South Africa: Trademark

Subscribe

Intellectual property law and copyright law thought leadership, articles, podcasts, videos and webinars from expert sources across the legal world. Explore insights covering topics such as licensing and syndication, patent law, trade secrets and trademark law.

ARIPO Approves Amendments To The Banjul Protocol On Marks

The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) has approved a comprehensive update to the Banjul Protocol on Marks, covering the applicable Implementing Regulations, prescribed Forms and Official Fees. The changes were formally communicated by the Director General and are scheduled to take effect on 1 March, 2026.

South Africa IP

I

Inventa

Nice Classification Edition 13 Is Now In Force

The 13th Edition of the Nice Classification is now in effect. Nice is the international classification system trade mark offices use (including CIPC) to decide which goods and services your trade mark protection actually...

South Africa IP

BI

Barnard Inc.

South Africa Adopts The 13th Edition Of The Nice Classification

As of 1 January 2026, South Africa has implemented the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification.

South Africa IP

AA

Adams & Adams

ARIPO's Overhauled Trade Mark System Goes Live On 1 March 2026

The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) has implemented one of its most substantial reforms through the revision of the Banjul Protocol, set to take effect on 1 March 2026.

South Africa IP

AA

Adams & Adams

New Trade Mark Regulations Now In Effect

South Africa IP

AA

Adams & Adams

When Travel Becomes A Trade Mark

South Africa IP

AA

Adams & Adams

Can Use Of An Email Address Be Trade Mark Infringement?

South Africa IP

E

ENS

Can You Own A Move? The Serve, The Swing And The IP Reality

South Africa IP

BI

Barnard Inc.

Your Name, Your Trade Mark

South Africa IP

AA

Adams & Adams

A Salty Lesson: Afrormosia Commodities Vs. Sun Salt Services

South Africa IP

E

ENS

How BMW (Quietly) Won "Rolls Royce" From Volkswagen And Why It Still Matters

South Africa IP

E

ENS

The Kiddos vs. Chickees Packaging Battle

South Africa Media & IT

E

ENS

South Africa Implements The 13th Edition Of The Nice Classification

South Africa IP

AA

Adams & Adams

Tammy Taylor vs The Viljoens - Trade Marks Take Centre Stage...again

South Africa IP

E

ENS

Minister Of Trade, Industry And Competition Issues Proposed Amendments To The Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment Codes

South Africa Commercial

E

ENS

Mining In South Africa: Regulatory Challenges? What Regulatory Challenges?

South Africa Commercial

Ai

Andersen in South Africa

Can Use Of An Email Address Be Trade Mark Infringement?

South Africa IP

E

ENS

Restraint Of Trade After Dismissal: Labour Appeal Court Clarifies Enforceability

South Africa Employment

E

ENS

Planting Seeds For Global Growth: Why South African Farmers Should Be Thinking 'Offshore'

South Africa Strategy

TS

The Sovereign Group

Fire In The Hole – When Names Spark A Passing-off Battle

Ever wondered what happens when two businesses use almost identical names? The Supreme Court of Appeal recently answered that in Logik Group Africa t/a Fire Logik v Fire Logic (Pty) Ltd

South Africa IP

E

ENS

Position Trade Marks: Adidas And Thom Browne

This article deals with position trade marks, a topic of increasing interest. The following quotes provide useful insight into what a position trade mark...

South Africa IP

E

ENS

The Trade Marks Choo And Chhu - Here's Something To Chew On!

In this article, we discuss a well-known brand and an alleged copycat competitor.

South Africa IP

E

ENS

Why Should I Register A Trade Mark?

A trade mark—whether it's a name, logo, slogan, or even a distinctive color or shape—serves as a badge of origin, distinguishing your goods or services from those of others.

South Africa IP

AA

Adams & Adams

Big Cats And Trade Marks

South Africa IP

E

ENS

The Business Of Ideas: Why Commercial Intellectual Property (IP) Really Matters

South Africa IP

E

ENS

When AI Meets IP: A Lawsuit Waiting To Happen?

South Africa IP

E

ENS

Domain Name Objections – A Necessary Tool In Any Enforcement Strategy

South Africa IP

E

ENS

Social Influencers, Copyright And Photographs

South Africa IP

E

ENS

Holding vs Subsidiary: International Trade Mark Registration Strategies In South Africa

South Africa IP

BI

Barnard Inc.

IP Vulnerabilities In African Fashion Supply Chains

South Africa IP

I

Inventa

The Difference Between An Ordinary Trade Mark And A Collective Trade Mark

South Africa IP

BI

Barnard Inc.

Lesotho Deepens IP Reforms With ARIPO, Targets Key Protocol Ratifications

South Africa IP

AA

Adams & Adams

Intellectual Property Developments In Africa: DJs, Trade Mark Deadlock, And Trade Mark Recordation

South Africa IP

E

ENS

IP Vulnerabilities In African Fashion Supply Chains

Africa's fashion industry is booming, creating more job opportunities across the continent. Driven by youth, culture, and growing global interest, the sector is gaining international recognition through designers, brands, and events.

