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Singapore: New Intangibles Disclosure Framework launched by IPOS and ACRA

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In brief

The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) have unveiled the Intangibles Disclosure Framework (IDF), a new framework to disclose and communicate the value of intangible assets (IA), as part of the Singapore IP Strategy 2030.

The disclosure framework was unveiled alongside new resources to help enterprises manage and commercialise their intellectual property (IP).

In more detail

Intangibles Disclosure Framework

More than 90% of value from the S&P 500 is made up of IAs, demonstrating the key role of IAs in an enterprise’s business.

The IDF therefore aims to provide guidance for enterprises to disclose and communicate their IA, such as brand value, patents or registered designs, in a systematic and comprehensive way. Standardised IA disclosures would assist stakeholders in making more informed assessments of an enterprise’s business and financial prospects, resulting in wiser investment decisions and improved risk management.

The framework consists of the following four pillars, which provide guidance on the disclosure methods for an enterprise’s IAs:

  1. Strategy: Disclosure and communication of how intangibles contribute to an enterprise’s corporate strategy, value creation and financial planning, where such information is material
  2. Identification: Disclosure of the nature and characteristics of the intangibles that fit into the definition provided, and categorisation of these intangibles into six categories (i.e., Marketing-related, Customer-related, Artistic-related, Contract-related, Technology-related and Human Capital-related) to facilitate the comparability of intangibles
  3. Measurement: Disclosure of the quantitative or valuation-relevant metrics and drivers used to assess the performance and financial health of an enterprise’s intangibles, where such information is material
  4. Management: Disclosure of the processes for identifying, assessing and managing risks and opportunities in relation to an enterprise’s intangibles

New IP resources to support enterprises

Enterprises can also utilisee new resources as listed below, which will allow them to better understand their IP portfolios and manage their IP:

  1. GoBusiness IP Grow platform, which provides resources for enterprises to connect with IA/IP service providers and access e-Advisor tools for live, customized recommendations
  2. IP Ready programme, which assists enterprises with building internal capabilities to manage IP by pairing enterprises with an IP strategist to develop an IA strategy and institutionalise IP management processes
  3. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Singapore Business Federation, which offers Singapore-based businesses access to GlobalConnect@SBF’s internationalisation services, market advisors and global contacts.

Relevant links:

IPOS press release dated 4 September 2023

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Andy Leck is the head of the Intellectual Property and Technology (IPTech) Practice Group and a member of the Dispute Resolution Practice Group in Singapore. He is a core member of Baker McKenzie's regional IP practice and also leads the Myanmar IP Practice Group. Andy is recognised by reputable global industry and legal publications as a leader in his field. He was named on "The A-List: Singapore's Top 100 lawyers" by Asia Business Law Journal 2018. In addition, Chambers Asia Pacific notes that Andy is "a well-known IP practitioner who is highlighted for his record of handling major trade mark litigation, as well as commercial exploitation of IP rights in the media and technology sectors. He's been in the industry for a long time and has always been held in high regard. He is known to be very fair and is someone you would like to be in the trenches with you during negotiations." Furthermore, Asian Legal Business acknowledges Andy as a leading practitioner in his field and notes that he “always gives good, quick advice, [is] client-focused and has strong technical knowledge for his areas of practice.” Andy was appointed by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) as an IP Adjudicator to hear disputes at IPOS for a two-year term from April 2021. He has been an appointed member of the Singapore Copyright Tribunal since May 2010 and a mediator with the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center. He is also appointed as a Notary Public & Commissioner for Oaths in Singapore. He previously served on the International Trademark Association’s Board of Directors and was a member of the executive committee.

Author

Ren Jun Lim is a principal with Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow. He represents local and international clients in both contentious and non-contentious intellectual property matters. He also advises on a full range of healthcare, as well as consumer goods-related legal and regulatory issues. Ren Jun co-leads Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow's Healthcare as well as Consumer Goods & Retail industry groups. He sits on the Law Society of Singapore IP Committee and on the Executive Committee of the Association of Information Security Professionals. He is also a member of the Vaccines Working Group, Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries, a member of the International Trademark Association, as well as a member of the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Association. Ren Jun is ranked in the Silver tier for Individuals: Enforcement and Litigation and Individuals: Prosecution and Strategy, and a recommended lawyer for Individuals: Transactions by WTR 1000, 2020. He is also listed in Asia IP's Best 50 IP Expert, 2020, recognised as a Rising Star by Managing IP: IP Stars, 2019 and one of Singapore's 70 most influential lawyers aged 40 and under by Singapore Business Review, 2016. Ren Jun was acknowledged by WTR 1000 as a "trademark connoisseur who boasts supplementary knowledge of regulatory issues in the consumer products industry." He was also commended by clients for being "very responsive to enquiries and with a keen eye for detail, he is extremely hands-on. His meticulous and in-depth approach to strategising is key to the excellent outcomes we enjoy."

Author

Ken Chia is a member of the Firm’s IP Tech, International Commercial & Trade and Competition Practice Groups. He is regularly ranked as a leading TMT and competition lawyer by top legal directories, including Chambers Asia Pacific and Legal 500 Asia Pacific. Ken is an IAPP Certified International Privacy Professional (FIP, CIPP(A), CIPT, CIPM) and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators.

Author

Sanil is a local principal in the Intellectual Property & Technology Practice Group in Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow. Sanil is qualified in both Singapore and Australia, and is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/A) by the International Association of Privacy Professionals. Sanil is recognized as a Rising Star by both Legal 500 Asia Pacific in the Intellectual Property: Local Firms category as well as by IP Stars for his advisory work in the IP space. Sanil is also recommended by World Trademark Review 1000 for IP enforcement, litigation, prosecution and strategy.

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