A HISTORIC international treaty bearing Singapore's name, the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks, will go into force next year.

The Treaty, originally signed by 41 countries in 2006 here in the Republic, is the first international treaty to bear the Republic's name. It was ratified in Australia on Tuesday, its tenth ratification, and this allows it to enter into force on March 16.

In a statement, World Intellectual Property Organisation (Wipo) director-general Francis Gurry said the treaty was 'good news for trademark owners around the world as it opened the way for the branded goods industry to register and manage trademark rights cost-effectively and efficiently'.

The treaty puts in place standardised requirements and processes for individuals or companies seeking to file newer types of trademarks for their products or services, over and beyond logos produced in the print media.

For example, new trademarks can take the form of holograms, 'soundmarks' or even 'scentmarks'. An example of a soundmark is the distinctive tune played when an Intel-based computer boots up; similarly, a scentmark is a smell associated with a brand.