Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Government agencies communicate via .gov.sg websites (e.g. go.gov.sg/open). Trusted websites
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Beware of Impersonation Scams

Government officials will NEVER ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call. Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam. Learn about the latest scam updates at scamshield.gov.sg.

Intellectual Property Office of Singapore

National Security Clearance

Learn about the national security clearance process for patent applications in Singapore, including when it's required, how to apply, and the potential outcomes.

Last updated 25 March 2025
Infographic about the National Security Clearance process

National Security Clearance

A patent application may contain information which is prejudicial to national defence or public safety. In the interest of national safety, IPOS will need to assess the information contained in the application before deciding if such information could be made publicly available.

If you are a person resident in Singapore1, who files or causes to be filed an application for the grant of a patent (e.g.: applicant or inventor), you are required to obtain a written authorisation from IPOS before applying a patent application overseas2.

1 “Residing in Singapore” includes foreigners with valid pass lawfully issued to them e.g. Singapore permanent residents and work pass holders.
2 A national security clearance is required if the application is first-filed overseas (i.e.: no declared priority date and is not a divisional application)

How to make a National Security Clearance Request

You are strongly encouraged to make a National Security Clearance Request via the IPOS Digital Hub, with an abstract/summary (in English) of your invention. You do not need to be an IPOS Digital Hub account holder to make a National Security Clearance request and for such request, IPOS will communicate with you via email.

Upon receipt of your application, IPOS will respond within 3-5 working days. If your application requires urgent attention, you are encouraged to call us directly at (65) 6339 8616, quoting the E-file Reference Number of your application or email us at ipos_enquiry@ipos.gov.sg.

Contravention of National Security Requirements

Please submit the following details with the National Security Contravention form in IDH.

  1. Application number, date of filing and country of filing;

  2. Details of the applicants, inventors and any other person involved in the filing. Please include details such as all parties’ names, addresses and country of residency at the time of filing;

  3. Circumstance for contravention (the mitigating factors submitted should be made in relation to the applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or person involved in the filing who is a Singapore resident);

  4. Measures that have been put in place to prevent future contravention;

  5. Contact information for IPOS to get in touch with for any clarifications.

The Registrar may, after considering the facts of the case, compound the offence not exceeding $2,000, and no further proceedings will be taken against you.