08/06/2026
Brands naturally evolve as businesses grow. A logo might be refreshed, a design simplified, or a new element added. But what many businesses may not realise is that even small changes to a trademark can affect the protection it receives.
Under Singapore trademark law, using a slightly modified version of a registered mark may still be acceptable — but only if the change does not alter the distinctive character of the mark. If the change is significant enough, the altered version may not be covered by the existing registration.
When considering changes to a brand, businesses should think about a few key questions:
• Does the new version still look like the registered mark?
• Does the current registration still cover the goods or services offered?
• Would filing a new trademark strengthen the brand’s protection?
Sometimes a small branding change can carry larger legal implications, which is why it is important to review trademark protection when a brand evolves.