Exemptions

Exemption from the Singapore Patent Agents Qualifying Examination (“QE”)
Exemption from the Graduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law course
Guidelines for a Written Request to Apply for Exemption(s) under Rule 8(1) of the Patents (Patent Agents) Rules

Exemption from the Singapore Patent Agents Qualifying Examinations (“QE”)

The Registrar retains her discretion and will consider each application for exemption, based on its facts. Official approvals for exemption requests are given only when an applicant submits his application for registration as a patent agent in Singapore (Form A) and the prescribed fees pursuant to rule 8 (1) of the Patents (Patent Agents) Rules 2001 (‘the Rules”). However, the Registrar may indicate her view if the applicant chooses to submit his written request without Form A.

Listed¹ below are some specified foreign patent agent qualifying examinations that may be considered to be equivalent to the QE paper(s) conducted by the Registrar of Patents of IPOS². An applicant may refer to the list below where a pass in these specified examinations would in general, be persuasive in satisfying the Registrar that the applicant is correspondingly and sufficiently proficient in that area which was assessed.

When considering any request for exemption from obtaining a pass in QE Paper D, the Registrar would have to be satisfied that the applicant is sufficiently proficient in the knowledge of patent law and patent practice in Singapore. A pass in an examination that tests on knowledge of patent law and patent practice in Singapore would in general, be persuasive in satisfying the Registrar that the applicant is sufficiently proficient in the knowledge of patent law and patent practice in Singapore. When considering requests for exemptions, interviews, due to their subjective nature, would in general, not be granted.

Country	May be Considered Equivalent	QE papers
United Kingdom	Chartered Institute of Patent Agents Advanced Papers P3 P4 P6	Paper A Paper B Paper C
Europe	European Qualifying Examination for Professional Representatives Paper A Paper B Paper C	Paper A Paper B Paper C
Australia	Examination held under regulation 20.6 of the Patents Regulations 1991 Topics F, G and H	Papers A, B and C
New Zealand	Examination held under regulation 158 (1) of the Patents Regulations 1954 Papers C, D and E	Papers A, B and C

1 The list is non-exhaustive and is subject to changes.
2 Examination specified in Part II of the Third Schedule of the Rules.

Updated: 28 Feb 2007

Exemption from the Graduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law course

When considering any request for exemption from obtaining a pass in the Graduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law course conducted by the Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore and the IP Academy, the Registrar would have to be satisfied that the applicant is sufficiently proficient in the law of intellectual property. The factors¹ that may be taken into consideration when comparing a course in question and the Graduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law course include syllabus and teaching hours.

The Registrar retains her discretion and will consider each application for exemption, based on its facts.

¹ The factors listed are non-exhaustive and are subject to changes.

Date of this notice: 17th February 2006

Guidelines for a Written Request to Apply for Exemption(s) under Rule 8(1) of the Patents (Patent Agent) Rules

Indicate the nature of your written request. Paragraph 1.1 below shows a sample format.

Indicate your academic qualifications, professional qualifications and/or work experience in support of your request. Paragraphs 2.1 and 2.2 below show sample formats. Supporting documents which are not in English must be accompanied by an official certified translation.

	- a copy of the certificate of my academic record(s);
	- a copy of the transcript of my academic record(s);
	- a copy of official descriptions of the academic subjects taken;
	- information on the academic standing of the institution where I conducted my studies; and/or
	- evidence of my admission as a member of the profession (a copy of certificate from the admitting authority); and/or*
	___________________________________________________ (others).

	- evidence of my admission as a member of the profession (a certified copy of a certificate from the admitting authority); and/or*
	- a description of my relevant work experience which includes the name of the company, full name and contact particulars of supervisor(s), the country/territory in or patent office by which the supervisor(s) has/have registered as a patent agent or its equivalent, duration of employment and work responsibilities/duties.

*Please delete where appropriate.
Kindly note that the Guidelines above are subject to changes. IPOS reserves the right to ask for more information to be furnished.

Date of these guidelines: 26 August 2005