Tag: apply for a trademark

Registered trademarks & common law trademarks in South Africa


This is a great explanation from INNOVUS - http://www.innovus.co.za/pages/english/intellectual-property/trademarks.php TRADEMARKS Introduction Registered trade marks are governed by the South African Trade Marks Act (1) (“the Act”). Unregistered trade marks are protected by the common law, but these rights are harder to prove and do not provide the same degree of protection as a registered trade mark. … Continue reading Registered trademarks & common law trademarks in South Africa

What countries are covered by your trademark protection?


A trademark registration is only effective in the country in which you file the trademark. Regional protection can be applied for under the terms of the CTM (Community Trademark) system, to cover the countries of the European Union and under the Madrid Protocol to cover a series of countries across the world. South Africa intends … Continue reading What countries are covered by your trademark protection?

Can I file a trademark myself?


Erik Pelton writes the following: I get asked all the time: “Can I file a trademark application by myself?” The simple answer is yes.  No attorney is necessary. But just because you can does not mean that you should.  [Of course, I recognize that my position is biased, since I have helped clients obtain more … Continue reading Can I file a trademark myself?

Does registration of your trademark in SA cover other countries?


A South African trademark registration only covers the Republic of South Africa. It does not afford protection in any of South Africa's neighbouring states, or any other country and a separate application must be filed in each of these countries if registered protection is required. Applications for registration in foreign countries can be based on … Continue reading Does registration of your trademark in SA cover other countries?

Who are we?


We are not attorneys. I start with that statement not because I don’t like attorneys – they are some of our biggest and longstanding clients – but because I am simply someone the attorneys use to do the research at CIPC (ex-CIPRO) for their clients. We rent space inside the CIPC offices, which is extremely … Continue reading Who are we?