IPOS would like to encourage one to seek amicable settlements before he makes a complaint to IPOS so as to save time and avoid unnecessary legal costs. He has various options to resolve his case:
(i) The Association of Singapore Patent Agents ("ASPA"), if his patent agent is a member of ASPA;
(ii) The patent agent's firm's complaint procedure, if available;
(iii) The Law Society of Singapore, if his patent agent is a Singapore lawyer; or
(iv) The Singapore Mediation Centre. Mediation is a voluntary process in which a third party (called the mediator) facilitates negotiations between the disputing parties with a view to resolving their differences privately and amicably.
The procedure of mediation is of as follows:
procedure of mediation
One makes a complaint with the submission of Form F by post or by hand at IPOS. All information is kept in confidence and therefore all correspondences between the complainant and IPOS will be made by post or by hand at IPOS. Transmission of correspondences by facsimile is not permitted. Oral complaints or complaints made via email or telephone will not be accepted.
A complaint must be accompanied with a fee of S$500.00
One has to submit a statutory declaration stating the facts on which he is relying. IPOS can assist the complainant in contacting a Commissioner of Oath.
One may be required to provide further information or document at a later stage. If he fails without lawful excuse to do so, the complaint may be dismissed.
For more information, please refer to the Complaints FAQs.