Singapore's experience with intellectual property (IP) is a textbook example of how a strong IP infrastructure can promote economic growth. When Singapore gained independence in 1965, its economy was highly dependent on entrepôt trade and lacked a robust IP system. Today, Singapore is a highly industrialized country with a GNI per capita of US$33,919, classified as a "high-income country" by the World Bank. The country's legal regime for IP protection is "TRIPS-plus," and it has one of the lowest software piracy rates in Asia. The paper traces the evolution of Singapore's IP laws and policies, highlighting three stages of economic development: (1) 1965-1989 (towards an industrialized economy), (2) 1990-1999 (towards a globalized economy), and (3) 2000 and beyond (towards a knowledge-based economy). It examines the enforcement of IP rights, the growth of IP practice, and the cultural, political, educational, and scientific factors contributing to Singapore's IP infrastructure. During the first phase, Singapore focused on industrialization, initially attracting foreign investors to develop low-technology industries. By the late 1970s, the country shifted towards higher-value-added and skills-intensive activities. The second phase saw Singapore deepening its technology base and promoting globalization, leading to significant revisions in IP laws to comply with international standards. The third phase aims to transition into a knowledge-based economy, emphasizing innovation and research. The paper also discusses the impact of bilateral agreements, such as the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which mandates higher standards of IP protection than those required by the TRIPS Agreement. These agreements reflect Singapore's commitment to fostering a strong IP regime to encourage innovation and maintain competitiveness.Singapore's experience with intellectual property (IP) is a textbook example of how a strong IP infrastructure can promote economic growth. When Singapore gained independence in 1965, its economy was highly dependent on entrepôt trade and lacked a robust IP system. Today, Singapore is a highly industrialized country with a GNI per capita of US$33,919, classified as a "high-income country" by the World Bank. The country's legal regime for IP protection is "TRIPS-plus," and it has one of the lowest software piracy rates in Asia. The paper traces the evolution of Singapore's IP laws and policies, highlighting three stages of economic development: (1) 1965-1989 (towards an industrialized economy), (2) 1990-1999 (towards a globalized economy), and (3) 2000 and beyond (towards a knowledge-based economy). It examines the enforcement of IP rights, the growth of IP practice, and the cultural, political, educational, and scientific factors contributing to Singapore's IP infrastructure. During the first phase, Singapore focused on industrialization, initially attracting foreign investors to develop low-technology industries. By the late 1970s, the country shifted towards higher-value-added and skills-intensive activities. The second phase saw Singapore deepening its technology base and promoting globalization, leading to significant revisions in IP laws to comply with international standards. The third phase aims to transition into a knowledge-based economy, emphasizing innovation and research. The paper also discusses the impact of bilateral agreements, such as the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which mandates higher standards of IP protection than those required by the TRIPS Agreement. These agreements reflect Singapore's commitment to fostering a strong IP regime to encourage innovation and maintain competitiveness.