[This is a sponsored article with IPOS.]
Intellectual property (IP) may not be the first thing on a founder’s mind, but leveraging it can be one of the smartest moves they make.
When used strategically, IP can do more than just protect ideas. It can safeguard brand identity, open doors to new markets, and pave the way for future growth.
That’s exactly what two Singapore-based businesses—Uroclips and BusOnlineTicket—discovered through GoBusiness IP Grow, a government-backed platform whose digital advisor and service directory helps companies assess their IP needs and match them with expert providers across 20 legal and non-legal areas, from branding and IP strategy to licensing and valuation.
Through the platform, they found the right support to protect what they had built and strengthen their foundations for the next stage of business. Their journeys offer a glimpse into how companies of any size and sector can do the same.
Protecting innovation from day one
Uroclips, a medical device company founded by Senthil M., was born out of frustration. As a caregiver to his late father, who relied on urine bags daily, Senthil often dealt with low-quality bags that frequently tore or detached from the hanger, adding stress to an already difficult situation.
Wanting to spare others the stress he experienced as a caregiver, he created Uroclips, a simple, low-cost clip designed to prevent detachment from urine bags.
“Rather than creating a new urine bag holder, I wanted Uroclips to work with existing easily available urine bags,” said Senthil.
But creating a product that was “simple and easily replicable” came with a catch. Senthil knew that without protection, his invention could be copied and commercialised by others before he had a chance to bring it to market. Hence, he was determined to protect his creation from day one.
“I knew early on that I had to find a way to protect my company’s IP. After attending a few IP-related talks, I realised the importance of acting fast. I decided to apply for a patent before putting the product out into the market,” he said.
And then he hit a roadblock: As a first-time founder, Senthil quickly discovered that patenting an invention was more complex than expected, demanding expertise he didn’t yet have.
That challenge led him to seek help, and through consultations with Enterprise Singapore, he discovered GoBusiness IP Grow.
Through the platform, Senthil connected with Exy IP, an IP consultancy firm. He engaged them for patent agent services to guide him through the process, from assessing whether his invention could be protected to preparing a strong application.
Then came the hard truth. Getting a patent wasn’t as straightforward as Senthil hoped, with the experts at Exy IP flagging two major roadblocks: Uroclips’ product might not seem new enough to qualify for a patent, and its design was very specific, which could limit compatibility with other urine bag types and narrow its market potential.
To address this, the consultancy firm recommended conducting a prior art search to identify similar products already on the market and ensure that Uroclips’ design stood out. They then proposed wording the patent application to focus on the combination of features that made the product unique, strengthening its case for protection.
Beyond the application itself, Exy IP also advised on international filing strategies—a key area where many new businesses stumble.
“Many SMEs may assume that a single patent filing gives global protection. We educate them that IP rights are country-specific and guide them through international filing strategies based on markets of interest,” said Ooi Yeong Boon, Managing Director of Exy IP.
The process was a crash course in what it really takes to protect an idea, and why it’s worth the effort. Though Uroclips is still early in its IP journey, Senthil walked away with sharper instincts, clearer strategies, and a deeper understanding of how to defend what he’s building.
“You’ll definitely benefit from having a professional hand to guide you. While obtaining a patent is not a guaranteed shield, it does provide you with some level of legal protection and recourse.”
Building a brand that lasts
While Uroclips was just beginning its IP journey, BusOnlineTicket, a well-established online portal for booking bus, train, and ferry tickets in Singapore and Malaysia, was facing a different kind of IP challenge: how to secure its brand for the long haul.
Despite years of successful operations, the company had yet to formalise any of its intellectual property.
“We thought the company had reached a stage to file for a trade mark after using it for many years,” said Chong Kok Chuin, the director of BusOnlineTicket.
Without trade mark protection, BusOnlineTicket’s hard-earned identity risked dilution in a crowded and competitive market. The brand turned to GoBusiness IP Grow for guidance. Through the platform, they connected with Drew & Napier, a law firm with deep expertise in IP.
After reviewing the business, the firm recommended filing trade marks not only in Singapore, but also in other markets where BusOnlineTicket had a strong presence.
“A common misconception is that a trade mark application should be filed only after the mark has been used for some time, or that the cost of securing IP protection outweighs the benefit,” shared Lim Siau Wen, Director, Intellectual Property at Drew & Napier.
“This is not always the case. The registration of a trade mark offers stronger protection that is easier to enforce. Furthermore, the duration of a trade mark registration is 10 years, with the potential to be renewed indefinitely.”
Armed with this guidance, BusOnlineTicket successfully filed for a trade mark, safeguarding its brand as a legally protected intangible asset for the long term.
Today, the company enjoys greater peace of mind knowing that its brand identity is safeguarded, strengthening its market position and laying the groundwork for future growth opportunities.
“We encourage SMEs not to treat IP as an afterthought. Instead, view it as a strategic investment that safeguards market position, deters infringement, and supports business growth,” said Siau Wen.
There’s real value to be gained from IA/IP
Your business, too, could be sitting on untapped value, and the time to act is now.
Across every industry, the companies that succeed are those that know how to identify, protect, and unlock the value of their IP and intangible assets.
As Uroclips and BusOnlineTicket have shown, identifying and protecting these assets isn’t just about safeguarding your business; it is about putting the right foundations in place to plan for growth.
The earlier you take action, especially with the right expert support, the better equipped you’ll be to make confident business decisions and position your business for future opportunities.
That’s where Connect @ IP Grow comes in.
Taking place at IP Week @ SG 2025 from August 26 to 27 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Connect @ IP Grow gives you the chance to speak directly with experienced IP and IA professionals for free.
Whether you’re looking to file a patent or trade mark, value your business, develop an IP strategy, or explore commercialisation, you’ll receive tailored advice through complimentary 1:1 consultations, each lasting 45 minutes and tailored to your specific business needs.
New this year, participants will also receive a personalised post-consultation report, packed with practical recommendations and insights based on their session.
The event also features panel discussions and networking opportunities that connect you with IP experts, like-minded entrepreneurs, and innovation leaders from across industries.
If you’re ready to explore how IP and IA can support your business goals, Connect @ IP Grow is the best place to start. Slots are limited, so we encourage you to register early to secure your session.
Book your free consultation and register here.
- Read other articles we’ve written on Singaporean businesses here.
Featured Image Credit: Uroclips/ BusOnlineTicket, designed by Vulcan Post
