South Africa: Trademark

The relationship between political power and trade mark strategy has never been more vividly illustrated than in the build-up to the United States' 250th anniversary...

We recently discussed Taylor Swift seeking to prevent the registration by a third party of a trade mark incorporating SWIFT. This time around, Swift is on the receiving end...

It has been well reported that the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill ("the Tobacco Bill") aims to tighten regulations around smoking and vaping.

Twins Import and Export (Pty) Ltd v Marinov & AI Sky CCTwins Import and Export (Pty) Ltd ("Twins"), a company operating in the agricultural products market, is the registered proprietor of the trademark "MAXGROWPLUS".

The banter between Alcaraz and Djokovic over Alcaraz's new serve motion at the Australian Open, which allegedly imitates Djokovic's serve, might be in a very sportsmanlike manner...

It is only natural and prudent to want to protect a personal brand by acquiring a trade mark, but there is a common misconception that using or registering a personal name or full names as a trade mark is an absolute right.

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

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.

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...