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.
Tag: Intellectual property explained
It is hard to predict how long it will take for an application to mature into a registration since many factors can affect the process. Generally, an applicant will receive a filing receipt from CIPC almost instantly after filing. However, the total application processing time may be anywhere from 18 months to 3 years, or … Continue reading How long does it take for a trademark to be registered?
Many people assume they can protect their trademark simply by using the mark in commerce. It is true that you are not required to register a trademark to achieve some level of protection and that one establishes common law rights simply by using a mark in commerce. However, having a nationally registered trademark on the … Continue reading What are the benefits of a registered trademark?
The choice between registering a trademark and a copyright is not always a clear one. Trademark and copyright registration are both means of protecting your intellectual property rights. There are, however, important differences between trademark and copyright protection. Copyrights are a form of protection for the authors of "original works of authorship," including literary, dramatic, … Continue reading How do I know if I need trademark or copyright protection?
The CIPC process of amending a registered company, and the changes that accompany the process, can be quite daunting indeed. With the new Companies Act which came into force in May 2008, a number of changes have taken place, including the change of name from CIPRO to CIPC of the body that registers companies and … Continue reading Why you need professional help with CIPC processes
"According to this chart via Reddit, called “The Illusion of Choice,” these corporations create a chain that begins at one of 10 super companies. You’ve heard of the biggest names, but it’s amazing to see what these giants own or influence. Some of these large brands don’t neccesarily own the sub brands, but own a … Continue reading 10 Corporations own almost anything you buy
There are two areas of protection that need to be considered - the company aspect and the trademark aspect. Regarding the company aspect, you will need to know how you intend trading. For example: As a sole proprietor using a trade style; As a registered company; As a registered close corporation. If you do not … Continue reading Starting a business and want to protect your name? Here’s how…
From: Cyberlaw@SA Authors: M Viljoen BLC LLB GM du Plessis BLC LLB G Vivier BEng (Electronics Eng) BCom LLB Unregistered trademarks Our common law recognises the rights that a person acquires as goodwill (which includes, as a component, a reputation)13 or the ability to attract custom, which attaches to a trademark. The principles of unlawful … Continue reading Unregistered trademarks
1. What is trademark infringement? Trademark infringement is the use by another of the same or a similar mark that violates the prior trademark rights of another in the jurisdiction where such use occurs. The legal definition of infringement varies from one jurisdiction to another. The most common standards for infringement are: (a) close similarity … Continue reading Trademark infringement
Co-operatives A very simple definition would be to say it is a business where a group of people get together voluntary to obtain a product or service. From this one can see that the members must do business with the co-operative. For example the co-operative could buy in bulk the inputs the members need to … Continue reading Co-operatives
Trademark24 