Apply for a Geographical Indication

To register your geographical indication, it must:

1. fall within the meaning of "geographical indication", i.e. an indication used in trade to identify goods as originating from a place that is a qualifying country or a region/locality therein, and a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the goods is essentially attributable to that place
2. identify goods that fall within any of the following categories of goods:
   1. Wines
   2. Spirits
   3. Beers
   4. Cheese
   5. Meat and meat products
   6. Seafood
   7. Edible oils
   8. Non-edible oils
   9. Fruits
   10. Vegetables
   11. Spices and condiments
   12. Confectionery and bakes goods
   13. Flowers and parts of flowers
   14. Natural gum
3. be protected in its country or territory of origin
4. not be identical to the common name of the goods identified by the geographical indication
5. not be contrary to public policy or morality
6. not contain the name of a plant variety or an animal breed
7. not be confused with an existing geographical indication in the register
8. not be confused with an existing trade mark in the register
9. not be identical with or similar to a well-known trade mark in Singapore
10. be applied for registration by a person who is entitled to file the application

You are entitled to apply to register a geographical indication if you are any of the following:

1. a person who is carrying on an activity as a producer in the geographical area specified in the application with respect to the goods specified in the application;
2. an association of persons referred to in (a); or
3. a competent authority having responsibility for the geographical indication for which registration is sought.

You are encouraged to search the register of geographical indications and the register of trade marks to ensure that there are no existing geographical indications or trade marks that are identical with or similar to yours.

If there is a similar or an identical geographical indication or trade mark, it is possible that your application will face an objection.

The application must include:

1. The name, address, address for service in Singapore, and nationality of the applicant
2. The capacity in which the applicant is applying for registration
3. The representation of the geographical indication for which registration is sought
4. The geographical area to which the geographical indication applies 
5. The goods to which the geographical indication applies 
6. The quality, reputation or other characteristic is essentially attributable to the place from which the goods originate 
7. Where the geographical indication for which registration is sought relates to a qualifying country other than Singapore, evidence that the geographical indication has obtained recognition or registration as a geographical indication in the qualifying country of origin
8. Application fee of S$1,000

Where any of the above information (except for (c)) in its native language is not in English, a suitable transliteration in English or an English translation should be provided.

If any of the above information is not furnished or the prescribed fee is not paid, the application is treated as not filed.

At this stage, your application will be examined to check if the geographical indication is registrable in accordance with the law.

Should the examiner directs the application to be amended, you are required to submit the Form GI2 with the fee of $230 to effect the amendment. 

If your application is acceptable for registration, it will be published in the Geographical Indications Journal for public inspection for 6 weeks.

If your geographical indication application is not opposed or if the outcome of the opposition proceeding is in your favour, the geographical indication will be registered for a period of 10 years. You will receive a certificate of registration from IPOS.