Singapore has concluded the following FTAs with Intellectual Property (IP) Chapters:
- European Free Trade Association - Singapore
- India - Singapore
- Japan - Singapore
- Korea - Singapore
- New Zealand - Singapore
- Singapore - Australia
- Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement (Brunei, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore)
- United States - Singapore
US - Singapore FTA (USSFTA)
The USSFTA IP Chapter is a key milestone in Singapore's economic growth strategy. Singapore's economic progress depends on fostering and protecting knowledge creation. IP has become an important trade issue amongst countries as can be seen by the prominence it plays in international platforms such as the World Trade Organization. Hence it is not surprising that the IP issues played a key role in the negotiations. The provisions are part of ongoing efforts to ensure Singapore has the advanced regulatory infrastructure to support our growing knowledge and digital economy.
The IP Chapter provisions cover patents, copyright, trade marks, and even protection of plant varieties. It will strengthen IP protection that is vital for the growth of some of Singapore's specialty industries like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and infocomms.
Greater details on the various FTAs, including the USSFTA are available at http://www.fta.gov.sg