Amazon launches IP Accelerator in Singapore

Tan Nai Lun

Published Fri, Aug 27, 2021 · 12:22 PM

E-COMMERCE giant Amazon said it has launched its Intellectual Property (IP) Accelerator in Singapore, which will be available to brands selling in Amazon stores.

IP Accelerator will connect Singapore small and medium-sized businesses to a network of local law firms that handle IP laws, to "obtain trademarks, protect their brands and tackle infringing goods both in Amazon's stores and the broader marketplace", it said in a press statement on Thursday.

Amazon said it does not charge selling partners to use the IP Accelerator. Instead, sellers will pay for their work at reduced and pre-negotiated rates directly to the participating law firms, which include Ella Cheong LLC, Viering, Jentschura & Partner, Francine Tan Law Corporate, and Tan Peng Chin LLC.

Sellers can also gain early access to Amazon's brand protection tools through the IP Accelerator, which helps protect their brand and IP even before their trademark is officially registered.

Bernard Tay, head of global selling for South-east Asia at Amazon, noted that securing IP rights is essential for businesses, especially those interested in going global, and "can set them up for long-term growth".

First launched in the US in 2019, IP Accelerator has since expanded to Europe, Japan, Canada, Mexico and India.