Trademark protection, business registration and CIPC


A smart business is one that not only stands out, but is compliant in respect of legal and industry standards and requirements. In order to operate legally in South Africa your company must be registered with CIPC, or the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission. This is formalized in terms of company name, operational activities, ownership … Continue reading Trademark protection, business registration and CIPC

Restoration of a deregistered company or CC


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

Companies – annual returns are very important


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

The life-cycle of a trademark


The registration of a trademark is a long, laborious process but a really necessary one - remember, this is one of the building blocks of your brand! Having a strong, registered trademark is akin to having Chuck Norris as your buddy. No-one is going to mess with you and if they try, well we all … Continue reading The life-cycle of a trademark

Searching for trademarks


"Oh, searching to find out if your trademark is available is easy! Anyone can do it. In fact, I will do it myself! And I will save all that money I should have spent on an expert searcher! Heehah!". Pardon the over-usage of exclamation marks as well as the knowing smirk on my face... Searching … Continue reading Searching for trademarks

How to start a new business in South Africa


In order to open a business there are a number of stages to be completed after the type of business structure has been established. The first stages involve the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). The CIPC is responsible for the registration of companies, cooperatives and intellectual property rights. Actions to take concerning the CIPC … Continue reading How to start a new business in South Africa

Different types of companies


Two types of companies may be incorporated under the Act, namely non-profit companies and profit companies. Profit companies may be incorporated under the following types: Private Companies Public Companies Personal Liability Companies State Owned Companies Non-profit Companies (NPC) A company incorporated for public benefit or other object relating to one or more cultural or social … Continue reading Different types of companies

Understanding the Patent Journal


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 … Continue reading Understanding the Patent Journal

Registration of new companies at CIPC


The merger of the Companies Intellectual Property registration Office (CIPRO) with the Office of Companies and Intellectual Property Enforcement (OCIPE) has produced the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) was launched in South Africa when The New Companies Act of 2008 (Act 71 of 2008) was enforced on … Continue reading Registration of new companies at CIPC