WTO highlights Singapore PPH program with Mexico

By Dumont

The eighth review of the trade policies and practices of Singapore took place on 22 and 24 September 2021. The basis for the review is a report by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat and a report by the Government of Singapore. Trade policy reviews are an exercise, mandated in the WTO agreements, in which member countries’ trade and related policies are examined and evaluated at regular intervals. Significant developments that may have an impact on the global trading system are also monitored. All WTO members are subject to review, with the frequency of review depending on the country’s size. 

According to the report, Singapore is committed to harmonizing its policies and legislation with international standards. It has joined several international conventions and treaties relating to Intellectual Property, including 15 treaties administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

"Singapore continues to strengthen its links to other IP regimes. Thus far, it has built a network of agreements with over 70 markets, covering 90% of world trade, to facilitate the export and trade of IP. The Global Patent Prosecution Highway (Global PPH), the ASEAN Patent Examination Cooperation, and bilateral pilot PPH programs with China, Brazil, Mexico, and the European Patent Office reduce the time needed to obtain patents in partner jurisdictions, allowing right holders to enter new markets more quickly," the report highlights.

The PPH programme between the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) is one way for the two offices to share their search and examination results with each other.