News & Insights
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
Gaga over Labubu
Labubu, first a mystical book creature and creation of Kasing Lung, recently took the world by storm as a collectible plush toy, developed and marketed by Pop Mart. The appeal has been driven by limited-editions, themed-collections and blind box buys. Social media influencers have added to the hype and status of the toy by unveiling […]
June 25 2025
The Price of Misrepresentation: Warranties and the Cost of Error
Brief Facts of the Case The matter arose from a contractual dispute between a motor vehicle dealership (the Plaintiff) and a retired police officer (the Defendant). The Defendant entered into a written agreement to purchase a pre-owned vehicle from the Plaintiff, trading in his own vehicle as part of the transaction. The Defendant represented, both […]
June 25 2025
Supreme Court Rules Authentic Designer Goods Can't Be Called Counterfeit: will the real Enrico Coveri please stand up?
South Africa’s highest court has delivered a landmark ruling that authentic designer goods cannot be seized as counterfeits, even when imported without permission from local trade mark holders. The Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal by Yossi Barel, who holds the South African trade mark rights to the ENRICO COVERI brand, after he attempted […]
June 24 2025
THE WHO’S WHO IN DIVORCES
The legal jargon used by legal practitioners is often confusing, used out of context or simply not understood. With the increasing number of marriages that end in divorce, some of these terms and phrases are often repeated at a weekend “braai” or other social event when people discuss their own divorce or that of a […]
June 24 2025
US Court Holds Email Notice of Intent to File Third-Party Joinder Constitutes a "Claim" When Sent, Not When Read, Under Claims-Made Policy
The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has recently held that a letter notifying the insured of the sender’s intent to institute a third-party joinder against it constituted a Claim under the insured’s claims-made professional liability insurance policy. Factual Background and Policy Context The insured healthcare staffing agency provided staff to […]
June 18 2025