News & Insights
Zambia Ushers in a New Era for Trade Marks
On 26 December 2025, the Trade Marks Act No. 11 of 2023 came into operation, replacing the outdated 1958 Act, which is more than 60 years old. Although new Regulations remain in the works, for now, the new Act will be read together with the old Trade Mark Regulations of 1994. The relevant official fees […]
January 07 2026
FOOTBALL AND IP IN AFRICA
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament is currently underway in Morocco showcasing soccer talents and competitiveness of 24 African countries. This 35th edition of the tournament has proceeded to knockout stage wherein 16 teams advanced to “Round of 16” knockout stage. Whilst these teams continue their quest to be crowned the African champions, we […]
January 06 2026
Cigarette packaging, a marketing tool or a regulatory instrument?
Introduction Over the last several decades, there has been a strong global push towards regulating tobacco and tobacco products with the aim of reducing tobacco consumption. Beyond standardised packaging, governments are introducing complementary policies such as flavour bans, restrictions on retail displays, nicotine limits, environmental regulations and traceability systems to combat illicit trade. These initiatives […]
December 18 2025
Policy Overhaul: FEC Approves Reforms to Catalyse Intellectual Property, Digital Trade, and Service Exports
In a decisive move to reposition Nigeria for the modern global economy, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), at its meeting on 6 November 2025, approved a comprehensive set of policy reforms aimed at strengthening intellectual property (IP) rights, accelerating digital cross-border trade, and removing barriers for Nigerian service exporters. The approved policies include: National Intellectual […]
December 18 2025
Strengthening African Intellectual Property Resources: Collaboration and a Shared Vision for the Future
While virtual interactions are invaluable for teams working across a continent, it cannot replace the value that in-person engagements deliver, with the opportunities to establish and deepen personal and professional relationships. There is something special about moments that bring together people from different corners of a continent to share not only their expertise, but also […]
December 17 2025
Regional and International Trade Mark Filing Systems in Africa: A Cautionary Tale from Tanzania
ARIPO protection no longer extends to Tanzania. The Tanzanian Court of Appeal ruled that ARIPO trade mark registrations are not enforceable in Tanzania, confirming that the country has not ratified the Banjul Protocol. Details of the decision, as prepared by Mohamed Jameel Hamid, partner in Adams & Adams’ trade mark prosecution department, as well as […]
December 17 2025
Commencement of the South African Plant Improvement Act No. 11 of 2018
The South African Plant Improvement Act No. 11 of 2018 (the “Act”) came into operation on 1 December 2025 (the previous Plant Improvement Act No. 53 of 1976 is now repealed). The Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that provides a framework for the exploitation of certain plants, as prescribed in the regulations to […]
December 17 2025
SOMALIA: UPDATE ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY FEE REVISIONS AND LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS
Somalia has announced a revision of the official fees for intellectual property matters, effective 1 October 2025. The changes include a reduction in the trade mark filing fee and the introduction of fees for oppositions, patents, industrial designs and recordal matters such as the transfer or assignment of intellectual property rights . A compulsory printing […]
December 17 2025
OAPI ANNOUNCES THE 2025 WINNERS OF THE OAPI BRAND AWARDS
The biennial OAPI Brand Awards that took place from 8 – 10 October 2025, culminated with an evening of glamour and luxury as 4 companies received awards at the closing ceremony. Now in its 5th edition, the award ceremony that rewards excellence in Intellectual Property in the 17 OAPI member states, took place in Libreville, Gabon. […]
December 17 2025
Nigerian Copyright Commission suspends several domain names accused of piracy
The Nigerian Copyright Commission recently took steps to suspend a number of (dot)ng domains suspected of piracy. The Commission who earlier this year also shut down the domain MovieBox.ng, that was responsible for streaming pirated films, music, and live sports, has again proved its commitment to the protection of Copyright protection works in Nigeria. The Commission […]
December 17 2025
Nigeria joins the UPOV PRISMA online filing platform
Nigeria has officially joined the UPOV PRISMA online filing platform for all crops and species. UPOV PRISMA is a tailor-made online tool designed to facilitate the filing of plant variety protection and national listing applications worldwide. This recent development enables breeders in Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies to submit plant […]
December 17 2025
Gabon takes important steps to obtain global recognition for its Mbigou stone as a Geographical Indication
The Gabonese Office of Industrial Property (Ogapi) welcomed the decision by the National Committee for Geographical Indications (CNIG) to validate the official recognition of Mbigou stone as a product with a geographical indication (GI). This step marks the last phase before the official registration of the Mbigou stone as a GI. Once successful Mbigou stone […]
December 17 2025
THE 20<sup>TH</sup> SESSION OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF ARIPO
Ghana was host to the 20th session of the ARIPO Council of Ministers, that took place from 21-22 November 2025. The Council of Ministers is the main governing organisation of ARPIO and encompasses Ministers of governments of the ARIPO member states who are responsible for the administration of intellectual property laws in their respective countries. […]
December 17 2025
INTERDICT DENIED: MUNICIPALITIES FACE A HIGH BAR ON PENSION WITHHOLDING
Factual background The Mpumalanga High Court has recently delivered a judgment on the critical considerations regarding withholding of pension benefits. While the judgment is not groundbreaking, it serves as a crucial reminder for the employers, pension funds, and other relevant stakeholders. The application arose from a dispute between a local municipality and its former Chief […]
December 12 2025
D&O: U.S. Court Enforces Prior‑Notice Exclusion for Meaningfully Linked Circumstances
The U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware has recently held that a prior notice exclusion barred cover for securities and derivative actions that were meaningfully linked to circumstances disclosed years earlier in a letter to the insured’s audit committee. The court concluded the later suits “arose out of” the same alleged accounting improprieties […]
December 04 2025
Why Should I Register a Trade Mark?
In today’s competitive marketplace, your brand is one of your most valuable assets. A trade mark—whether it’s a name, logo, slogan, or even a distinctive color or shape—serves as a badge of origin, distinguishing your goods or services from those of others. While simply using a mark in commerce can create limited rights under common […]
December 03 2025
Artificial Intelligence in South African Financial Sector: What the FSCA–PA Report Reveals About IP, Trade Secrets, and Smart Governance
General Summary: AI’s Impact on South African Financial Services Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming South Africa’s financial sector, driving innovation, operational efficiency, and new customer experiences. The recent joint report by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and the Prudential Authority (PA) published in November 2025 provides the first comprehensive snapshot of AI adoption, […]
December 02 2025
Adams & Adams launches Africa’s first dedicated Artificial Intelligence Legal Service
Johannesburg, South Africa Leading law firm Adams & Adams, announces the launch of the SMARTAI IP Portal, a groundbreaking digital platform and advisory service designed to help businesses understand, assess, and address the risks posed by the AI revolution. “As artificial intelligence transforms industries at an unprecedented pace, businesses face new and complex risks, from […]
November 28 2025