ACCOUNT ADMINISTRATION
TERMINATION OF USERS OR ACCOUNT
:
What is the procedure for termination of user(s) or an account?
Step 1 Termination of user(s) or account MUST be made in writing,
stating the account identification number, the user concerned, and the
effective date of termination.
Step 2 It MUST be signed by an authorized signatory,
and mailed or couriered to the following addresses :
ePatents Centre
c/o i-Magination Solution Pte Ltd
No. 2 Ubi View
4th Floor
Singapore 408556
Netrust Pte Ltd
70 Bendemeer Road
#05-03, Luzerne
Singapore 339940
Step 3 Send a copy of the requests for termination of users(s)
or account to the Registry at :
Patents Registry (ePatents)
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore
51 Bras Basah Road
#04-01 Plaza By The Park
Singapore 189554
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FORGOTTEN PASSWORD:
I have forgotten my password, what should I do?
Send requests to reset your password to epatents@i-maginationsolution.com
with your particulars (User ID or Account ID, Full Name and Address/Contact
number). Your newly assigned password will be sent to you via email.
USE OF
EPATENTS SERVICES:
Do I need to be a registered user to perform patent search and/or download published patent information?
No. You do not have to be a registered user to access these services. The search engine and the download of published patent information are free services.
The download of published patent information includes the following:
(1) download of published patent specifications; and
(2) download of patent register and renewal details.
As a subscribed
user, in addition to having access to the above services,
you will be able to conduct electronic submissions of patents forms.
This is Paid Service. The system will prompt you for payment and the amount payable will be indicated at the Payment page.
Why are surcharges imposed on the user for the various services?
Surcharges are imposed to cover expenses or charges incurred through the
use of the account and the payment facilities provided.
I want to obtain the specification of a particular patent. Will I
be able to download it through ePatents?
Please refer to "Data Availability" (for patent specifications) at ePatents for updates on the specifications that are available online for searching and downloading.
If the specification is not yet available online, you may submit a
PF25 to IPOS to request for a copy of the specification or a PF44 to
request for information on a particular application. You can acquire
a copy of the PF25 or PF44 here.
Please note that if you file a paper copy of the form, the Service
Bureau charges will apply. Alternatively, you may file
the forms online as a subscribed
user.
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OVERSEAS USERS
(Users accessing from countries other than Singapore) :
What are the services available for overseas users?
If you are a user from overseas, you can :
(1) access bibliographic information;
(2) perform full text search on published patent specification and
abstracts;
(3) view the abstract of all published applications online; and.
(4) download all published patent information available online.
These services are free. However, if you wish to use any Paid
Service you can approach a patent agent based in Singapore.
You can contact IPOS at this email address : ipos_epatents@ipos.gov.sg
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EPATENTS SERVICES AND FEATURES
PATENT SEARCH :
What is Basic Information?
Basic Information refers to basic bibliographic information on the patent
applications/ patents. This would include information like the patent's Singapore
application number, name of applicants/ proprietors and inventors, title of invention,
priority details etc. Such information is provided through ePatents to enable the searcher
to identify if this is the patent application or patent he or she is looking for.
What is a Patent Register?
The Patent Register gives more detailed bibliographic information and
also status information. It contains basic bibliographic information, status
information (e.g. events which have occurred) and renewal details. A register
was kept for all applications and registration made under the old registration
system (Registration of United Kingdom Patents Act). For applications filed under
the new system (under the Singapore Patents Act Chapter 221), entry on the register
would be made only when the application is published (ie. when abstract publication
is made and the file is open for public inspection).
What is a Patent Specification?
Specification refers to description, claims and drawings
(if any) of the invention. An applicant is required to make full
disclosure of his invention in the application (what it is and how it works).
Specification is only available for published applications and patents
(ie. open for public inspection), and would not be available for patent applications
which are still confidential. Specifications would only be available after the data is
converted and uploaded. The data availability is specified on the website.
What are the types of search available online?
Three (3) types of search:
(a) Simple Search
(b) Advanced Search
(c) Specification Search
The whole list of searchable criteria can be found in the search interface.
You can access the Help link in the search interface for more help information.
Would I be able to check in ePatents website for patents outside Singapore.
No. ePatents database contains the Singapore patent applications and
patents only.
How can I find out more on patent application and procedures?
For general inquiries related to patents, you may visit http://www.ipos.gov.sg
or send an email to ipos_epatents@ipos.gov.sg.
How long does the online submission take to be updated into the database?
