By Aiman Farhan
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has launched the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) partial refund pilot initiative, in effect from 15 September 2025 to 31 December 2027.
Under this initiative, applicants whose PPH requests are accepted will be entitled to a 30% refund of the official Search and Examination or Examination-only fees. The refund will be processed automatically within one to two months following acceptance with no further action required from the applicants.
Key Takeaways
- Faster Patents, Lower Costs – The new PPH Partial Refund Pilot rewards applicants with a 30% fee refund and accelerated examination timelines.
- Automatic Refund for Accepted PPH Requests – No extra forms or steps required — refunds are processed within one to two months once approved.
- Significant Savings for Portfolio Filers – The refund offers meaningful cost relief for innovators managing multiple Singapore patent applications.
- Speed and Certainty in Grant Outcomes – With a 94% grant success rate and fewer office actions, PPH filings streamline the route to patent approval.
- Plan Ahead for Eligibility – The initiative runs until 31 December 2027, so early filing ensures applicants can fully benefit from the cost and time efficiencies.
Fast-Track Your Patent with PPH
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the refund:
- File the PPH request between 15 September 2025 and 31 December 2027, before IPOS begins search or examination. Applications with pending substantive examination remain eligible if their request was lodged before 15 September 2025 and examination has not commenced.
- The pilot applies to Search and Examination requests using Form PF11 and to Examination Only requests using Form PF12.
- The refund is available only if the PPH request is accepted by IPOS.
If the PPH request is rejected or submitted after examination starts, the refund will not apply.
Details of the Partial Refund
Under this pilot initiative, applicants who file a valid PPH request and have it accepted will receive an automatic refund of 30% of the official fee paid for Search and Examination (S&E) or Examination Only. No separate application is required.
| Type of Request | Refund (SGD) |
| Search and Examination | 615 |
| Examination Only | 426 |
Strategic Benefits
- Cost Efficiency – Applicants can recover up to 30% of their official fees, offering meaningful savings across portfolios with multiple Singapore filings.
- Speed and Certainty – PPH filings enjoy faster first office actions, within 10 months, and a higher likelihood of being granted, with 94% success rate overall.
- Fewer Office Action – About 70% of PPH matters reach granted after a single office action, curbing amendment rounds and examiner correspondence, compressing timelines, and lowering professional and internal management costs.
Conclusion The PPH Pilot Partial Refund Initiative is a practical and forward-looking step by IPOS. It encourages the use of the PPH system by offering both cost and time benefits. For innovators and companies managing global portfolios, this initiative provides an efficient way to secure Singapore patent protection faster and cheaper. Applicants should take note of the program’s closing date of 31 December 2027 and plan early to take advantage of the refund opportunity.