In the Sixth Singapore-Thailand Enhanced Economic Relationship Ministerial Meeting (STEERMM) held in Bangkok, officials from both countries reached a consensus on numerous agreements to strengthen their economic ties. The Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by the Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade & Industry of Singapore Dr. Tan See Leng & His Excellency Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit who is the incumbent Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Commerce of Thailand. The fruitful ministerial meeting deepened the cooperation of both countries in various fields and industries, including trade, investment & intellectual property protection.

Being the fourth partner of Thailand among other ASEAN state members, Singapore collaborates with Thailand to strengthen Intellectual Property (IP) protection in both regions through their official agency. The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and the Department of Intellectual Property Thailand (DIP) have exchanged opinions on the current mechanisms and decided to roll out the pilot Bilateral Collaborative Search & Examination (S&E) Programme to assist entrepreneurs and innovators to expedite the cumbersome process and obtain Intellectual Property protection in a more efficient way. IPOS and DIP have signed a Government-to-Government Memorandum of Cooperation that marks a new chapter of IP partnership between Singapore and Thailand government.

The Bilateral Collaborative Search & Examination (S&E) Programme is an initiative under the Implementation Workplan 2022 – 2024. IPOS and DIP being the forerunners to establish transnational cooperation for IP protection will definitely make a positive impact to encourage other ASEAN member states to take part in the said initiative.

In a nutshell, entrepreneurs and innovators are pleased to welcome more policies that assist them to transform their ideas into their most valuable assets. The Bilateral Search and Examinations Programme is certainly a new milestone for intellectual property development in the ASEAN region.

In PINTAS, we always believe that intellectual property rights are the most valuable asset of your business. With over 20 years of experience, our professional team are ready to serve you in the most effective and efficient way. If you have any IP related inquiries, please do not hesitate to consult us.