What Is a National Trademark Application?
A national trademark application protects your brand — such as a logo, name, or slogan — within one specific country. You file directly with that country's trademark office, like Singapore's IPOS or the EU's EUIPO for all member states. This approach suits startups or businesses focused on a single market, offering straightforward protection where you operate.
What Is an International Trademark Application?
An international application lets you protect your trademark across multiple countries through a single filing process. It uses systems like the Madrid Protocol, managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), where you start with a "home" application (e.g., in Singapore) and extend to 130+ member countries. This streamlines global expansion but requires your home trademark to be valid first.
Key Differences
| Aspect | National Application | International (Madrid) |
|---|---|---|
| Filing Process | Separate application per country | One international filing via WIPO |
| Cost | Lower upfront (one country) | Higher fees, but economies of scale |
| Timeline | 4–6 months examination in Singapore | 12–18 months with extensions |
| Flexibility | Full control per jurisdiction | Linked to home mark; changes affect all |
| Best For | Local businesses | Brands expanding globally |
Costs and Timelines
National filings cost SGD 280 per class in official IPOS fees only (excluding professional fees), with examination usually within 4–6 months. International applications start at CHF 653 (about SGD 1,000) via Madrid in official fees only, plus per-country fees, and can take 12–18 months for examination.
Budget for renewals every 10 years and professional advice if refusals are issued (quite common in the US, Canada, China, Mexico, Philippines, and Thailand).
When to Choose Each
Opt for national if you're testing a single market or have limited funds — it's targeted and affordable. Go international via Madrid if planning exports, as it covers priority filing in multiple countries within six months of your home application.