Protecting your IP is the first step towards safeguarding your interest in your IP rights. Your IP rights serve as both the shield and the sword.

We are specialists in the enforcement of IP rights with over 25 years of experience in this area. Singapore relies on its robust judicial system and trustworthy enforcement authorities to protect IP rights through both the civil and criminal courts.

Online Enforcement

Technology has spurred the growth and potential of businesses across every industry in the last 10 years. With this, e-commerce has flourished and more Singaporeans are trading online to reach an international network and audience. Infringements and counterfeits are aplenty, and we construct a customized and practical brand protection program for many of our clients which target power-sellers operating in large quantities.

We conduct market intelligence and in-house investigations, spanning third-party websites, social media platforms, e-commerce marketplaces, mobile-app stores and search engines. Our services include targeting and identifying power-sellers of infringing listings, identifying online users who believe that they are operating anonymously, obtaining evidence from online users, conducting swift-takedowns and taking any necessary legal action to safeguard our clients’ rights.

Market Survey

We conduct market surveys and monitoring to identify the key targets and problems on the ground. Our experienced investigators detect and secure sample purchases of infringing or counterfeit goods, and we will thereafter provide commercially-driven advice to our clients which could include taking criminal or civil action.

Cease & Desist Letters

We run an enforcement program which targets and identifies infringements and counterfeits at the retail level.  We send Cease & Desist letters and commence legal action against retailers, importers and exporters in Singapore to stop the sale of infringing or counterfeit goods to keep the market clear of counterfeits. This is an effective enforcement program as settlements typically include a signed undertaking, information on the supplier of the goods, delivery-up of the remaining goods and some compensation.

Raids and Criminal Prosecution

We work closely with enforcement authorities to organize and expedite raids and seizures of counterfeit goods, as well as provide assistance in the authentication of the goods. Authorities will prosecute infringers in the criminal courts, where the penalties could include a heavy fine or imprisonment which acts as a good deterrent.

We also conduct private investigations and initiate raids on behalf of brand owners to seize counterfeits and ensure that our clients’ IP rights are protected and respected. In appropriate cases, we also apply to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) for a fiat to prosecute the infringers on AGC’s behalf.

Training and Awareness

We believe that it is important to educate the public and work closely with the authorities to protect IP on a wider level. We lobby with government agencies and engage relevant stakeholders and partners to collaborate to achieve strategic, mutually beneficial and commercially viable results. We also conduct regular brand training sessions with the relevant enforcement authorities to familiarize them with our clients’ IP rights and products.

Transshipment

Under Singapore law, it is possible for counterfeit goods to be seized and detained when they are being transshipped through Singapore. We work closely with border enforcement officials to interdict counterfeit goods and prevent their circulation and trade throughout the world.

Enforcement in the Region

We also work with our trusted associates within the region to provide a comprehensive enforcement package. The ASEAN market is growing exponentially and we believe that a country-specific enforcement program is necessary to tackle the unique challenges in each country.