CIPC set to significantly increase revenue duties on filing of trademarks


A confidential source has informed me that CIPC's filing fees (the revenue the government charges) for a trademark will increase from R560.00 to a maximum R1,500.00 per trademark. Apparently, small-and medium businesses (and I suppose individuals) will pay less per filing than major companies. It is not yet clear how this criteria of 'size' will … Continue reading CIPC set to significantly increase revenue duties on filing of trademarks

Glossary – Certificate of Registration


The certificate issued by CIPC stating that a trademark has officially been registered. Following receipt of this certificate, the owner of the registered trademark may legally affix the ® symbol to those goods and/or services covered in the application leading to registration. The owner may also take advantage of all the other benefits of official … Continue reading Glossary – Certificate of Registration

Formalising your business: Company name registration


The first step when registering a company in South Africa is applying with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission – CIPC. However, before you can proceed with the company registration, you need to cater for yourcompany name registration. Essentially, your company will exist as a separate legal entity, with its own name, authorised to conduct … Continue reading Formalising your business: Company name registration

Understanding the patent journal in South Africa


The patent journal of South Africa is a document created and issued by the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) of South Africa and contains information relating to patents, trademarks, designs and copyright in cinematographic films in existence in South Africa. The patent journal was formerly a printed publication that was available to view at the patents … Continue reading Understanding the patent journal in South Africa

CIPC processes you should know about


The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission – CIPC – is responsible for a number of processes which govern companies’ existence and operations. From registration of companies and intellectual property rights such as patents, designs and copyright; disclosure of information on its business registers to enforcement of relevant legislation –CIPC’S processes and functions are crucial for the continued … Continue reading CIPC processes you should know about

What are class and classifications in trademarks?


CLASS AND CLASSIFICATION Products ("goods") and services are organised by CIPC according to specific categories, or "classes." If you wish to use a trademark to cover more than a single product or service, and those products or services fall into more than a single class (for example, motorcycles and clothing) additional fees are required for … Continue reading What are class and classifications in trademarks?

Can the ownership of a trademark be assigned or transferred from one person or entity to another?


Yes. All trademarks can be sold or assigned. The "goodwill" of any business associated with that trademark must be included in any such transfer. Even trademarks that are unregistered or are the subject of pending applications can be sold or assigned. Written assignments of registered trademarks are recommended, and may be recorded with CIPC for … Continue reading Can the ownership of a trademark be assigned or transferred from one person or entity to another?

How long does a trademark registration last?


Registrations granted have a 10-year term. Trademarks can be renewed for additional 10-year terms. There is no limit to the number of times a trademark can be renewed, as long as use of the mark by its owner continues.