News & Insights
MASTER YOUR RIGHTS: HOW SOUTH AFRICAN ARTISTS CAN USE CONTRACTS TO SECURE OWNERSHIP OF THEIR MASTERS
For many South African musicians, landing a record deal feels like the breakthrough they have been working toward. But amid the excitement of studio sessions and album plans, one critical question is often overlooked: who owns the masters? In the music industry, “masters” or “master recordings” refer to the original recorded performance of a song […]
July 16 2025
Implementation of online trade mark filing system
Online filing now effective for new trade mark applications in Zambia. Implementation of online trade mark filing system In a notice published on its website, PACRA (the Zambian Patents and Companies Registration Agency) announced that, effective 1 July 2025, it would implement online applications for all new trade mark applications. The notice issued by Benson […]
July 15 2025
Supreme Court rules authentic designer goods cannot be counterfeit
South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that authentic designer goods cannot be classified as counterfeit, even if imported without the local trade mark holder’s permission. The case involved Yossi Barel, who holds South African rights to the ENRICO COVERI brand, attempting to seize genuine Italian-made footwear imported by Popular Trading CC. The court found […]
July 15 2025
Plant Breeders’ Rights Act in force
June has seen a legislative development in South Africa with the new Plant Breeders’ Rights Act coming into force and a landmark ruling from the Supreme Court of Appeal relating to authentic designer goods not being counterfeit. Plant Breeders’ Rights Act in force South Africa’s new Plant Breeders’ Rights Act 12 of 2018 (new Act) […]
July 15 2025
Workshop held as a step towards recognition of Seychelles’ honey as a GI
A workshop, facilitated by the EUIPO, was held in Seychelles in pursuit of recognition of Seychelles’ honey as a Geographical Indicator. Workshop held as a step towards recognition of Seychelles’ honey as a GI From 26 to 27 June 2025, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), through the AfrIPI project, partnered with the Government […]
July 15 2025
Introduction of OAPI LEX – a jurisprudence database
June saw two historic occasions for OAPI and its member countries, with the first ever international festival of the Penja Pepper and the launch of OAPILEX- an online jurisprudence database specific to OAPI. Important Topics Introduction of OAPI LEX – a jurisprudence database On 26 June 2025, the OAPI Commission officially launched its first ever […]
July 15 2025
Nigeria celebrates World Music Day
On 21 June 2025, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), in collaboration with the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) and the Deejays Association of Nigeria (DJAN), hosted a vibrant celebration in Abuja to mark World Music Day. The event, themed “Protect the Sound, Power the Future,” combined music, dance, fitness, and copyright education to raise public awareness […]
July 15 2025
New Guidelines issued on Trade Mark Renewal and Re-registration Procedures in Libya
In an effort to ensure renewals of trade mark registrations in Libya and greater revenue generation, a new circular means that re-registration of trade marks in Libya can only take place if a formal cancellation decision has been issued by the Trade Mark Office. New Guidelines issued on Trade Mark Renewal and Re-registration Procedures in […]
July 15 2025
Significant fee increases and changes for patents in Egypt
A significant increase in patent examination fees is effective in Egypt and an additional item has been added to the patent fees with the implementation of a penalty fee for late examinations. Significant fee increases and changes for patents in Egypt The Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority (EGIPA) has issued Decree No. 26 of 2025, published […]
July 15 2025
ARIPO joins UPOV Prisma
Plant breeders applying for plant variety protection (PVP) through ARIPO can now use UPOV PRISMA, a secure online platform that simplifies submissions across multiple jurisdictions. This follows the entry into force of the Arusha Protocol for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants on 24 November 2024, a key highlight in strengthening intellectual property frameworks […]
July 15 2025
Talks continue to advance South Sudan’s future accession to ARIPO
ARIPO Director General Bemanya Twebaze led a high-level mission in South Sudan in June 2025 to advance discussions on the country’s accession to ARIPO. Currently an observer, South Sudan is exploring full membership, which would grant access to shared IP platforms, technical expertise, and policy support to aid its legal and economic reforms. During the […]
July 15 2025
ARIPO Ambassadors Engagement
In June, the ARIPO office held diplomatic engagements in Zimbabwe and South Sudan to enhance regional and international cooperation in intellectual property and advance discussions for South Sudan to accede to ARIPO. ARIPO also announced that applications for plant variety protection in ARIPO can be submitted via the electronic platform, UPOV PRISMA. Important Topics ARIPO […]
July 15 2025
Rescission Reinforced: U.S. Court Grants Insurer Relief for Misrepresentation in Policy Application
In a recent decision that underscores the enduring significance of full and accurate disclosure in insurance applications, the United States District Court for the Central District of California granted summary judgment in favour of an insurer seeking to rescind multiple liability policies on the basis of material misrepresentations. The case, Mt. Vernon Fire Insurance Company […]
July 14 2025
What does this meme? How copyright protected the “success kid” meme
We’ve all seen it, possibly even used it – the photo of a little boy in the green and white shirt, on the beach, with a fist full of sand and determined look on his face – which has been doing the rounds since 2007, after Laney Griner took a photo of her 11-month-old son, […]
July 08 2025
US Court Denies Fire Loss Claim Due to Noncompliance with "Duties After Loss" Provision
A recent judgement by the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut offers important guidance for both policyholders and insurers on the significance of adhering to post-loss obligations under an insurance policy. Factual Background In this matter, the insured acquired a residential property and arranged property insurance. Shortly after the policy commenced, the […]
July 03 2025
From Template to Trade Mark: Is Your Logo Legally Yours?
In today’s digital-first world, graphic design platforms like Canva and Adobe Express have become indispensable tools for entrepreneurs, startups, and creatives. These platforms offer accessible, affordable ways to create professional-looking logos. But a critical legal question arises: Is it possible to obtain trade mark protection for a logo you created with these platforms? The answer is: […]
July 02 2025
STANDARD BANK OF SOUTH AFRICA LIMITED V KPMM ROAD AND EARTHWORKS (PTY) LTD: HIGH COURT REAFIRMS THE STRENGTH OF GUARANTEES POST-BUSINESS RESCUE
Introduction In a recent high value judgment granted in favour of the Standard Bank of South Africa Limited (“SBSA”), the Johannesburg High Court provided important clarity on the post-rescue enforceability of guarantees and suretyships, and demonstrated the importance of a well-drafted security package. The dispute at a glance Action proceedings were instituted by SBSA against […]
June 26 2025
Georgia Federal Court Upholds Insurer’s Reliance on Pollution Exclusion for Chemical Leak Fatality
A Georgia-based contractor specialising in cooling system installations was sued after a maintenance worker died from exposure to leaking refrigerant gas at a facility where the contractor had installed the cooling system. The worker’s family pursued a wrongful death claim against the contractor, who in turn sought indemnity from its liability insurers. The insurers refused […]
June 26 2025