Trademark License Agreement Template for Singapore

A Trademark License Agreement lets a trademark owner give another party permission to use their registered mark in Singapore. It's a formal contract that spells out how, where, and when the licensee can use the protected brand elements - from logos and names to specific designs or slogans.

Under Singapore's Trade Marks Act, these agreements help businesses expand their reach while maintaining control over their intellectual property. The agreement typically covers payment terms, quality standards, and territory limits, protecting both parties' interests. It also ensures the trademark owner keeps their rights by actively monitoring how their mark gets used.

Use a Trademark License Agreement when you're ready to let others use your trademark while keeping control of your brand. This comes up frequently in Singapore's franchise businesses, retail partnerships, and manufacturing arrangements where companies need to expand their market reach through authorized dealers or distributors.

The agreement becomes essential before starting any business relationship involving your trademark. For example, when opening franchise locations, launching co-branded products, or allowing manufacturers to put your logo on merchandise. It protects your intellectual property rights under Singapore law while creating new revenue streams through licensing fees.

• Exclusive License: Grants sole rights to use the trademark in specific regions or industries across Singapore, preventing the owner from licensing to others in that scope
• Non-exclusive License: Allows multiple licensees to use the trademark simultaneously, common in retail and merchandising
• Master License: Gives the licensee authority to sublicense the trademark to others, often used in franchise systems
• Limited Use License: Restricts trademark use to specific products, services, or time periods
• Quality Control License: Emphasizes strict quality standards and monitoring requirements, typical in manufacturing and food services

• Brand Owners: Companies or individuals who own registered trademarks in Singapore and want to license their use while maintaining control
• Licensees: Businesses seeking permission to use protected trademarks, often retailers, manufacturers, or franchisees
• IP Lawyers: Draft and review Trademark License Agreements to ensure compliance with Singapore's intellectual property laws
• Quality Control Teams: Monitor licensee compliance with brand standards and usage requirements
• IPOS Officers: Singapore's Intellectual Property Office staff who handle trademark registration and enforcement matters

• Trademark Details: Gather registration numbers, classes, and specific marks covered from Singapore's IP database
• Usage Scope: Define exact products, services, territories, and duration for the license
• Quality Standards: List specific requirements for maintaining brand integrity and compliance
• Financial Terms: Determine royalty rates, payment schedules, and reporting requirements
• Party Information: Collect full legal names, registration numbers, and authorized signatories
• Control Measures: Specify inspection rights, approval processes, and breach remedies

• Identification Section: Full details of licensor, licensee, and registered trademark information
• Grant of License: Clear scope of rights, exclusivity status, and territory limitations
• Quality Control: Specific standards, inspection rights, and approval procedures
• Financial Terms: Royalty rates, payment schedules, and reporting obligations
• Term and Termination: Duration, renewal options, and grounds for early termination
• Governing Law: Singapore jurisdiction and dispute resolution procedures
• Representations: Trademark ownership, validity, and registration status declarations

A Trademark License Agreement differs significantly from a Copyright License Agreement in Singapore's intellectual property landscape. While both protect intellectual property rights, they serve distinct purposes and cover different types of assets.

• Protected Asset: Trademark agreements cover brand identifiers like logos, names, and slogans, while copyright agreements protect original creative works such as literature, music, or software
• Duration of Protection: Trademarks can be renewed indefinitely as long as they're actively used in commerce, while copyrights have a fixed term under Singapore law
• Usage Rights: Trademark licenses focus on maintaining brand consistency and quality control, whereas copyright licenses primarily address reproduction and distribution rights
• Registration Requirements: Trademarks must be registered with IPOS for full protection, but copyrights exist automatically upon creation