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Intellectual Property Lawyers in Singapore

Strategic Protection, Commercialisation and Enforcement of Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property (IP) is more than just a legal concept; it is a powerful and objective business asset that must be managed strategically. Whether you are an entrepreneur or an established small to medium enterprise (SME), protecting your IP provides a competitive advantage, generates growth and builds a foundation of trust with your customers and stakeholders.

trademark in singapore - header image - nmlaw

Our Comprehensive Intellectual Property Services in Singapore

Netto & Magin LLC provide end to end legal solutions to help you identify, protect and leverage your intellectual assets.

Protecting Your Brand Identity

Trademark

A trademark serves as a “badge of origin”, distinguishing your goods or services from those of other traders.

  • Example: When a customer sees the “3 Stripes” of Adidas, they instantly connect that image with sporting excellence, style and quality products.
  • Market share protection: Registration deters other businesses from using similar logos or business names that could confuse your customers.
  • Indefinite renewal: Initial trademark protection in Singapore lasts for 10 years and is renewable indefinitely.
  • Legal distinction: It is important to note that registering a business with ACRA or a domain name with SGNIC does not provide trademark protection.

Securing Protection for Innovations

Patents

Patents protect new inventions, specifically the technical way something functions or a novel manufacturing process.

  • Example: James Dyson’s cyclonic separation technology solved the problem of vacuum suction loss; a patent allowed him to protect that specific technical solution.
  • Criteria for registration: To be patentable in Singapore, an invention must be new, involve an inventive step and be capable of industrial application.
  • Exclusive rights: A registered patent confers an exclusive right to use the invention for 20 years from the date of filing, subject to renewals.

Protecting Your Creative and Artistic Works

Copyright

Copyright protects the original expression of ideas, including written content, software code and artistic works.

  • Example: The original layout and content of your website or your marketing brochures are protected by copyright the moment they are created.
  • Automatic protection: In Singapore, copyright protection is automatic upon creation; there is no official register for copyright.
  • Ownership management: As authors generally own the copyright they create, businesses must ensure employment and supplier contracts explicitly assign these rights to the company.

Protecting Product Aesthetics and Appearance

Registered Designs

Registered designs protect the physical appearance, including the shape, configuration or pattern of a manufactured product.

  • Example: The unique silhouette of the Coca Cola bottle or the aesthetic shape of the latest smartphone may be protected as designs to prevent look alike imitations.
  • Term of protection: Successful design registration in Singapore provides statutory protection for up to 15 years.
  • Enforcement power: Registration allows you to stop the unauthorised manufacturing, import or sale of identical or substantially similar designs.

Proprietary Business Rights

Confidential Information and Trade Secrets

Your proprietary business know-how and data often provide a significant competitive edge.

  • Example: The “11 Herbs and Spices” blend used by Kentucky Fried Chicken is not patented but is protected as a trade secret through strict confidentiality and legal agreements.
  • Contractual Security: You may require Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) to secure your confidential information when engaging with both internal and external parties.
  • Internal Protocols: Implementing access restrictions can bind employees to a duty of confidence that persists even after their employment ends.

A Cost-Effective 3-Step IP Strategy for SMEs

We provide practical solutions tailored to your business budget and priorities.

IP Audit & Strategy

We review your business offerings to identify the specific IP rights required to protect your key assets.

Searches & Filings

We conduct clearance searches on local and international IP registers and manage the entire application process.

Monitoring & Enforcement

We monitor for infringing activities, such as similar domain names or trademarks, infringing listings on social media and the e-commerce marketplaces, and provide cost-effective enforcement proposals.

IP Enforcement and Dispute Resolution

When Intellectual Property rights are infringed, timely and strategic action can be critical to limiting commercial damage and preserving the value of your brand, creative works or proprietary assets. We advise businesses, brand owners, creators and rights holders on practical enforcement strategies in Singapore, from early-stage intervention to formal court proceedings.

Issuing Cease & Desist letters upon identifying infringing activity.

We prepare and issue cease and desist letters to alleged infringers, clearly setting out the relevant Intellectual Property rights, the infringing conduct complained of and the corrective action required. Where appropriate, this can provide an efficient first step toward stopping unauthorised use without immediately commencing litigation.

Filing take-down complaints with e-commerce platforms and social media sites.

Where infringing material, counterfeit products or unauthorised content appears on e-commerce platforms, websites or social media, we can assist with preparing and submitting take-down requests or infringement complaints to the relevant platform operators.

Coordinating with stakeholders, including Singapore Customs and the Singapore Police Force, for brand enforcement.

For matters involving suspected counterfeiting, unlawful distribution or other serious infringement, we can assist clients in engaging with relevant stakeholders and authorities, including Singapore Customs and the Singapore Police Force where appropriate.

Commencing civil actions through the Singapore Courts when necessary.

Where informal enforcement measures do not resolve the dispute, we can advise on and conduct civil proceedings through the Singapore Courts. This may include seeking remedies such as injunctions, damages, delivery up or other relief available in the circumstances.

