How these S’pore-based companies are future-proofing their bizs with IP

[This is a sponsored article with IPOS.]

Mental property (IP) might not be the very first thing on a founder’s thoughts, however leveraging it may be one of many smartest strikes they make.

When used strategically, IP can do extra than simply shield concepts. It may well safeguard model id, open doorways to new markets, and pave the best way for future development. 

That’s precisely what two Singapore-based companies—Uroclips and BusOnlineTicket—found via GoBusiness IP Develop, a government-backed platform whose digital advisor and repair listing helps firms assess their IP wants and match them with professional suppliers throughout 20 authorized and non-legal areas, from branding and IP technique to licensing and valuation.

Via the platform, they discovered the best assist to guard what they’d constructed and strengthen their foundations for the subsequent stage of enterprise. Their journeys supply a glimpse into how firms of any measurement and sector can do the identical.

Defending innovation from day one

Uroclips, a medical gadget firm based by Senthil M., was born out of frustration. As a caregiver to his late father, who relied on urine baggage each day, Senthil usually handled low-quality baggage that steadily tore or indifferent from the hanger, including stress to an already troublesome scenario.

Eager to spare others the stress he skilled as a caregiver, he created Uroclips, a easy, low-cost clip designed to forestall detachment from urine baggage.

“Reasonably than creating a brand new urine bag holder, I needed Uroclips to work with present simply accessible urine baggage,” stated Senthil.

However making a product that was “easy and simply replicable” got here with a catch. Senthil knew that with out safety, his invention might be copied and commercialised by others earlier than he had an opportunity to deliver it to market. Therefore, he was decided to guard his creation from day one.

“I knew early on that I needed to discover a solution to shield my firm’s IP. After attending just a few IP-related talks, I realised the significance of performing quick. I made a decision to use for a patent earlier than placing the product out into the market,” he stated.

After which he hit a roadblock: As a first-time founder, Senthil shortly found that patenting an invention was extra complicated than anticipated, demanding experience he didn’t but have. 

That problem led him to hunt assist, and thru consultations with Enterprise Singapore, he found GoBusiness IP Develop. 

Via the platform, Senthil linked with Exy IP, an IP consultancy agency. He engaged them for patent agent companies to information him via the method, from assessing whether or not his invention might be protected to making ready a powerful software.  

Then got here the exhausting fact. Getting a patent wasn’t as simple as Senthil hoped, with the consultants at Exy IP flagging two main roadblocks: Uroclips’ product won’t appear new sufficient to qualify for a patent, and its design was very particular, which may restrict compatibility with different urine bag sorts and slim its market potential. 

To deal with this, the consultancy agency really helpful conducting a previous artwork search to determine related merchandise already in the marketplace and be sure that Uroclips’ design stood out. They then proposed wording the patent software to concentrate on the mixture of options that made the product distinctive, strengthening its case for cover. 

Past the appliance itself, Exy IP additionally suggested on worldwide submitting methods—a key space the place many new companies stumble.

“Many SMEs might assume {that a} single patent submitting provides world safety. We educate them that IP rights are country-specific and information them via worldwide submitting methods based mostly on markets of curiosity,” stated Ooi Yeong Boon, Managing Director of Exy IP.

The method was a crash course in what it actually takes to guard an thought, and why it’s well worth the effort. Although Uroclips continues to be early in its IP journey, Senthil walked away with sharper instincts, clearer methods, and a deeper understanding of the way to defend what he’s constructing.

“You’ll undoubtedly profit from having knowledgeable hand to information you. Whereas acquiring a patent is just not a assured defend, it does offer you some degree of authorized safety and recourse.”

Constructing a model that lasts

Whereas Uroclips was simply starting its IP journey, BusOnlineTicket, a well-established on-line portal for reserving bus, practice, and ferry tickets in Singapore and Malaysia, was going through a unique type of IP problem: the way to safe its model for the lengthy haul.

Regardless of years of profitable operations, the corporate had but to formalise any of its mental property.

“We thought the corporate had reached a stage to file for a commerce mark after utilizing it for a few years,” stated Chong Kok Chuin, the director of BusOnlineTicket. 

With out commerce mark safety, BusOnlineTicket’s hard-earned id risked dilution in a crowded and aggressive market. The model turned to GoBusiness IP Develop for steering. Via the platform, they linked with Drew & Napier, a legislation agency with deep experience in IP. 

After reviewing the enterprise, the agency really helpful submitting commerce marks not solely in Singapore, but additionally in different markets the place BusOnlineTicket had a powerful presence.

“A typical false impression is {that a} commerce mark software needs to be filed solely after the mark has been used for a while, or that the price of securing IP safety outweighs the profit,” shared Lim Siau Wen, Director, Mental Property at Drew & Napier.

“This isn’t at all times the case. The registration of a commerce mark presents stronger safety that’s simpler to implement. Moreover, the length of a commerce mark registration is 10 years, with the potential to be renewed indefinitely.”

Armed with this steering, BusOnlineTicket efficiently filed for a commerce mark, safeguarding its model as a legally protected intangible asset for the long run. 

At present, the corporate enjoys better peace of thoughts figuring out that its model id is safeguarded, strengthening its market place and laying the groundwork for future development alternatives.

“We encourage SMEs to not deal with IP as an afterthought. As a substitute, view it as a strategic funding that safeguards market place, deters infringement, and helps enterprise development,” stated Siau Wen.

There’s actual worth to be gained from IA/IP

Your online business, too, might be sitting on untapped worth, and the time to behave is now.

Throughout each trade, the businesses that succeed are those who know the way to determine, shield, and unlock the worth of their IP and intangible property. 

As Uroclips and BusOnlineTicket have proven, figuring out and defending these property isn’t nearly safeguarding your corporation; it’s about placing the best foundations in place to plan for development. 

The sooner you’re taking motion, particularly with the best professional assist, the higher geared up you’ll be to make assured enterprise selections and place your corporation for future alternatives.

That’s the place Join @ IP Develop is available in.

Happening at IP Week @ SG 2025 from August 26 to 27 on the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Conference Centre, Join @ IP Develop provides you the possibility to talk immediately with skilled IP and IA professionals without cost.

Whether or not you’re seeking to file a patent or commerce mark, worth your corporation, develop an IP technique, or discover commercialisation, you’ll obtain tailor-made recommendation via complimentary 1:1 consultations, every lasting 45 minutes and tailor-made to your particular enterprise wants. 

New this 12 months, contributors can even obtain a personalised post-consultation report, full of sensible suggestions and insights based mostly on their session. 

The occasion additionally options panel discussions and networking alternatives that join you with IP consultants, like-minded entrepreneurs, and innovation leaders from throughout industries.

If you happen to’re able to discover how IP and IA can assist your corporation targets, Join @ IP Develop is the perfect place to begin. Slots are restricted, so we encourage you to register early to safe your session. 

Guide your free session and register right here.

• Learn different articles we’ve written on Singaporean companies right here.

Featured Picture Credit score: Uroclips/ BusOnlineTicket, designed by Vulcan Publish