Following the conclusion of the SG IP Fast pilot programme on December 31, 2024, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) launched a new SG Patents Fast programme on May 20, 2025. This new programme was developed based on feedback from stakeholders, recognizing the value of the SG IP Fast pilot programme while introducing further enhancements.  

Like its predecessor, this new programme provides a platform for enterprises and innovators seeking to accelerate patent examination processes. However, the focus has shifted from achieving accelerated grant/registration under the SG IP Fast pilot programme to obtaining accelerated office actions with specified timelines, depending on the acceleration tracks selected under the new programme. 

Additionally, the SG Patents Fast programme features simplified qualifying criteria to better support  enterprises and innovators; for example, the requirements for the application to be first filed in Singapore, which was applicable under the SG IP Fast pilot programme, has been removed. It is also no longer necessary to provide a reason for requesting acceleration. However, the technical field of the patent application must be indicated when applying for acceleration under the new programme. 

Further details of the new programme are outlined below: 

Acceleration tracks under SG Patents Fast programme 

Two acceleration tracks are available, offering different timelines for the issuance of offices actions:  

1st Acceleration Track: SG Patents Fast 4 

Expected time frame for receiving the 1st office action	4 months
Official costs*	S$1800 (to accelerate the combined search and examination, PF11)  S$1200 (to accelerate the examination, PF12)

2nd Acceleration Track: SG Patents Fast 8 

Expected time frame for receiving the 1st office action	8 months
Official costs*	S$900 (to accelerate the combined search and examination, PF11)  S$600 (to accelerate the examination, PF12)

Note: * The above official costs are in addition to the applicable official fees payable for requesting combined search and examination or requesting examination. 

Acceleration of subsequent office actions 

In addition to accelerating the issuance of the first office action, enterprises and innovators also have the option to accelerate the subsequent issuance of office actions. This option is subject to an additional official fee and is available only for applications successfully enrolled in the SG Patents Fast programme. Details of this option are as follows:  

Expected time frame for receiving subsequent office action	4 months
Official costs*	S$150 payable when responding to the office action, PF13A

If the acceleration fee is not paid when responding to the office action, the application will proceed under the standard processing timelines for subsequent office actions. 

Qualifying criteria  

To qualify for the SG Patents Fast programme, the following criteria must be met: 

1. The patent application is not a divisional application in Singapore. In other words, this programme applies to all pending patent applications for which examination request has not been filed, except for divisional applications.  

2. The patent application contains 20 or fewer claims.  

3. The acceleration request must be made at the time of filing the request for combined search and examination (PF11) or the request for examination (PF12).  

Monthly cap  

There is a monthly cap of five requests per entity (individual or corporate) for the acceleration tracks, i.e., SG Patents Fast 4 and SG Patents Fast 8. 

No monthly cap applies to requests for acceleration of subsequent office actions. 

The SG Patents Fast programme represents a significant evolution from its predecessor. It offers simplified requirements, and clearly defined timelines for the issuance of office actions, thereby providing enterprises and innovators with greater confidence in expected timelines for patent prosecution.