producers and distributors ioffilmed entertainment in the United States. Among its majoractivities, the MPA seeks to eliminate restrictive trade regulationsand non-tariff trade barriers to allow free competition in theinternational marketplace, assists in the drafting of internationaltreaties that affect the marketing, sales, leasing, taxation anddistribution of the products of the U.S. film industry; acts as liaisonbetween its member companies and agencies and departments ofwww.mpaa.org

IP value Chain(a)Key Activities(b)IP-relatedagencies/organization(c)Description(d)Websites(e)Law Society of Singaporethe U.S. Government on matters related to international commerce;negotiates industry-wide agreements abroad on matters related tothe theatrical presentation, home video distribution, televisionsyndication, and transmission and retransmission of televisionprograms and films, protects the rights of copyright owners in theinternational marketplace, works with the film industries of othercountries on matters of common interest designed to preserve thefreedom of the marketplace and directs a worldwide anti-piracyeffort to protect U.S. films and home video.The Law Society of Singapore is the representative body for alllawyers in Singapore. Its membership includes advocates andsolicitors with practising certificates, non-practitioner members andHonorary members elected by its Council.www.lawsociety.org.sg/Asian Patent AttorneysAssociation (APAA) SingaporeThe APAA’s objectives include the fostering of ties of mutualfriendship and understanding among intellectual property lawpractitioners, and through such ties to promote the proper protectionand development of intellectual property law as well as to promoteand disseminate knowledge of intellectual property law and toconsider all manner of questions affecting intellectual property law.www.apaa.org.sgAssociation of Singapore PatentAgents (ASPA)ASPA consists of members who are engaged in patent work inSingapore and members who are undergoing training to qualify aspatent agents. It aspires to promote and enhance the profession ofregistered patent agents in Singapore. It aims to do this bypromoting and encouraging acceptable minimum standards ofquality work, integrity and conduct.www.aspa.org.sgFranchising and LicensingAssociation (Singapore) FLAFLA (Singapore) started as Singapore’s national franchising bodyand was one of the Founding Member of the World FranchiseCouncil. FLA was established in 1993 to nurture and developSingapore's franchise industry. It aims to promote Singapore as afranchise hub and assist its members to gain greater exposurelocally, regionally and internationally through networking events,exhibitions and trade missions. FLA endeavours to continuallyupgrade its members’ skills and knowledge in franchising, brandingand licensing with its various educational programmes promotingthe platforms of entrepreneurship and internationalism in theindustry.www.flasingapore.orgLicensing Executive Society(Singapore) LESLES Singapore is a non-profit organisation for professionalsengaged in the business of technology transfer, intellectualproperty, intellectual asset management, and licensing. It seeks toraise industry awareness on and to promote training and educationin technology transfer, intellectual property, intellectual assetwww.les-singapore.org

IP value Chain(a)Key Activities(b)IP-relatedagencies/organization(c)Description(d)Websites(e)management, and licensing, as well as to forge regional andinternational linkages to promote the business of intellectualproperty globally.Technology Transfer Network(TTN)Fellowship of Inventors (FOI)Innovators and EntrepreneursAssociation (IdEA)Singapore InventorsDevelopment Association(SIDA)The TTN is a collaborative global alliance of Technology TransferOrganisations formed to enhance the effectiveness in the transfer oftechnology to the Industry. The TTN’s global footprint includesmember institutions from the United States of America, UnitedKingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, andSingapore.The core activities of the TTN include collaboration on IP ClusterMapping,Training & Certification of TTO professionals, JointMarketing & Events, Technology Advisory Services, IndustryCollaboration and regular dialogue and sharing of best practices.Through these shared activities, the TTN seeks to form the vitallink between the research community and the industry to enhancethe technology transfer process.The FOI is a community of innovators, inventors, investors,educators, and professionals who are passionate about inventionand innovation in Singapore. They help each other and others tobring ideas into reality.The IdEA is a non-profit organisation that provides like-mindedindividuals and organisations an interactive platform to exchangeand share information, ideas and experiences. It’s members includestudents, innovators, entrepreneurs, businessmen, venturecapitalists, and individuals who are interested in innovative andentrepreneurial activities.The SIDA’s members comprise of persons who are interested ininvention and innovation development/activities, and includeemployees, businessmen, entrepreneurs, authors, scientists, lawyersand hobbyists. Members come together regularly to share areas ofexpertise, experience and resource. The organization aims toenhance the nation’s intellectual property value-chain throughseminars, workshops, exhibitions and mentoring programs.www.ttn.sgwww.fellowshipofinventors.roundtablelive.orgwww.idea.org.sgwww.sida.org.sgBusiness Matching Buy Singapore TM Buy SingaporeTM is an initiative by International EnterpriseSingapore to provide business matching services betweenSingapore-based companies and the global business market.www.buysingapore.comWorking, living, studyinghereContact SingaporeContact Singapore is an alliance of the Singapore EconomicDevelopment Board and Ministry of Manpower. It aims to attractwww.contactsingapore.sg

IP value Chain(a)Key Activities(b)IP-relatedagencies/organization(c)Description(d)Websites(e)global talent to work, invest and live in Singapore.