How to Avoid IPOS Excess Claim Fees: 2026 Singapore Patent Strategy

How to Draft Compact Patent Applications to Avoid New IPOS Excess Claim Fees (2026 Guide)

In the competitive landscape of Singapore’s “Smart Nation” initiative, intellectual property is a critical asset. However, as of April 1, 2026, the cost of securing that asset has changed. The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has introduced a revised fee structure designed to encourage “compact” patent applications.

For Senior Managers and founders, failing to adapt your drafting strategy could lead to thousands of dollars in unnecessary “excess claim” fees.

1. The 2026 Shift: What Has Changed?

Historically, many applicants relied on the “20-claim threshold” and paid excess fees only at the final grant stage. That era has ended.

The Lowered Threshold: 15 Claims

The threshold for excess claims has been officially lowered from 20 to 15 claims.

• The Cost: Every claim exceeding the 15th claim now incurs a fee of $S\$80$.
• The Trigger: This applies to all requests for Search and Examination (PF11) or Examination (PF12) filed on or after September 1, 2025.

The PF13A Trigger: A New Financial Milestone

Perhaps the most significant change effective April 1, 2026, is the timing of the payment. Excess claim fees are no longer deferred until the grant (PF14).

Critical Update: If you amend your claims during the prosecution phase—specifically when filing a Response to Written Opinion (Form PF13A)—and your new set exceeds 15 claims (or the number previously paid for), the $S\$80$-per-claim fee is triggered immediately.

2. Strategic Drafting: How to Maintain Scope with 15 Claims

“Compact drafting” does not mean reducing the protection of your invention. It means utilizing the Singapore Patents Act more efficiently.

A. Master “Multiple Dependencies”

Unlike the United States (USPTO), where multiple dependent claims are heavily taxed, the IPOS allows multiple dependencies without extra fees.

• The Strategy: Instead of having three separate claims for three different embodiments, draft one dependent claim that refers back to “any of the preceding claims.”
• The Benefit: This exponentially increases your protected permutations while keeping your total claim count under the 15-claim limit.

B. The “Broad-to-Narrow” Description Bridge

To avoid fees at the PF13A stage, ensure your Description is highly modular.

• Draft your description with clearly defined “sub-features” that can be moved into the claims later if needed.
• This allows you to start with a compact set of 15 broad claims, adding specific limitations only if the examiner raises an objection, rather than paying for 30 “just in case” claims at the start.

3. Comparison: Old vs. New Fee Structure

4. Why “Compact Drafting” is a Business Win

Beyond saving costs, compact applications often lead to faster examination. Examiners can navigate a concise, 15-claim set much more quickly than a bloated 40-claim filing, reducing the time-to-grant.

For Singaporean SMEs and tech startups, staying under the 15-claim limit is not just about being “frugal”—it is about demonstrating IP Maturity.

FAQ: Navigating the 2026 Fees

Q: Can I wait until grant to pay for excess claims?

A: No. For filings after Sept 2025, fees are paid upfront at the Search and Examination request. For amendments after April 2026, they are paid at the PF13A stage.

Q: Do multiple dependent claims count as “extra claims” for the $S\$80$ fee?

A: No. In Singapore, a claim is counted as one unit, regardless of how many other claims it refers to. This is your most powerful tool for cost-saving.

Q: What if I reduce my claims from 20 to 10 during examination? Do I get a refund?

A: Generally, no. IPOS does not provide refunds for claims “dropped” after the fee has been triggered at the PF11/12 or PF13A stage.

Secure Your Innovation with Pintas Singapore

Need a strategic audit of your patent draft? At Pintas Singapore, we specialize in “Compact Patent Engineering.” We help you maximize your IP protection while navigating the 2026 IPOS fee increases.

Take the next step:

• Request a Strategic Claim Audit: Ensure your 15-claim set provides maximum protection at minimum cost.
• Book a Fee Optimization Consultation: Let our experts restructure your existing portfolio for the 2026 landscape.
• Visit us at: pintas-ip.com/singapore-patent-filing/

Expertise. Precision. Global Protection.