Trademark Cost Per Class in Singapore and What Businesses Really Pay

Thinking of protecting your brand in Singapore? One of the first questions many business owners ask is straightforward, what is the trademark cost per class in Singapore?

The short answer is that there is an official government filing fee, but the total amount you pay can depend on how you file, how many classes you need, and whether you choose professional assistance.

If your business is entering Singapore or expanding across Southeast Asia, knowing the real costs early can help you avoid delays, re-filings, and unnecessary expenses.

Official Trademark Cost Per Class in Singapore

Trademark applications in Singapore are administered by Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS).

As of 2026, the official filing fees are generally:

S$280 per class when using pre-approved goods or services descriptions from the IPOS classification database
S$410 per class when submitting custom descriptions that require further review

If your trademark needs protection across multiple classes, the fees increase accordingly.

For example:

1 class = from S$280
2 classes = from S$560
3 classes = from S$840

That is why selecting the right classes at the beginning is an important part of the filing strategy.

What Does “Per Class” Mean?

Trademark protection is divided into categories known as classes under the Nice Classification system.

Examples include:

Class 25: Clothing and footwear
Class 35: Retail, e-commerce, and business services
Class 9: Software and electronics
Class 43: Restaurants and food services

A business may need more than one class depending on what it sells and how it operates. For example, a fashion brand that sells products online may need coverage beyond just clothing.

Many applicants only realise this after filing.

Government Fee vs Total Filing Cost

The official IPOS fee is only one part of the overall process.

Many businesses choose professional support for:

Trademark availability searches
Class selection strategy
Filing preparation and review
Responding to objections
Regional brand protection planning

This can be especially useful for foreign companies entering Singapore, where mistakes often cost more than getting proper advice from the start.

Why Cheap Filings Can Become Expensive

Some businesses focus only on the lowest filing fee and submit quickly without proper checks. That can lead to:

Filing under the wrong class
Weak or unclear specifications
Conflicts with earlier trademarks
Examiner objections
Refiling costs and delays

A lower upfront fee does not always mean a lower overall cost.

Smart Strategy for ASEAN Businesses

Singapore remains one of the key commercial hubs in Southeast Asia. Many businesses from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and beyond secure trademark protection there before wider regional expansion.

A practical strategy often includes:

Conducting a clearance search first
Choosing the correct classes
Filing in Singapore strategically
Expanding to other markets later

This helps build a stronger trademark position across ASEAN markets.

Need Help With Trademark Registration in Singapore?

AMR Partnership assists businesses looking to protect their brands in Singapore and across Southeast Asia.

Because each brand, filing scope, and expansion plan is different, professional costs can vary depending on the level of support required. The best first step is to arrange a consultation and receive guidance based on your business goals.

If you are planning to enter Singapore, the smartest move is not simply finding the cheapest filing fee—it is choosing the right filing strategy from day one.