South Africa: Trademark

As temperatures drop around the country, rugby is hotting up. South African rugby fans have plenty to look forward to in 2026, including the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour which will take place from 7 August 2026...

FIFA's commercial framework requires host venues to conceal non-sponsor branding during the World Cup, leading Levi's Stadium to be temporarily rebranded. When Levi's iconic batwing logo was covered with a white sheet, the company transformed this restriction into a powerful marketing moment that demonstrated the true strength of brand recognition and the difference between a trademark and a brand.

Intellectual property is a key factor in what sets a business apart from its competitors. As such, the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights are essential to preserving the value of those assets.

This comprehensive legal update covers recent developments across South African law, from pharmaceutical naming regulations and copyright platform liability to VAT amendments affecting insurance and digital services. The collection explores emerging challenges in intellectual property protection, cryptocurrency regulation, and data brokering, while examining how AI and digital transformation are reshaping traditional legal frameworks.

What started as a single video has turned into a nationwide trend — and potentially something far more valuable: a commercial asset.

Het jy al ooit gewonder wie betaal vir wie wanneer persoonlike regte, handelsmerke en kopiereg in ʼn film so vervleg raak dat geen mens meer weet wat aangaan nie.

Securing a trade mark registration feels like a turning point for any business. It signifies the moment your brand moves from being just an idea to being an asset recognised by laaw.

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.

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...