Free Trademark Check!


To make things a bit more affordable, we now offer a FREE trademark exact check. Your word mark will be checked against the official records...yes, for FREE! Click here and follow the simple instructions. Play nice: One trademark and one class per query - anything else will find a swift dustbin death. The trademark may consist … Continue reading Free Trademark Check!

Naming your new business baby – take special care!


So, here you are, contemplating your fledgling business and feeling slightly overwhelmed by the enormity of it all... You get advice from everywhere - the interwebs, your friends, your bookkeeper, the taxi driver, your dog. Now, it is completely up to you what you do with most of that advice, but if someone mentioned 'brand … Continue reading Naming your new business baby – take special care!

Applications for non-traditional trademarks


Here are the promised guidelines when applying for non-traditional trademarks: Three-dimensional marks *a single view of the representation of a three-dimensional mark will be accepted, provided it is possible to determine the three-dimensional nature from the single view. *the trademark as advertised must correspond with the trademark as depicted in the application form, i.e. all … Continue reading Applications for non-traditional trademarks

Brand name vs generic name


When deciding upon a brand strategy or trademark, be careful not to choose a name that is too generic - the registrar will ask you to acknowledge the fact that your proposed mark is common and this will weaken your trademark.Naming an invention involves developing at least two names. One name is the generic name. … Continue reading Brand name vs generic name

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?