News & Insights
South Africa’s Draft National AI Policy: Building a Framework for Responsible and Inclusive AI Governance
The publication of South Africa’s Draft National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy in April 2026 marks an important shift from conceptual discussions on AI toward a structured national governance framework. Rather than proposing immediate, technology‑specific regulation, the draft policy lays down the principles, institutions and implementation pathways that will guide AI development across sectors. It positions […]
April 15 2026
Protecting Plant Varieties in South Africa
South Africa’s agricultural industry continues to thrive with commercial opportunity. Horticultural businesses and farmers regularly breed or import plant varieties to drive local enterprise. Given the significant financial investment involved, however, protecting plant varieties, and the commercial interests they represent, is essential to breeders. In practice, there are generally two ways to a protect plant […]
April 14 2026
Foreseeability and fault: reaffirming the bounds of Delictual liability
Introduction On the night of 13 October 2014, two Grade 12 learners— B, aged 18, and O, aged 17 — drowned while attending a school revision camp. The camp had been organised to assist learners in their Matric examination preparation, and no provision had been made for swimming. Learners were expressly and repeatedly instructed not […]
April 13 2026
Lessons from Court: A Practical Guide for Private Bodies Responding to PAIA Requests
Private bodies – such as hospitals, medical practices, banks and everyday employers – regularly receive requests for access to information under the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (“PAIA”). Many recipients assume they have no choice but to comply with every request placed before them. That assumption is wrong. A recent High […]
April 13 2026
FRAUD ALERT – IMPERSONATION NOTICE
We are aware of fraudulent communications circulating from unauthorised third parties falsely claiming to be from our firm and alleging changes to our banking details. We assure you that our banking information remains unchanged. For added assurance, Adams & Adams is registered as a public recipient beneficiary with South African banks. Cyber-related fraud and impersonation […]
April 10 2026
When Convenience Becomes a Risk: Heppner and the Quiet Erosion of Legal Privilege in the Age of AI
The convenience of modern AI tools is irresistible. These AI tools draft, summarise, brainstorm, and structure strategies in seconds. But in the recent case of United State v Heppner (“Heppner”), we are sharply reminded that convenience can come at a steep discovery cost. If you build or refine legal strategies with a public AI tool, […]
April 09 2026
Snuff said about plain packaging
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. Specifically, the bill seeks to introduce plain packaging, which is standardised packaging devoid of branding, including logo trade marks. In addition, the Bill initially sought to treat nicotine and […]
April 09 2026
AI in Africa: Regulations are catching up and the courts are already there
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept in Africa. It is here, it is being used, and it is now reshaping regulatory agendas and courtroom practice across the continent. Over the last two years, we have seen a decisive shift in how African governments approach AI. What was once discussed in policy workshops and […]
April 08 2026
Amendment of pleadings and prescription: When changing your legal basis comes too late
Introduction A recent judgment of the Mahikeng High Court serves as a stark reminder that a change in the legal foundation of a claim — from contract to delict — is not merely a technical adjustment. It constitutes the introduction of a new cause of action and, consequently, a new debt for the purposes of […]
April 01 2026
Indigenous Biological Resources, cannabis and the conundrum of human introduction
Cannabis is once again in the news in South Africa, with the recent announcement by various government departments of a national cannabis master plan to establish a formal cannabis and hemp industry. At the same time, the government has a long-standing commitment to protecting its local biodiversity, which is embodied in the National Environmental Management: […]
April 01 2026
The Freak Accident Defence: How Foreseeability Can Defeat an Infrastructure Claim
Claims for damages arising from injuries on public infrastructure are a regular feature of South African litigation. What is frequently underestimated, however, is the demanding role that foreseeability plays in limiting such claims. A recent High Court judgement from the Western Cape Division, delivered on 10 March 2026 per Janisch AJ, provides a sobering illustration […]
March 23 2026
Protests Inside Shopping-Centres: Risks For Centre Management, Shoppers and Employees
Public protest is a protected constitutional right in South Africa. However, when protest action moves from traditional public spaces into privately owned commercial environments such as shopping-centres, a different set of legal and risk considerations arises. Recent incidents, both locally and internationally, have drawn attention to the legal responsibilities of shopping-centre management when protest activity […]
March 23 2026
Liberia launches National IP capacity building workshop to strengthen rights protection
Important Topics Liberia launches National IP capacity‑building workshop to strengthen rights protection Liberia’s Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) recently ran a three-day training programme in February to improve the country’s understanding and management of IP. The initiative brought together more than 150 individuals from the creative industries, business community and wider private sector for in-depth sessions […]
March 17 2026
The Gambia’s IP advocates push back against amendment undermining IP Office autonomy
Important Topics The Gambia’s IP advocates push back against amendment undermining IP Office autonomy The Association for the Promotion of Intellectual Property – The Gambia (IPPA) is urging lawmakers to undo a recent change to the country’s draft Intellectual Property (IP) Bill, warning that the amendment strips the proposed Gambia Intellectual Property Office (GIPO) of […]
March 17 2026
UIR ranked Africa’s leading university for patent filings
Important Topics UIR ranked Africa’s leading university for patent filings Morocco’s International University of Rabat (UIR) has officially become Africa’s number‑one university for patent filings, marking a milestone for the continent’s innovation and intellectual property (IP) landscape. During the institution’s 15th‑anniversary event in Salé, UIR President Noureddine Mouaddib announced that the university has filed nearly […]
March 17 2026
Nigeria advances IP translation through SPARK partnership
Important Topics Nigeria advances IP translation through SPARK partnership Nigeria is intensifying efforts to ensure that scientific discoveries do not remain confined to laboratories but instead evolve into products that can improve healthcare outcomes. Dr Obi Adigwe, Director General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), explained in a media interview that […]
March 17 2026
MCSN receives ₦1.2bn copyright levy to support Nigerian musicians
Important Topics MCSN receives ₦1.2bn copyright levy to support Nigerian musicians Nigeria’s music community marked a milestone as the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN) confirmed the receipt of ₦1.2 billion from the country’s newly activated Copyright Levy. The payment (totalling ₦1,205,956,580.20) is the first operational use of the levy that has existed in law for […]
March 17 2026
Notification of Mozambique’s ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty
Important Topics Notification of Mozambique’s ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) announced that the Republic of Mozambique deposited its instrument of ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty on 27 January 2026. The Treaty, adopted in Marrakesh on 27 June 2013, is intended to expand access to published works for persons who […]
March 17 2026