News & Insights
It’s giving trade mark: the registrability and enforceability of Gen Z Slang in South Africa
With the emergence of Gen Z Slang, spoken by the generation born between 1997 and 2012, you would be forgiven for feeling cheugy (read “someone who is out of date”) when the language of these “digital natives” flies right over your head (the authors included, who, without giving our ages away, sit as bookends of […]
February 17 2025
No Tracker, No Payout: Court Denies Motor Insurance Claim
Introduction: On 31 January 2025, the Pretoria High Court delivered a judgement in a motor insurance case in which the insurer rejected the policyholder’s claim following the theft of their vehicle. According to the insurer’s rejection letter, the claim was denied because the policyholder failed to prove that, at the time of the theft, the […]
February 13 2025
POLICE SEIZE COUNTERFEIT GOODS WORTH R5 MILLION
Police in Limpopo have made a significant impact on the illegal trade of counterfeit goods, seizing items worth R5 million (approximately $271 723) in Musina. The operation, conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies, targeted counterfeit goods and over 2000 counterfeit items including sneakers, cell phones, perfumes and consumables were seized. Police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk emphasised […]
February 12 2025
MINISTRY ISSUES PIVOTAL REPORT ON PROTECTION AND ENFORCEMENT OF IP
The Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry has issued the Second International Symposium on Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement (ISIPPE-2) report which aims to reinforce Kenya’s commitment to combat counterfeiting and protecting intellectual property (IP) rights. The report provides awareness and advice on best practices to strengthen IP protection and enforcement including the development of […]
February 12 2025
Ministry Issues Updates on The Suspension of Trade Marks
The Libya Trade Mark Office has issued Ministerial Decision No. 2 of 2025 which provides that all acceptance notices issued during the closure of the Trademark Office (from 2 April 2024 to 1 September 2024) will be withdrawn. In addition, all appeals of trade mark applications that were refused based on being identical or confusingly […]
February 12 2025
MINISTRY ISSUES DECREE ON RENEWAL FEES AND REQUIREMENTS
On 27 November 2024, the Libya Trade Mark Office issued Decree 586 of 2024 introducing updates for the renewal of trade marks. Upon the renewal of trade marks, proprietors are now required to submit a valuation and financial statement of their trade marks and will be subjected to increased official and renewal fees.
February 12 2025
MALAWI TAKES THE LEAD IN RATIFYING WIPO TREATY ON IP
On December 5, 2024, Malawi ratified the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge (“Treaty”) which was adopted in May 2024. The Treaty, which addresses the connection between IP, genetic resources, and traditional knowledge, requires applicants to disclose the country of origin or source of genetic resources used in inventions. It […]
February 12 2025
PATENTS AND DESIGNS REGISTRY TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE IN DECEMBER 2024
On 2 December 2024, the Patents and Designs Registry announced that its filing platform would be temporarily unavailable due to ongoing data updates. During this time, users could not access the platform for services. Once the updates were completed, applicants could request backdating of their applications to reflect priority dates. The Registry apologised for the […]
February 12 2025
NAFDAC TACKLES COUNTERFEIT GOODS
Between July and December 2024, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) stepped up efforts to combat counterfeit products, seizing and destroying goods worth N120 billion (approximately $80 060 312) across the country. The operation uncovered large-scale counterfeiting operations and targeted a variety of counterfeit items including medicines, food, and drinks, with significant […]
February 12 2025
OAPI LAUNCHES 15TH EDITION OF MASTER'S DEGREE IN IP
On 24 January 2025, the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) welcomed new students to its prestigious master’s degree in Intellectual Property offered at the University of Yaoundé II and the Denis Ekani Academy of Intellectual Property (APIDE). Students previously enrolled in the programme received online lectures from experts of the European Union Intellectual Property Office […]
February 12 2025
FORM AND CONTENT OF THE POWER OF ATTORNEY EFFECTIVE 01 FEBRUARY 2025
From 1 February 2025, the Rwanda Registry will only accept Power of Attorneys that strictly comply with the template outlined in Ministerial Order No. 26, dated 17 March 2016. To be compliant, the Power of Attorney must include the name of the authorised agent in Rwanda, their principal place of business, the date of expiry […]
February 12 2025
Deregistration of Non-Compliant Companies
The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) plans to deregister approximately 800,000 non-compliant companies. This initiative aims to address inactive entities and enforce compliance with annual return and beneficial ownership requirements. Companies that fail to submit annual returns for two consecutive cycles or disclose beneficial ownership information will face deregistration. This action is part of […]
February 12 2025
TRADE MARK OFFICE NOT YET DEALING WITH LITIGIOUS MATTERS
Although the Sudanese Trade Mark Office started operating at the beginning of 2024 (see our previous update here), the Office has not yet started dealing with any litigation matters including oppositions. We are constantly monitoring the situation and will provide updates as and when they arise.
February 12 2025
HOW LA'S WILDFIRES AND CLIMATE CHANGE COULD SET SOUTH AFRICA’S INSURANCE MARKET ABLAZE
The devastating wildfires that have swept through Los Angeles and other parts of California have highlighted the growing risks associated with climate change. These fires, intensified by prolonged droughts and extreme heat, have led to billions of dollars in damages, forcing the insurance industry to adapt rapidly. While the direct impact of these fires is […]
February 11 2025
Hidden Perils Under the Surface of Building Insurance
The primary purpose of building insurance is to protect property owners from financial losses due to damage to their buildings. Buildings can be damaged from a variety of events, including fires, storms, floods, and earthquakes, each posing unique risks and challenges. Exclusions and Their Impacts Policyholders and brokers acting on their behalf must apprise themselves […]
February 10 2025
ARIPO – increase in official fees and amendments to Harare Protocol and Regulations to come into effect 1 March 2025
In a notice signed by the Director General of ARIPO, Bemanya Twebaze dated 31 January 2025, ARIPO announced that amendments to the Harare Protocol and Regulations will come into effect on 1 March 2025. The Harare Protocol governs the filing of patent, utility model and industrial design applications filed at ARIPO. Patent or design applications […]
February 10 2025
OAPI - New Official Fees for Patents and Utility Models
As part of the implementation of Annex I of the revised Bangui Agreement, OAPI has published new official fees which apply to all patent and utility model applications fled after 1 January 2025. This development follows previous updates OAPI – Training of patent examiners – Adams & Adams announcing OAPI’s intention to introduce substantive examination […]
February 05 2025
The Perils of Non-Compliance: Lessons from the Municipal Workers' Retirement Fund Judgment
The recent judgment of Municipal Workers’ Retirement Fund v Mafube Local Municipality and Others highlights the severe consequences of failing to meet statutory obligations under the Pension Funds Act 24 of 1956 (“the PFA”). Delivered by Opperman J, the judgment emphasises the importance of compliance with section 13A of the Act. At the heart of […]
January 30 2025