Associate Trade Mark Examiners, Registry of Trade Marks and Geographical Indications

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Great ideas do not discriminate — anyone can have them. With the right protection and support, a great idea can become a trusted brand, a transformative technology, an innovative process or design, or even a song or story that inspires one’s soul. Housing Singapore’s largest community of intellectual property (IP) experts, IPOS understands better than anyone how important it is to protect ideas and creations for now and the future. We leverage on our deep technical, legal and business expertise to help innovative enterprises grow, through their intangible assets, including IP, from Singapore, through Singapore. We catalyse the ideas today, into assets tomorrow.

What the role is

A trade mark can be any word, name, letter, numeral, device, shape, colour, aspect of packaging, or a combination of such elements. In some cases, even sounds or holograms may qualify. From the Singapore Airlines bird logo to the DBS quatrefoil, trade marks help businesses build distinctive brands and protect their reputation.

We are currently seeking Associate Trade Mark Examiners to join the Registry of Trade Marks. In this role, you will work closely with fellow examiners to assess trade mark applications and ensure they comply with the legal requirements for registration. You may also contribute to the formulation and implementation of national trade mark policies, supporting Singapore’s position as a global hub for intellectual property and intangible assets.

The role includes an initial structured training period of approximately 18 months, during which successful candidates will progressively develop the legal, analytical and professional judgment required for independent trade mark examination. This training combines on-the-job learning, with mentoring and formal instruction provided, and requires sustained commitment and dedication from the job holder.

What you will be working on

Examining a trade mark application requires a combination of sound thinking, good judgment, strong analytical skills, and some understanding of, or an interest in how businesses brand, market and identify themselves.

As a Trade Mark Examiner, you will:

1. Assess distinctiveness

Determine whether a proposed trade mark is capable of distinguishing the trade origin of the relevant goods or services.

2. Conduct searches for conflicting marks

Identify earlier trade marks on the Singapore trade mark register that may conflict with the application.

3. Review specifications of goods and services

Examine the description of goods and services applied for, with reference to international classification standards.

4. Communicate examination outcomes and provide guidance

Correspond with applicants or their legal representatives on examination outcomes, including raising objections where necessary, and assessing responses received. Provide guidance and assistance to members of the public who have queries on trade mark-related matters.

Beyond examination work, Trade Mark Examiners may take on administrative and project-based responsibilities that support the effective functioning of the Registry and the broader objectives of IPOS.

As you gain experience and seniority, your role will broaden to include mentoring, training and supervisory responsibilities, contributing to the professional development of junior colleagues.

What we are looking for

Write to us if you are/have:

1. Strong written and verbal communication skills;
2. Sound research, analytical, comprehension and decision-making abilities;
3. Meticulous, customer-oriented and attentive to detail;
4. An interest in, or have some understanding of, how businesses brand, market and identify themselves;
5. Able to work well both as a team player and as an individual contributor with a strong sense of ownership and responsibility for meeting personal targets and deadlines;
6. Adept at managing multiple tasks or projects concurrently;
7. Self-motivated, adaptable and keen to take on new challenges; and
8. Committed to continuous professional and personal development.