Under Section 105 of the Patents Act, an individual is required to be firstly, a registered patent agent who has in force a practising certificate issued under the Patents Act and Rules, before he can carry on a business under any name or other description which contains the words "patent agent", or in the course of a business otherwise describes himself, holds himself out or permit himself to be described or held out as a "patent agent". Hence, in order to describe oneself as a patent agent, one not only must be registered as a patent agent he must also obtain a practising certificate.
A partnership or a body corporate is able to hold out itself as a firm of “patent agents” or “patent agent” if one of its partners or directors is a registered patent agent who has in force a practising certificate, respectively.
The register reflects the corresponding term of the practicing certificate, wherever appropriate.
In addition to the registered patent agents being able to act as patent agents in Singapore, there is another group of individuals who may do so. This however does not extend to holding out or being described as a patent agent. They are Advocates and Solicitors who have in force a practising certificate issued under the Singapore Legal Profession Act. The practice year begins from the 1st April of the year in question and ends on the 31st March of the following year. The patent agent would have to renew his practising certificate annually if he wishes to continue his practice.
Here is a flowchart (82KB) to help you understand better.
- Submit Form C (79KB) / Form C (39KB) (with the required written declaration and undertaking)
- Fee: $150
- Applicant submits application to obtain a practising certificate BEFORE the commencement of the practice year in question. (Application shall not be made earlier than 2 months from the commencement date of the practice year in question)
- Regardless of its date of issue, the term of the practising certificate starts from the first day of that practice year. That is, 1st April YYYY to 31st March YYYY.
- Applicant submits application to obtain a practising certificate AFTER the commencement of the practice year in question.
- The term of the practising certificate obtained will start from its date of issue.