Intellectual property law gives individuals and companies ownership rights to their original works, so that they can benefit exclusively from their ideas and inventions and receive the recognition they deserve. South Africa has a well-developed intellectual property rights environment and enforcement by authorities is generally effective. Patent law is very well developed. See the Investment Climate Statement (ICS) section of this report for more information on intellectual property protection in South Africa.
In terms of the South African Patent Act No. A patent grants exclusive rights to an invention, which gives the patent owner the right to decide how others can use the invention. In exchange for this right, the patent owner discloses technical information about the invention to the public. A South African patent can be granted for an invention that is new, inventive and useful.
If your invention meets these three requirements, subject to certain exclusions, a patent can be granted. Intellectual property is a general term used to refer to intangible assets held by an entity or individual and that can be protected from outside use without the consent of the owners. The South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law is also responsible for IP education in South Africa, providing young aspiring lawyers & with the tools they need to navigate the intellectual property landscape. We have the knowledge, resources and experience to provide advice in all fields of practice related to intellectual property.
Trademark registration is direct proof of exclusive ownership in South Africa and helps to keep out potential infringers who would be tempted to rely on the goodwill of your trademark. Cricket South Africa recently announced a new clothing and product sponsorship agreement with Castore, a company based in Manchester, England. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office In any foreign market, companies should consider several general principles for effective management of their intellectual property.
The South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law was established in 1952 and represents about 238 patent lawyers, patent agents& trademark professionals who specialize in the field of intellectual property law. SAIIPL member lawyers represent the best intellectual property lawyer in South Africa and it is their responsibility to guide many domestic & international companies as they seek to protect their brand, intellectual assets & creative interests, driving innovation and technology forward. The Business and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), a member of the Department of Trade and Industry, is responsible for trademark registration in South Africa. It aims to protect the intellectual property of legal entities, since intellectual property can also have significant value and is therefore vulnerable to exploitation by third parties.
Trademarks in South Africa are classified according to the International Classification of Products and Services as provided for in the NICE protocol. Form of intellectual property rights granted to breeders of new plant varieties for the protection of their varieties against exploitation without their permission. The rights conferred by a design registry are governed by the South African Designs Act 195 of 1993 (“the Designs Act”). Free and unlimited access to more than half a million articles (one article limit removed) from the diverse perspectives of 5,000 leading law, accounting and consulting firms.
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