News & Insights
Famous Faces, Hidden Risks: Using Celebrity Images on Merchandise in South Africa
A photograph of a famous athlete on a t-shirt. A tote bag featuring a well-known actor. A coffee mug bearing the likeness of a popular influencer. Celebrity-driven merchandise has become increasingly commonplace, particularly in an era where online design tools, print-on-demand services and readily available images make it easy to create products featuring recognisable public […]
October 21 2026
Mozambique adopts new IP strategy with focus on AI and digital transformation
The Government of Mozambique adopted a new National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (PEPI) 2026-2035, replacing its previous intellectual property (IP) strategy. PEPI is intended to modernise Mozambique’s IP framework to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital economy and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). It is the country’s first comprehensive national […]
October 21 2026
Uganda set to launch new Copyright Management System
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) are in the process of launching a new copyright management system. Once operational, the system is expected to modernise copyright administration, improve transparency and strengthen protection for creators and rights holders. It aims to create an environment in which creative works […]
October 21 2026
Egypt introduces virtual Appeal Committees for trade marks and industrial designs
The Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority (EGIPA) has introduced virtual Appeal Committees for trade mark and industrial design matters. The new system replaces traditional in-person appeal hearings with fully remote proceedings, enabling Appeal Committees to convene virtually. To facilitate these hearings, parties are required to lodge supporting evidence in both physical and electronic formats. Further, all […]
October 21 2026
Major counterfeit merchandise bust ahead of Springboks clash
Law enforcement authorities seized more than 1 700 counterfeit sports items valued at over R1.5 million in the Johannesburg CBD days before a highly anticipated Springboks versus New Zealand rugby match. The operation was conducted by a multi-disciplinary team including the South African Police Service’s National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, Gauteng Counterfeit and Illicit […]
October 21 2026
Zimbabwe launches Inter-Ministerial Committee on Intellectual Property
Zimbabwe has launched an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Intellectual Property (IMC-IP), marking a significant step towards coordinated IP policymaking in Zimbabwe. The Committee is intended to support the implementation of the country’s National IP Policy by modernising its IP system and creating a harmonised and coordinated national IP framework that is efficiently administered and enforced across […]
October 21 2026
Nigerian copyright stakeholders unite to strengthen anti-piracy efforts in South-East and South-South regions
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) and Reproduction Rights Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG) have launched a collaborative initiative to combat piracy and copyright infringement in Nigeria’s South-East and South-South regions. The programme aims to deter copyright infringement and raise public awareness of the harmful effects of piracy and the importance of respecting […]
October 21 2026
Mauritius: Harare Protocol enters into force
Mauritius deposited its instrument of Accession to the Harare Protocol on Patents, Utility Models and Industrial Designs (“the Protocol”) on 27 May 2025. It has now taken a significant step in strengthening its intellectual property (IP) framework by amending its Industrial Property Act to incorporate the provisions of the Protocol into its domestic law. The […]
October 21 2026
Adams & Adams strengthens Africa-wide IP network as businesses face growing cross-border complexity
As businesses expand into Africa, managing intellectual property (IP) across different legal and regulatory systems is becoming increasingly complex. Adams & Adams says combining strong local expertise with regional coordination will be critical to helping businesses protect, commercialise and enforce their IP as they grow. The firm reinforced this focus at its 13th annual Africa […]
October 21 2026
PACRA to start issuing digital certificates for the registration of intellectual property
The Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) announced that, with effect from 19 August 2026, it will no longer issue or print physical registration certificates for copyright, trade marks, patents and industrial designs. From that date, all intellectual property registration certificates will be issued electronically and sent to the email address provided by the applicant […]
October 21 2026
Navi Pillay: From Durban to the World
What does it take to make a difference? Can a young lawyer from Durban influence conversations on justice across the globe? The life of Navi Pillay answers that question with a resounding yes. Born and raised in Durban, Navi Pillay’s journey is a powerful reminder that greatness is not determined by where one starts, but […]
October 20 2026
Tanzania Strengthens IP Protection Through Legislative Reforms
Tanzania has introduced significant reforms to its IP regime through the enactment of the Written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, 2026 (the “2026 Amendments”), which received Presidential assent on 19 September 2026 and was published in the Government Gazette on 2 October 2026. The amendments represent one of the most significant developments in Tanzania’s intellectual property […]
October 20 2026
Rwanda Overhauls IP Procedures and Fees: Key Changes Effective 13 October 2026
Rwanda’s new Ministerial Order No. 001/MINICOM/26 came into effect on 13 October 2026, introducing a number of important changes to the country’s intellectual property regime. The Order establishes new appeal and opposition procedures, regulates IP agents, introduces a revised power of attorney format, provides for ex officio compulsory patent licences in certain circumstances, and significantly […]
October 20 2026
Serving Up Liability: Negligence, Res Ipsa Loquitur and Defective Food
The respondent went out to dinner with her husband at a restaurant run by the appellant, and both of them ordered hamburgers. Halfway through her meal she felt something stuck in her throat. She coughed, could not dislodge it and noticed blood, so she went to hospital. X-rays showed a needle-like object lodged in her […]
October 20 2026
Closing the Peptide Gap: SAHPRA’s New Guideline on Synthetic Peptides
Weight-loss and diabetes medicines such as semaglutide have become some of the most sought-after medicines in the world. In South Africa, that demand has been met in part by large-scale compounding of unregistered copies. On 8 October 2026 the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) responded with its first Guideline on the Quality and […]
October 19 2026
Is Your Trade Mark Portfolio Keeping Up With Your Business?
“We registered our trade mark years ago. We’re covered.” Are you? It’s a question every business owner should ask. Many businesses view trade mark registration as a once-off exercise. The application is filed, the registration certificate arrives, and the brand is considered protected. But businesses evolve, and trade mark portfolios should evolve with them. A […]
October 14 2026
Netflix and the Reach of Reputation: a Taiwan Trade Mark Decision and the South African Perspective
A recent decision of the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (“TIPO”) illustrates how trade mark protection operates where competing marks consist essentially of stylised single letter devices, and where the earlier mark has acquired substantial recognition through extensive use. The decision, issued on 27 August 2026 in Opposition no. G01150059, concerned Taiwan registration no. 02496095 for […]
October 14 2026
Patent Infringement, Evidence and Claim Interpretation: Key Guidance from the SCA
Very pleased to report another success from our patent litigation team in the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa, this time for Safety Engineering International LLC and AeroKlas Duys (Pty) Ltd. The unanimous decision which includes judgments from Justice Connie Mocumie and Justice David Unterhalter is replete with great guidance on the law, its […]
October 08 2026