Monday IPDate January 19, 2026

Acceleration Programmes Under Review – Suspension of Acceptance of New Requests Under SG Patents Fast and SG Trade Marks Fast

The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) is reviewing the SG Patents Fast and SG Trade Marks Fast acceleration programmes. From 4 January 2026, IPOS will suspend the acceptance of new acceleration requests until further notice. Requests received before 4 January 2026 that meet the qualifying requirements set out under the respective programmes will have their office actions/applications accelerated.

> Acceleration Programmes Under Review – Suspension of Acceptance of New Requests Under SG Patents Fast and SG Trade Marks Fast

Maldives Enacts First Trademark Law, Effective November 2026

On November 11, 2025, the Republic of Maldives enacted its first comprehensive Trademark Act (Law No. 19/2025), establishing a formal statutory framework for trademark registration and protection for the first time in the country. This landmark legislation will come into force on November 11, 2026, replacing the long-standing informal practice of relying on “cautionary notices” to assert trademark rights with a modern registration system aligned with international standards.

> Maldives Enacts First Trademark Law, Effective November 2026