It will take one (1) working day for Credit
Card transactions and seven (7) working days for GIRO
transactions to be updated into the Registry's internal database. For automated transactions (renewals and change of address),
after updated into the Registry's database, they are then replicated again overnight to be updated to the online database.
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ELECTRONIC
SUBMISSION OF PATENT FORMS :
What type of Patents Forms can I submit electronically?
Click here
for details.
ONLINE SAVE
FEATURE
What is the Online Save Feature for Patents Forms?
This is a feature which allows you to save the details which you have keyed into
the online patents forms on our server for a maximum of three (3) working days.
You must complete the submission or resave the details before the end of the three
(3) working days, or the details will be deleted. You can save a maximum of 10 Patents
Forms for each subscriber
user account. This feature is available for all Patents Forms, with the exception of renewals.
SECURITY MEASURES
:
What are the security measures implemented in
ePatents that ensure security and confidentiality of online submission?
ePatents implements a number of measures to ensure that ensure security
and confidentiality of online submission. They are as follows :
- The security of the data submitted is ensured as the communication
channel through the Internet is secured by Verisign Secure Socket Layer (SSL)
128-bit. The ePatents servers are also placed behind a firewall which is placed
in a secured data centre environment. System security patches are applied weekly
with regular system scanning to uncover and patch possible security holes. This way,
data is secure both during and after transmission to ePatents.
- For form submission, a Netrust
Digital Certificate is also needed to digitally sign
the online submission. The use of the Netrust Digital Certificate stored
on a card is an additional measure to further ensure confidentiality
and to facilitate non-repudiation.
- Before submission through ePatents, any attachment to be submitted
with the Patents Form(s) also need to be compressed and digitally signed.
This is done by using a program which can be downloaded from ePatents.
This is to further ensure data confidentiality and non-repudiation for important
documents such as description, claims, drawings, abstract etc.
This program is referred to as the Electronic Patent Preparation Software
(EPP
Software), which contains two modules :
a. The Online Attachment Preparation (OAP) sub-system, used exclusively
for preparing electronic attachments for online transmission (click
here
to find out more); and
b. The Electronic Preparation Preparation (EPP) sub-system, used exclusively
for preparing electronic documents for media submission (click here
to find out more). [Note: encryption is not needed for EPP submissions as the submissions are given to the Patents Registry on physical media i.e. CD-Rom/ diskettes.]
ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PATENT APPLICATION
SUMMARY FLOWCHART OF
FILING PROCEDURES
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ONLINE INTERNET SUBMISSION TO IPOS
Should I make a paper copy submission after filing it electronically
with ePatents web site?
No. Duplicate submissions on paper are not necessary. To avoid any
possible confusion over the documents furnished to the Registry, arising
from the multiple and duplicated documents received, subscribers should
refrain from making a submission electronically followed by a paper
copy for the same matter.
What if my file size submission of the patent specifications exceeds
the 5Mb limit?
As the transmission of documents from the subscriber to IPOS is via
the internet, it is not advisable to attach a large file. This will
be too time-consuming for the documents to be transmitted successfully.
Bearing this in mind, ePatents sets the following guideline to the 5Mb
limit of the document to be transmitted electronically, for example:-
a. Description + claim(s) : 120 pages
b. Drawings : 20 pages
c. Abstract : 1 page
Note : The guideline provided above is only an indication. Actual
eventual file size will vary with the manner by which the documents
are prepared.
If you have documents larger than the above-mentioned to submit electronically,
we would advise you to prepare the submission on media with the Electronic
Patent Preparation sub-system (EPP),
where the file is compressed onto media (diskettes or CDRs) for the
purpose of submission to IPOS. The media will then have to be submitted
to IPOS's office counter for further processing. For details on media
submission click here.
When can I file my patent application online?
IPOS will accept online filings 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week,
subject to availability (the server will need to undergo maintenance
from time to time).
How will I know that IPOS has received the electronic form submission
that I have filed?
An online "Acknowledgment and Receipt" is generated
after every submission. Users are to print the receipt for record purposes.
At the same time, an "Email Online Receipt" which is
a summary of the transaction done is sent to the user via email. The
technology involved in checking the completeness and integrity of your
transmission, is part of the standard protocols used for online transmissions.
How is the lodgement date accorded for an online submission?
(a) Where the Patents Form and documents are sent online
For the purposes of determining the lodgement date of submission IPOS establishes
the lodgement date on the day the electronic filing is completely and successfully received at IPOS, as shown
in the acknowledgement receipt.
(b) Where the Patents Form and documents are sent on media
The relevant lodgement date will be the date that the media is received
by IPOS. Payment of the filing fee only will not be sufficient to secure
a filing date. Both filing fee and the media containing the documents
comprising the submission must be received by IPOS in order to secure
a filing date.
