Make the first introduction a little clearer.

A useful introduction does not need to be long. It should help the client, referring partner and handling team understand why they are connecting, what needs to be resolved and what information may be shared.

1. What does the client want to achieve?

Describe the business objective in one or two sentences. For example: “The client plans to sell own-brand products in Singapore and would like to discuss trademark arrangements.” Begin with the question; you do not need to provide a professional conclusion first.

2. Which markets are involved?

List the countries or regions that are confirmed or under consideration. Distinguish planned expansion from existing operations so the team can understand the actual need. If the client has not decided, say that this remains open for discussion.

3. Has the client agreed to the introduction and contact?

Explain that you would like to introduce the enquiry to OpenPTO so the team can discuss possible support. After obtaining permission, share the necessary contact and enquiry details. If permission has not yet been obtained, you can still ask about service scope using a business outline that does not identify the client.

4. What information is needed now?

A trademark enquiry can usually begin with the brand, business activities and target markets. A patent or design enquiry can begin with a product outline or existing application information. Identity documents, internal client files, unpublished technical material and similar information can follow once the need and handover method are agreed.

5. Are there known timing requirements?

If the client has official correspondence, an exhibition, product release or filing arrangements, identify the known dates and whether complete documents are available. Do not infer a deadline yourself. Mark matters requiring professional confirmation as “please check”.

6. How should the partner receive updates?

Explain the part of the communication you would like to participate in and what the client permits you to receive. Eligible matters, the earnings calculation and the review method should also be made clear in the cooperation arrangement.

Copyable introduction template

Enquiry outline: [What the client wants to resolve]
Target markets: [Countries/regions; confirmed or to be discussed]
Existing circumstances: [Applications/registrations/correspondence/background]
Known timing: [Dates, or none currently identified]
Permission to contact: [Client has agreed, or anonymous scope enquiry only]
Permitted updates: [Client-approved scope, or to be confirmed]
Requested next step: [Discuss scope/identify further information needed]

Closing note: A clear introduction starts the cooperation. Service scope, the quotation and the client’s engagement are confirmed separately afterwards.

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A description of what the client actually does is often more useful than a classification number that has not been checked. You can collect the following information in ordinary business language.

The form of the brand

Provide the proposed words, logo or combination. Identify Chinese and English names, abbreviations and different artwork versions separately, so that several versions are not treated as one unexplained application subject.

Actual goods and services

Explain the products sold, the services provided, the intended customers and the activities on which the brand will appear. Public product pages may help, but broad labels such as “e-commerce”, “technology” or “consulting” are not enough on their own. The team can discuss classification and application wording against the actual need.

Markets to be covered

Separate current markets, planned near-term markets and those merely being considered. Do not assume that one application automatically covers every country or region. The route, scope and fees for each part should be explained.

Intended ownership

Identify the intended applicant and its location. If the client is forming a company, considering a change in brand ownership or has not yet decided, describe the current position. Supporting entity documents can be provided once the specific information requirements are confirmed.

Existing applications, registrations or correspondence

Where applications or registrations already exist, provide the references and known status. Retain complete official or third-party correspondence and identify the date received. A cropped sentence may omit context relevant to the assessment.

Business and timing context

Explain whether the brand is in use, whether a launch is planned and any business timing known to the client. The team checks the issues relevant to the specific matter; a website overview does not replace that review.

Copyable information checklist

Brand words/artwork: [Identify any different versions]
Goods: [Actual products; be specific]
Services: [Actual services; be specific]
Target markets: [Countries/regions and priorities]
Intended applicant: [Name/location, or undecided]
Existing applications or registrations: [References/known status, or none]
Relevant correspondence: [Yes/no; date received]
Known business timing: [Details, or none currently identified]

Closing note: Clear information helps define the work and quotation. This checklist itself does not guarantee an application result or registrability.

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The total paid by a client is not necessarily the amount used to calculate partner earnings. Separate the fee types first, so the basis can be understood accurately.

The three fee categories

Fee category	Meaning	Included in this arrangement’s 10% calculation?
Eligible professional fees	Professional fees within the applicable cooperation arrangement, actually received and allocated to the relevant matter.	Yes, subject to the agreed eligibility.
Official fees	Fees relating to official procedures, shown separately in the quotation.	No.
Taxes and disbursements	Applicable taxes and other costs paid on the client’s behalf.	No.

A simple example

The client pays USD1,300, comprising USD1,000 in eligible professional fees and USD300 in official fees. Assuming the parties have agreed that the matter qualifies for the cooperation arrangement:

USD1,000 × 10% = USD100 in partner earnings.

The USD300 official fee is excluded. Calculating 10% of the total USD1,300 to arrive at USD130 would use the wrong basis.

Review the quotation, receipt and settlement separately

The quotation describes the proposed scope and charges. It does not mean payment has been received.

Eligible receipts provide an important basis for reviewing partner earnings. They should identify the relevant matter and qualifying professional fees.

Settlement arrangements explain when and how figures are reviewed and settled. A calculation on this website does not create a payment entitlement or trigger automatic payment.

If there is a refund or correction

Where a fee is refunded, corrected or adjusted because the scope changes, retain the explanation and review eligible fees and earnings under the cooperation arrangement. The original quotation or an earlier figure should not simply be treated as the final settlement amount.

Clarify four points when cooperation begins

1. Which referred matters qualify for the arrangement.
2. Which professional fees form the eligible basis.
3. How supporting information is provided and refunds or corrections are handled.
4. The settlement method and a cooperation arrangement acceptable to both firms.

Example label: This guide illustrates the calculation only. All figures are examples, with no actual transaction. The cooperation arrangement governs specific eligibility.