South Africa IP

I

Inventa

The Difference Between An Ordinary Trade Mark And A Collective Trade Mark

Choosing between an ordinary trade mark and a collective trade mark comes down to how your brand will be used in the real world.

South Africa IP

BI

Barnard Inc.

Lesotho Deepens IP Reforms With ARIPO, Targets Key Protocol Ratifications

Lesotho's recent adoption of a National IP Policy (2025) and a Research and Innovation Policy (2021) reflects a broader strategy to build a knowledge-based economy and expand global trade, particularly in sectors like textiles, water, and agriculture. Between 2019 and 2023, Lesotho processed over 2,500 trademark applications and 1,300 patent and design filings through ARIPO, signalling growing international interest in its IP environment.

South Africa IP

AA

Adams & Adams

Intellectual Property Developments In Africa: DJs, Trade Mark Deadlock, And Trade Mark Recordation

Our articles often deal with intellectual property ("IP") in South Africa. But often we also cover IP issues in other African countries. In this article, we discuss some interesting IP developments...

South Africa IP

E

ENS

When Luxury Meets Legacy: The Prada-Kolhapuri Dispute And The Limits Of GIs, Trade Marks And Cultural IP

South Africa IP

E

ENS

The Travelwings Case, Confusing Similarity

In this article, we discuss a recent South African High Court judgment in the case of Wings Travel Management (Pty) Ltd v Satguru Travels (Pty) Ltd t/a Travelwings.

South Africa IP

E

ENS

Clawed Back: What The Sundowns vs Mosimane Case Means For IP Contracts

In May 2020, Football Club Mamelodi Sundowns and coach Pitso Mosimane inked a fresh four-year deal negotiated through Mosimane's agency, Moira Tlhagale Sports Marketing ("TSM").

South Africa IP

E

ENS

Labubu vs. Counterfeiters: When Collectibles Meet IP Law

Whether you are a serious collector or just charmed by the "ugly-cute" craze, the world of Labubu toys has exploded into a global market phenomenon.

E

ENS

Position Trade Marks: The Airwair Case

In this article, we discuss a type of trade mark that does not crop up very often. The name of this rare creature is the relatively new-fangled ‘position trade mark'.

South Africa IP

E

ENS

When Can I Claim Unlawful Competition?

South Africa IP

BI

Barnard Inc.

ARIPO And OAPI Host Strategic Ambassadors' Luncheon In Geneva

AA

Adams & Adams

Pharma Giants Clash Over 'BUCOD' Names As Court Keeps Ban In Place

South Africa IP

AA

Adams & Adams

Specsavers (Pty) Ltd v Strategic Ideal Holdings (Pty) Ltd

South Africa IP

AA

Adams & Adams

Understanding Trade Mark Disclaimers: A Guide For Start-Ups

South Africa IP

BI

Barnard Inc.

The Role Of Disclaimers In Trade Mark Applications In South Africa

South Africa IP

BI

Barnard Inc.

Travelwings Trade Mark Case Clarifies Limits Of WINGS Trade Mark Exclusivity

South Africa IP

AA

Adams & Adams

Assignment Of Trade Marks – Transferring Ownership For Strategic Impact

South Africa IP

BI

Barnard Inc.

Hypothecation vs Licensing vs Assignment – Unlocking Trade Mark Value

South Africa IP

BI

Barnard Inc.

Hypothecation Of Trade Marks – Using IP As Collateral For Finance

South Africa IP

BI

Barnard Inc.

Trade Mark Licensing – Permitted Use, Registered Users And Revenue Growth

South Africa IP

BI

Barnard Inc.

Workshop Held As A Step Towards Recognition Of Seychelles' Honey As A GI

South Africa IP

AA

Adams & Adams

Implementation Of Online Trade Mark Filing System

South Africa IP

AA

Adams & Adams

ARIPO Ambassadors Engagement

South Africa IP

AA

Adams & Adams

Introduction Of OAPI LEX – A Jurisprudence Database

South Africa IP

AA

Adams & Adams

See more

Latest Videos

See more

Podcast | OFM | A Trademark Is The Most Valuable Asset That A Business Owns (Video)

E

ENS

How To Register Food Products In Ghana

uA

Firmus Advisory

A ‘Triple Distilled' Summary Of Recent Trade Mark SCA Cases (Video)

AA

Adams & Adams

GRM Search - Offshoring IP | 16 August 2017 (Video)

KI

KISCH IP

Protect Your Brand – Advice To Start-Ups (Video Content)

T

TripleOKLaw

Mondaq uses cookies on this website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies as set out in our Privacy Policy.

Learn More