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ELECTRONIC
PATENT PREPARATION (EPP) SOFTWARE
What is the EPP Software?
This is a software provided to you under a free-license which is used to package your electronic
documents for submission to the Registry. It can be downloaded free-of-charge from the ePatents website.
OAP
(ONLINE ATTACHMENT PREPARATION SUB-SYSTEM); ONLINE SUBMISSION TO IPOS
When should I use OAP?
You will need to use OAP for attaching documents to online submissions.
Online submissions will be limited to attachments (description, drawings, abstract etc)
which are below 5Mb collectively in file size. OAP will be used to compress and encrypt these attachments.
The compressed and encrypted file will then have to be attached to the online Patents Form for online submission.
For instructions on how to use the OAP software, please refer to the
user manual accompanying the software and updated version of the user
manual made available on our website from time to time.
EPP (ELECTRONIC PATENT
PREPARATION SUB-SYSTEM)MEDIA SUBMISSION TO IPOS
When should I use EPP?
You will need to use EPP, when the attachments to the Patents Forms exceed the guidelines
for or the actual 5Mb limit for online submissions. EPP was developed for specific Patent Forms
which are usually accompanied with large documents.
What kind of media can I use with EPP?
Currently, only 3.5 inch diskette or Recordable Compact Disc (CDR) are accepted.
Please note that media submitted is not returnable.
How should I use EPP?
For instructions on how to use the EPP software, please refer to the
user manual accompanying the software and updated version of the user
manual made available on our website from time to time.
Step 1 Packaging the submission onto media
You will need to attach your electronic document files with the relevant
Patents Forms and use EPP to compress the electronic package to be sent.
You should then decide on the type of media which you would like to use for submission to IPOS :
3.5 Inch Diskette
EPP will separate the electronic package (containing the compressed
and encrypted Patents Forms and attachments) into the required number
of diskettes. Please ensure that you label and number the diskettes
accordingly (eg. disk 1/5, disk2/5 etc.), to ensure completeness of
record.
Recordable Compact Disc (CDR)
EPP will compress the Patents Forms and attachments into a file which can be stored on your computer.
You can then use a CDR writer with the appropriate software, to place this file onto a CDR for submission on media.
Step 2 Making payment for submissions on media
Payment will have to be made online before the media can be submitted to the IPOS counter.
You will need to make payment using the link "Acknowledgement/Payment" under the "Online Submissions" tab on our website.
After completing payment, print out two (2) copies of the receipt. Keep one copy for your reference.
With the other copy, detach the portion below and secure it to the outside of an envelope.
Place the receipt from which you detached the portion into the envelope, with the media and
any other documents which you need to submit in paper form. Ensure that envelope is properly secured before sending it IPOS.
Step 3 Submission of media to IPOS
You may submit the media to IPOS in one of the following ways :
a. post the envelope with its contents;
b. hand it to or drop it off at our office counter (during office
hours); or
c. drop it off in the Patents Deposit Box (after office hours).
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SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICES
SELF
HELP KIOSK
There will be a computer workspace with a scanner, Adobe PDF Writer
software and a CDR Writer, situated within a lockable room for conversion
of paper documents into a digital format. The same terminal may also
be used for electronic online and media submissions.
If you already have your own Netrust
Digital Certificate and ePatents subscriber account, you
can use them to access ePatents to make your electronic submissions.
However, if you do not have a Netrust
Digital Certificate, one will be
available separately for rented use. You will need to apply for a Cat 2 account
for yourself and the relevant surcharges will apply.
Please note however, that a declaration form will have to completed,
to retain accountability, for the use of the Netrust
Digital Certificate. Proof of identification
(such as NRIC or passport) will have to be produced at the time of request
of use of the Netrust ID card.
SEARCH ROOM TERMINALS
There will be several terminals in the Public Search Room at IPOS, with Card Readers attached.
These terminals can be used to make online submissions. Please note however, that you should already
have your documents (Patents description, claims, drawings or abstract etc) in electronic form when you
make your submission using these terminals. If you only have your documents in paper forms, you will need to use the
Self
Help Kiosk facilities.
SERVICE
BUREAU
A service bureau will be available for applicants to submit paper documents which should have been
submitted electronically. These paper documents will be scanned and submitted for applicants for a fee.
Applicants will be notified in writing when these paper submissions are ready for collection.
In order to make use of the service bureau, a Service Bureau Request Form will have to be filled out.
You will be able to acquire a copy of the Service Bureau Request Form from the ePatents website.