Speak to an Intellectual Property Lawyer

Protect your intellectual property with experienced IP lawyers at Netto & Magin.

Contact Us

Our Team

Meet Our Intellectual Property Lawyer

Our Intellectual Property lawyers combine commercial insight with strong dispute-resolution experience to help businesses, entrepreneurs and creators protect and enforce their valuable ideas and brands. From trade mark and copyright disputes to confidential information, passing off and other IP-related claims, our team provides practical advice focused on protecting your commercial interests.

Luke brings extensive commercial disputes experience to complex Intellectual Property matters. He assists clients in protecting valuable business assets, including brands, confidential information and commercial rights, with a particular focus on strategic dispute resolution and enforcement.
Luke Anton NettoManaging Director
Luke Anton Netto
Julian draws on his experience in complex commercial disputes to advise on contentious Intellectual Property matters. His approach focuses on identifying practical legal strategies, managing competing commercial interests and helping clients resolve IP disputes efficiently and effectively.
Julian Martin MichaelIP Specialist Counsel
Julian Martin Michael
Leo focuses on General Litigation and Intellectual Property disputes, assisting clients with the protection and enforcement of their IP rights. His practice includes disputes involving trade marks, copyright, passing off, confidential information and other commercially significant intellectual property issues.
Leo AbsolomIP Specialist Counsel
Leo Absolom

Learn About Intellectual Property in Singapore

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Testimonials

What our clients are saying

Fred Foo profile picture
Fred Foo
2 years ago
Very convenient if you need documents notarized by Notary Public. Very quick and fuss free experience today!
Kevin profile picture
Kevin
2 years ago
Prerna Tyagi profile picture
Prerna Tyagi
2 years ago
Excellent service. Very professional and timely response and affordable price. Thank you Ms Ganggadevi from Netto & Magin LLC.
Mexican Rose profile picture
Mexican Rose
2 years ago
Thank you so much Ms GG for your Godly level Patience on my AEIC document errors. Ms GG did not hesitate to offered to help to amend the mistakes on my AEIC to look effective and was accepted by the courts after submission. Thank you so much Ms GG without you I would have failed to submit on time. A big thank you to the Commissioner as well for granting permission on this matter. Highly recommended.
Noordin Aziz profile picture
Noordin Aziz
2 years ago
Eunice ONG is a trustworthy lawyer. A reliable and committed service. All our issues been handled and resolved professionally. Thanks for her service.
Alex Anton profile picture
Alex Anton
2 years ago
Angeline Tanuwidjaja profile picture
Angeline Tanuwidjaja
3 years ago
Had documents notarized and certified true here. Very fast and efficient service.
Hasia Mohamad profile picture
Hasia Mohamad
3 years ago
Mdm Roqiyah is a professional and responsible lawyer. She has extensive experience in helping her client's case. Appreciate her good services and would recommend her should anyone needs a lawyer.
ASH GERK profile picture
ASH GERK
3 years ago
Mdm Roqiyah was very calm and patient in handling my case. She displayed high level of competency and ensured that everything was in order. Mdm Roqiyah also showed empathy towards my situation and it made me feel better albeit going through tough times. Keep up the good work!
Hong Leong profile picture
Hong Leong
4 years ago
Luke is a patient and dedicated lawyer who took the time to listen to our case without judgement. He is detail-oriented and always puts our best interest as his top priority. He makes it a point to update us regarding the case, regardless of the time and will go the extra mile by giving call consultations even after office hours for minor enquires. He is knowledgeable and provided guidance for us during the difficult time. He is professional without coming across as being cold when he put forth to us the different possible outcomes. Highly recommended !
Jerry Ng profile picture
Jerry Ng
4 years ago
A masterpiece at all legal fronts. The advice and experience presented are unparalleled and unrivaled. A class of their own. Definitely a must go to for those who seek help, regardless of anyone new or repeated.
Jonathan Ke profile picture
Jonathan Ke
4 years ago
They assisted with with one of my car accident claims, they understood the markets well and negotiated with the insurer. All negotiations were hands off, they took over the case and was compensated rightfully. Great team !
Joa Lee profile picture
Joa Lee
4 years ago
Mr. Luke is the best lawyer for me. He has been caring us sincerely till our case finished with the good results. I would like to appreciate him once more
Sunbo Holding Pte Ltd profile picture
Sunbo Holding Pte Ltd
4 years ago
At Netto & Magin LLC, we found the legal representation that we were looking for many years. They did not only build a strong case but they also followed up and supported the case and our company all throughout. Mr Luke & Mr Aylwyn are talented, honest and experienced lawyers. They were available on a daily basis and responded directly to our questions promptly and professionally. They showed their best at all times. We would recommend and referred this firm to everyone.

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1 Coleman Street, #06-06, The Adelphi Singapore 179803

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+65 6338 3020

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nmllc@nmlawcorp.com.sg

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+65 9852 5856

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