By Ryan Arney, Zach Detra, and Trent Martinet DAVIS GRAHAM & STUBBS "In anticipation of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) allowing private ownership of a significantly broadened scope of generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs), ICANN, on March 26, 2013, launched the Trademark Clearinghouse, which gives holders of verified trademark rights an opportunity to … Continue reading Trademark Clearinghouse Goes Live
Category: Business musings, facts and tips
An admission is normally required where a word that is required for use in the trade by other traders has been miss-spelt in a trade mark, e.g. “soopa” as opposed to “super”. The applicant will be required to admit that he does not obtain any exclusive rights in the word “super”. A disclaimer is required … Continue reading What is the difference between ‘admission’ and ‘disclaimer’ in trademarks?
It's Friday, everyone! Time to get funky and have a chuckle. I came across the following case whilst trolling the web for something to make us smile. Courtesy of http://www.caseclothesed.com "Naked Cowboy Lost in Suit Against CBS By Kristin Grant [March 20th, 2012] Last year Caseclothesed reported that the Times Square performer, the Naked Cowboy … Continue reading The curious case of the naked cowboy
What is infringement of a trademark? Simply put (as if anything in legalese is ever simple!), it is the unauthorised use of a mark in the course of trade. OK, what does that really mean in plain English? Four types of infringement of a trademark can be identified. Where the likelihood exists that the consumer … Continue reading Thou shalt not covet your competitor’s trademark
1. Describe your business in detail. Start with a written description of your business. This will give you a concise focus. Give an overview of the industry you propose to enter before giving a more detailed description of what your business is and what its purpose will be. Write a clear and concise mission statement … Continue reading How to write a simple business plan
Quitting your full-time employment to start your own business is very stressful. When I decided in 1997 to strike out on my own, I was financially strapped and the only solution I saw was to take a leap of faith in myself and go freelance. It was the best and the worst decision of my … Continue reading 10 Questions to Ask Before Quitting Your Job to Start a Business
A certification mark is any word, phrase, symbol or design, or a combination thereof owned by one party who certifies the goods and services of others when they meet certain standards. The owner of the mark exercises control over the use of the mark; however, because the sole purpose of a certification mark is to … Continue reading Certification and prohibited trademarks
So, you had an oops? Forgot to pay your annual returns two years in a row? The Commission thought you were inactive as an entity for seven years? You requested deregistration but changed your mind? Not to worry! You may reinstate or restore your deregistered company or close corporation...you also need to be very brave. … Continue reading Restoration of a deregistered company or CC
Jeepers creepers, have you EVER tried to read through say, the Companies Act, and not go cross-eyed? Then you are the better man / woman / person. Regardless, the law is the law and to survive unscathed in the land of intellectual property, one needs to have a nodding acquaintance with the laws that govern … Continue reading More than a mouthful: the law of IP
Fom CIPC: An annual return is a summary of the most relevant information pertaining to a company and close corporation. By lodging annual returns companies and close corporations ensure that the CIPC is in possession of the latest information. It also confirms that the company and close corporation is still in business or will be … Continue reading Companies – annual returns are very important
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