You can request for this service by completing this form, and submitting it with your paper documents
to the Registry counter or through the
Patents
Deposit Box with the relevant fees and service bureau surcharges.
The applicable charges will be set out in the First Schedule of the
Patents Rules. The charges will be as follows :
a. an administrative fee (on a per Patent Form basis); and
b. a scanning fee (on a per page basis, including the Patent Form
filed).
PATENTS
DEPOSIT BOX
A Patents Deposit Box will be available at the 4th floor of Plaza By
The Park on IPOS premises to receive patent submissions after office
hours.
The Patents Deposit Box will consist of 2 mail slots which will be
accessible from the common corridor. These mail slots will be properly
identified as belonging to the Patents Deposit Box and will be situated
along the corridor to the right of the glass entrance of the Registry.
These slots will be timer controlled, with a midnight deadline. At
any instance, only one slot will be open. One slot will be labelled
"Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday" and the other slot will
be labelled "Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday". Hence, you will
be able to tell if you managed to make it before the midnight deadline
to secure a particular filing date, with the usual rules on excluded
days to continue to apply.
The Patents Deposit Box can be used for a variety of patents submissions
:
a. Media submissions (for Patents Forms that have to be submitted
electronically);
b. Paper submissions (for the Service Bureau's attention); and
c. Paper submissions that do not have to be submitted electronically.
ONLINE SUBMISSION PROCEDURES
What if I cannot make my submission or payment online because the
website is down etc.?
IPOS will endeavor to ensure that essential services continue with
the least possible disruption or delay.
In the event any of online facilities are rendered temporarily unavailable
for an extended period of time, a message will be displayed on the relevant
webpage. Under these circumstances, you are strongly encouraged to submit
date-sensitive material requirement by hand to our Registry counter.
Please file a paper copy of the Patent Form (you can get a copy here)
with your submissions in the designated electronic formats to facilitate
processing of your submission.
Please note that it remains your responsibility to ensure that deadlines
are respected. Unless otherwise notified, you should assume that the
deadlines continue to remain in place. You are strongly encouraged to
address important deadlines ahead of time to minimize the risk of affecting
your or your clients' interests.
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TYPES
OF SUBMISSION THAT CAN BE FILED WITH EPATENTS
What type of Patents Forms can be filed with ePatents?
Details on the Patents Forms available at ePatents may be found here
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PREPARATION OF DOCUMENTATION FOR ELECTRONIC
SUBMISSION
How shall I prepare my documents e.g patent specifications
and subsequently attach them with the electronic patent forms?
Ensure that all your documents are on A4 size paper.
Separate your patents specifications and patents abstracts into 3 bundles
and convert the documents into separate electronic files and in the
respective recommended formats :
| Document bundle / file |
Recommended Scanning Resolution (dpi) |
File Format (Black and white or grayscale) |
| a. Patents description and/or the claim(s) - Text only |
200 |
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Or
TIFF (Multi-page Group
4 Compression)
|
| b. Patents description and/or the claim(s) - Text and
diagrams (eg. With chemical structure etc) |
200 |
c. Patents abstract
|
200 |
| d. Patents drawings |
300 |
Please note that drawings saved in PDF are generally smaller in file
size than the same drawing saved in TIFF format, but may also provide
less clarity of reproduction. You may use PDF, if you are confident
that the quality of the image after conversion into PDF is sufficiently
clear for reproduction.
NOTE : For any documents submitted in PDF, please do not
activate any of the "locks" to prevent cutting and pasting text from the document,
as our system needs to place your preferred drawing into the abstract if required.
How should I crop images?
When cropping images for your digital files, please ensure that the
margins as set by the Patents Rules, are followed :
1. Text Only Files
The minimum margins of the sheets containing
the description, the claims, and the abstract, are as follows:
(a) top: 2.0 cm;
(b) left side: 2.5 cm; 
(c) right side: 2.0 cm; and
(d) bottom: 2.0 cm.
2. Drawings
The minimum margins are as follows:
(a) top: 2.5 cm;
(b) left side: 2.5 cm;
(c) right side: 1.5 cm; and
(d) bottom: 1.0 cm.
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WHAT IS PDF (Portable Document Format)?
You will need to have a copy of the Portable Document Format (PDF)
Writer from Adobe to convert the documents into PDF format. Text only
documents must be scanned at 200 dpi resolution and drawings at 300
dpi resolution. All images should be saved as black and white or grayscale
images. You may wish to crop
the images to reduce the surrounding white space.
Why use PDF?
The PDF format guarantees that information is identically represented
in different environments and it also retains the integrity of the data.
