News & Insights
SUDAN’S TRADE MARKS OFFICE – UPDATE ON OPERATIONAL STATUS
Following prolonged disruption caused by civil unrest in Sudan, the operations of the Sudanese Trade Marks Office (“TMO”) have been significantly affected over the past two years, resulting in a near-complete standstill in trade mark administration for an extended period. After almost ten months of inactivity, the Registry announced in early February 2024 that it […]
February 16 2026
The Rise of the DIY Patent: How South African Inventors Are Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands
Something remarkable is happening at the South African Patent Office. For years, the number of provisional patent applications filed directly by inventors-without a patent attorney-held steady at around 40 to 50 per month. Then came 2025, and the numbers started climbing. By September 2025, self-filed applications had surged to 153 in a single month. January […]
February 11 2026
When Travel Becomes a Trade Mark
What IShowSpeed’s Africa Tour Teaches Us About Brand Power When global content creator IShowSpeed touched down in Africa, the internet did what it does best; it followed. From packed streets to spontaneous fan encounters, the trip was not just entertainment, it was brand expansion in real time. But beyond the viral clips and cultural moments […]
February 10 2026
Who may challenge an FSCA decision? Practical lessons on locus standi from Banxso case
Can shareholders, directors, or key persons step into the ring when the regulator strikes at a company — or has the Tribunal finally closed that door? A recent decision of the Financial Services Tribunal raises a pointed question for regulated entities and individuals alike: who, in law, is entitled to approach the Tribunal to challenge […]
February 10 2026
Subrogation vs Procedure: who may swear Discovery under Rule 35?
Background The Johannesburg High Court recently dealt with an interlocutory application concerning compliance with discovery obligations under Uniform Rule 35(1) in pending insurance dispute action proceedings between the parties. In brief, the applicant served a Rule 35(1) notice requiring discovery on oath; the deadline passed without delivery of a compliant discovery affidavit. Thereafter, an unsigned […]
February 09 2026
THE GREAT MERGER UPGRADE: The DTIC’s Proposed Amendments to Merger Thresholds and Filing Fees
Section 11 of the Competition Act 89 of 1989 (“Competition Act”) empowers the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition to determine, and to amend, merger thresholds and the method for calculating them. After almost a decade since the last adjustment, Minister Parks Tau has published draft amendments to the merger thresholds for public comment. The Minister has also proposed amendments to the filing fees applicable to […]
January 29 2026
Delictual liability, consumer protection, and public policy: An SCA turning point
Background The SCA, on 27 January 2026, delivered a judgment with significant and far-reaching implications for the insurance industry, particularly liability insurers. The matter pertained to a delictual claim for personal injuries suffered by the respondent after she fell from a moving safari truck during a Southern African tour operated by the applicant’s touring division. […]
January 28 2026
CIPC introduces electronic issuance of patents and patents of addition
The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has confirmed that all patents and patents of addition will be issued electronically with effect from 2 February 2026. This significant change applies to patents granted from January 2026 onwards. Electronic patents will include enhanced security features such as a digital seal, electronic signature of the Registrar of […]
January 27 2026
NAMIBIA – Appointment of Chief Executive Officer – Business and Intellectual Property Authority
With effect from 1st January 2026, Ms. Ainna Vilengi Kaundu was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) in Namibia. Ms Kaundu has been an integral part of BIPA for several years, having recently served as Executive of Intellectual Property Services before her appointment as CEO. Widely regarded […]
January 27 2026
Final Whistle – AFCON
What a dramatic end to the 2025 AFCON tournament! Senegal secured its second AFCON title and one of its anchor players, Sadio Mané won the best player of the tournament award. As an African law firm, we celebrate with all participating teams and extend our congratulations to Senegal. With the tournament now concluded, this marks […]
January 23 2026
Beneficiary disputes in living annuities: A wake-up call for insurers and advisers
Factual background: On 6 January 2026, the Pretoria High Court handed down a judgment in a case pertaining to insurance living annuity. The dispute concerned the proceeds of a living annuity policy taken out by the deceased, with competing beneficiary nominations advanced shortly before his death. The plaintiff (the widow) relied on a nomination signed […]
January 23 2026
SIERRA LEONE TRADE MARKS REGULATIONS, 2024 NOW IN FORCE
The Trade Marks Regulations, 2024 have officially come into force in Sierra Leone following its publication as Statutory Instrument No. 19 of 2024. The new regulations are intended to establish a comprehensive procedural framework governing trade mark practice in Sierra Leone, ensuring clarity and certainty in relation to national and international filings, enforcement mechanisms, and […]
January 21 2026
Enforcement, Remedies and Reform: The Evolution of Trade Mark Litigation in Zambia
The coming into operation of Zambia’s Trade Marks Act No. 11 of 2023 on 26 December 2025 marks a significant shift not only in trade mark registration practice, but also in the litigation and enforcement landscape. By repealing the Trade Marks Act (Chapter 401) of 1958, the new legislation modernises substantive rights, procedural mechanisms, and […]
January 21 2026
Your Name, Your Trade Mark
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. In trade mark law, distinctiveness and priority are paramount. Specifically, the law considers […]
January 20 2026
AFCON Eliminations: Celebrating African Football and Intellectual Property Development
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 and quarterfinals have concluded, with eight nations exiting the tournament: Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), DR Congo, Mali, and Mozambique. As an African IP law firm with associate offices across the continent, it is difficult to pick favourites on the pitch. Instead, […]
January 14 2026
NAVIGATING ZAMBIA’S NEW TRADE MARKS ACT: PRACTICAL INSIGHTS FOR TRADE MARK PROSECUTION
On 31 December 2025, Zambia ushered in a new era for trade mark protection with the enactment of Trade Marks Act No. 11 of 2023 (the Act), following the signing of Statutory Instrument No. 86 of 2025. The Act repeals the long-standing Trade Marks Act of 1958, marking a comprehensive reform of Zambia’s trade mark […]
January 12 2026
Adams & Adams AntiCounterfeiting Team strikes another major blow against counterfeit lubricant manufacturers
Adams & Adams’ AntiCounterfeiting Team has recently conducted another successful major operation targeting the manufacture, production, and distribution of counterfeit engine and gearbox lubricants in South Africa. Following an extensive investigation, the team collaborated with a specialised unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to execute a search and seizure warrant at the premises of a well-established illegitimate manufacturing facility […]
January 09 2026
South Africa Implements the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification
South Africa has officially adopted the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification (NCL 13-26) with effect from 1 January 2026, following its implementation by the World Intellectual Property Office on the same date. The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission gave notice to this effect through Practice Note 3 of 2025, published on 9 December 2025, […]
January 07 2026