The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore – IPOS has been ranked as the world’s most innovative intellectual property office by the World Trademark Review publication for 2020.
This is the fourth time the World Trademark Review has ran the IP Office Innovation Ranking. IPOS topped the list of 50 of the world’s leading IP offices, for improvements in various areas, including its “refined online platform and the ongoing push to help firms commercialise their trademarks and brands”
The ranking is an annual research project by WTR of 50 of the world’s leading IP offices in areas of innovation, as IP offices transform themselves from IP registry and regulatory work to innovation agencies.
The research focuses on three core areas of value-added proposition, online capabilities and public outreach efforts, with the addition of the use of AI functionality at IP registries as the fourth metric this year.
The research also involves technical online metrics that measure the digital capabilities of IP offices, combined with inputs from more than 100 global counsels on the services provided by IP offices.
Mr Daren Tang , Chief Executive of IPOS said, “The accolade of being regarded as the world’s most innovative IP office by WTR and the community of IP practitioners is a recognition of the passion, professionalism and commitment of my colleagues to supporting our innovators and creators, and I am immensely privileged to be working with them.
“This continues to reinforce Singapore’s position as a hub for enterprises from anywhere in the world to use their IP and intangible assets to grow into regional markets and beyond said Mr Daren Tang , Chief Executive of IPOS.”
IPOS recognised for innovative digital initiatives and public outreach efforts
Several of IPOS’s innovative initiatives were singled out in the report, including its Enhanced Mediation Promotion Scheme which was described as “ground-breaking”.
The official mobile app IPOS Go, which integrates an AI-powered trademark image search engine, particularly highlighted for having “greatly improved the efficiency of trademark filings for users”.
IPOS was also praised for providing one of the most user-friendly websites and for the launch of its expertise and enterprise engagement arm – IPOS International.
IPOS was also recognised for its public outreach efforts through IP Week @ SG, for bringing business leaders, policymakers, IP experts and the public together to discuss IP-related issues, and to develop opportunities for innovation, transformation and commercialisation through its IP Marketplace.
IP Week @ SG 2019 saw over 4,000 participants from more than 45 countries, with more than 40% of the participants coming from the business community.
Commenting on the overall rankings and current COVID-19 situation, Mr Darren Tang added that: “It is also energising to see so many other IP offices step up their efforts to serve their countries and communities.
“In these extraordinarily challenging times, IP offices will play an even more critical role as innovation agencies, and by inspiring one another and working together, we can better support the flow of innovation and creativity across borders.”