Whereas, if subscribers were allowed to submit information in MS Word
format, the image may be affected, i.e pages or alignment may be altered
when it is viewed in different environment.
WHAT IS TIFF (Tag Image File Format)?
TIFF images must be black and white (or
grayscale), 300 dpi in Group
4 Compression. We also recommend the cropping
of each graphic image to reduce the surrounding white space.
Why use TIFF?
Since patent applications should be archived, only stable formats may
be used for electronic patent database. TIFF is both non - proprietory
and it retains the integrity when compressed or archived. This format
is also viewable in a wide variety of software packages. TIFF is also
compatible with a wide range of scanners and image - processing applications.
Guidelines on Filing of PDF or Multipage TIFF Group 4 (TIFF) documents
To enable the Registry of Patents to expedite the processing of your submissions,
it is recommended that you base your decision on the choice of using the PDF or TIFF format on the following guidelines:
(A) The descriptions, claims, drawings, abstracts or their amendments / corrections should only be saved in
PDF format if the documents are converted directly from an electronic document by using the recommended Adobe
PDF Writer Software, i.e. if you have a softcopy of the specification, you should convert and save the specification as
PDF files by using the recommended Adobe PDF Writer software.
(B) In all other cases where scanning is required, the descriptions, claims, drawings, abstracts or their
amendments / corrections should be saved in TIFF format, i.e. if you only have a paper copy of the specification,
you should scan the specification and save it in TIFF format.
(C) If the descriptions, claims, drawings, abstracts or their amendments / corrections are electronic documents
already in TIFF format, you should retain the format and submit the documents in TIFF format.
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USAGE TIPS (SPECIFIC QUERIES)
USE
OF EPP SOFTWARE
How do I find out if my TIFF is in Group 4 Compression?
You can use "Imaging" in Windows Accessories. Please ensure
that you have it installed. It is an application, which is included
with Windows. Once you have activated the application :
Step 1 Open the file
Step 2 Select PAGE for menu
Step 3 Under PAGE, go to Properties then Compression Tab
Step 4 Under Compression Tab, choose Group 4
For Windows NT Users :
Step 1 Open the file
Step 2 Select PAGE for menu
Step 3 Under PAGE, go to Convert
Step 4 Ensure that image is black and white
Step 5 Under Compression Tab, choose Group 4
What if the diagrams or pictures I need to include in my description
were originally in color?
You can convert these diagrams or pictures into grayscale electronic
files. This will retain details of a picture within the graduations
in gray, for example as with spectrometer readings.
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USE
OF EPP SOFTWARE
Cover letters
Do
I need to file a cover letter with my electronic patent
submissions?
Ans : A cover letter is not required for electronic patent submissions, but it is an optional attachment
with EPP submissions, should you need to provide us with additional details. Alternatively,
you may key these details in the ”Remarks” box that can be found within most of the electronic
patents forms.
Patents Form 15
If two firms have been authorized to pay renewal fees for a
patent; one firm to specifically handle the renewals fees due on grant of
a patent (eg. Year 4-5) and another firm to renew the patent after grant
(eg. Year 6-7), can the latter firm file a PF15 on paper before the back
renewal fees are paid up?
Ans : While you may file a PF15 on paper. Please note you will
have to pay the necessary service bureau surcharges for filing on paper.
In addition, the PF15 (for Year 6-7) will not be processed, as the back
renewal fees (Year 4-5) have not been paid up.
Patents Form 26
If I need to request for a copy of certified documents
under rule 118, I notice that I won’t be able to do so with the electronic
forms. If I file on paper, will I have to pay the service bureau
surcharges?
Ans : No,
when the PF26 is filed on paper specifically for the purpose of requesting
for certified copies of documents under rule 118, the service bureau
surcharge will not be payable.
Patents Form 1 and Patents Form 1(2004)
If I need to file a PF1 or PF1(2004) where the number of pages of the description,
claims or drawings exceed 999 pages, I notice that I won’t be able to key in the relevant number of
pages into the space provided in the electronic forms. What should I do?
Ans : You should prepare the electronic documents with the Electronic Patent Preparation Software
(EPP software) and key in ”999” in the relevant space provided in the PF1 or PF1(2004) in the EPP software. You
should also include a cover letter with indication of the actual number of pages of the description, claims and
drawing and submit the electronic files on a portable media. The usual requirements and procedures in the
Patents Act, Patents Rules and Practice Direction would apply.
Genetic Sequence
Listings
I need to file genetic sequence listings. Where do I put
them under for electronic
submissions?
Ans : You can place genetic sequence listings as part of your
patent description.
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