Company Names & Trademarks

Common questions about company names & trademarks in Singapore, answered by the team at E&H Corporate Services.

How do I find out if the name for my company is available?You can check name availability free on ACRA's BizFile+ portal or via corporate service providers' name-check tools. The name must not be identical or confusingly similar to an existing registered entity or reserved name.Can I reserve a company name before incorporation?Yes. You can apply for name approval through ACRA. The reservation is valid for 60 days.How do I reserve a company name?File a name application via BizFile+ (S$15 per name, up to three choices). Once approved, the name is reserved for 120 days, during which you must complete incorporation; you can extend the reservation for a further 120 days once.How do I register a company name in Singapore?Name registration is the first step of incorporation — apply through BizFile+ with up to three proposed names, pay the fee, and upon approval complete the incorporation application using the reserved name.Are there reasons for a delay in name reservation by ACRA?Yes — names requiring referral to other agencies (e.g. finance, healthcare, education keywords), names similar to existing entities, or names with restricted words can take longer. Most straightforward names are approved within hours to 1–2 days.Are there reasons for a proposed company name to be rejected by ACRA?Names are rejected if they are identical or confusingly similar to an existing entity, undesirable or offensive, contain restricted words without approval (e.g. 'bank', 'law', 'university'), or imply government connection.Can I include Chinese characters in the company name?Yes, it is possible for a BVI company. Please note that there are additional charges.What is the process to change the company name?Get the new name approved by ACRA, pass a shareholders' special resolution, then file the change; the new name takes effect immediately upon approval. Changing a company name takes three steps. First, submit a name application in ACRA BizFile for the intended new name, confirming it is not already taken and does not contain restricted or sensitive words (the latter may need referral to the relevant authority). Second, convene shareholders to pass a special resolution (at least 75% of voting rights) approving the change. Third, file the name change with ACRA; once approved, the new name takes effect immediately and ACRA issues a notice of change. After the change, the company must update its seal, signage, letterhead, invoices, bank accounts, contracts and licences with the new name — the registration number (UEN) stays the same. Although the process is straightforward, synchronising all external information afterwards is significant work, so prepare a checklist of what needs updating.What is a Trademark?A trademark is a sign capable of distinguishing your goods or services — words, logos, shapes, colours or combinations. Registration with IPOS gives you the exclusive right to use it in Singapore and to take action against infringers.Why should I register a trademark?Registration gives you a presumption of ownership, exclusive nationwide rights, the ability to sue for infringement, and the basis for protection in foreign markets via the Madrid Protocol. Unregistered marks rely only on passing-off, which is harder to prove.What are my rights as a trademark owner in Singapore?A registered owner has the exclusive right to use the mark for the registered classes, to license or assign it, and to take legal action against unauthorised use. Protection lasts 10 years and is renewable indefinitely.How long does a trademark registration last?A Singapore trademark registration lasts 10 years from the application date and can be renewed every 10 years indefinitely, provided renewal fees are paid within the renewal window (6 months before expiry plus a 6-month grace period).How long does the trademark application process take?With no objections or oppositions, a straightforward Singapore trademark application takes about 8–12 months from filing to registration (examination usually takes 4–6 months).How many classes of goods and services are there for trademark registration?The Nice Classification has 45 classes — 34 for goods and 11 for services. Each class is filed separately with its own fee, though multi-class applications are possible.If I register my trademark in Singapore, how can I get protection in other countries?You can extend protection internationally via the Madrid Protocol through IPOS, designating the countries where you want coverage. Alternatively, file directly in each country or via regional systems like the EUIPO.Must I register a trademark in Singapore before seeking protection overseas?Yes — under the Madrid Protocol route, you must hold a Singapore registration or pending application as the 'basic mark' before extending protection internationally (or claiming priority from your Singapore filing date).What is the difference between national trademark registration and the Madrid Protocol?National registration gives protection within one specific country, whereas the Madrid Protocol offers potential protection in multiple member countries through one centralised application.Are Singapore companies required to have trademark registration?No, trademark registration is voluntary in Singapore. However, registration is strongly recommended to protect your brand, as unregistered marks are harder to enforce against copycats.How can I protect my company name or product with a trademark?Register the brand name, logo and key product names as trademarks with IPOS in the classes relevant to your business. Your company name registered with ACRA does not automatically give trademark rights.Are Singapore companies required to have customs registration?Customs registration is only required for businesses importing or exporting controlled goods, operating excise factories, or in regulated industries. Ordinary trading companies register with Singapore Customs for permit purposes, not as a general company obligation.Are Singapore companies required to have copyrights and patents registration?Copyright arises automatically on creation in Singapore — no registration is needed. Patents must be applied for with IPOS and are granted for new, inventive and industrially applicable inventions; registration is voluntary but necessary for enforcement.

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