News & Insights
Prescription and Constructive Knowledge: Key Principles from a Recent Supreme Court of Appeal Decision
Introduction A recent judgment from the Supreme Court of Appeal has provided important clarification on the application of prescription in the context of misappropriation of funds within a close corporation. The case revolved around whether a debt owed to a close corporation had prescribed, particularly in circumstances where one member was alleged to have misappropriated […]
May 06 2025
Africa's Hidden Treasures: The WIPO Treaty Revolution
The African continent boasts a wealth of biodiversity and is a treasure trove of genetic resources and traditional knowledge. These valuable assets have long been a source of innovation and inspiration, but their protection has presented challenges, especially in the realm of intellectual property. Enter the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated […]
May 06 2025
Preserving the Status Quo in Pension Fund Disputes: Insights from Cadac Pension Fund and Others v Nash and Others
Introduction The recent High Court judgement in Cadac Pension Fund and Others v Nash and Others (Gauteng Division, Johannesburg, 16 April 2025) offers important guidance on the role of interim interdicts in pension fund disputes — particularly where issues of curatorship, member entitlements, and alleged fund mismanagement are concerned. The case deals with a pension […]
May 02 2025
Internal Restructuring: Insights into the Competition Commission's Latest Guidelines
On 4 April 2025, the Competition Commission of South Africa (“the Commission”) published its final Guidelines on Internal Restructuring. These Guidelines clarify how the Commission will determine whether a transaction is an ‘internal restructuring’ transaction, and outline scenarios where such a restructuring could trigger merger notification and approval requirements prior to implementation of the transaction. […]
April 23 2025
RAF Litigation: The Prolonged Delay on General Damages – What’s Causing It, and How Do We Fix It?
Overview: The current assessment process for general damages in the Road Accident Fund (RAF) is facing significant challenges due to delayed and inconsistent claims assessments. These challenges have led to many cases being postponed indefinitely, often due to the RAF’s failure to participate in trial proceedings, delayed decisions on the seriousness of injuries, and the […]
April 17 2025
OAPI Participates in the Sixth Session of the Working Group on the Lisbon System
Strengthening the international legal framework for these safeguards was the main goal of the sixth session of the Working Group on the Legal Development of the Lisbon System, which was held at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland between 17 to 20 March 2025. The Lisbon System provides international protection for […]
April 16 2025
Joinder of Third Party in Slip and Fall Case: A Legal Analysis
Introduction In legal proceedings, the joinder of a third party can be a critical aspect, especially in cases where multiple parties may share liability. This article delves into the intricacies of a recent judgement concerning the joinder of a third party in a slip and fall case. The focus is on the legal principles and […]
April 16 2025
Uganda Introduces New ICT IP Guidelines
The guidelines, which were created with help from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and regional partners, aim to empower Ugandan innovators by offering a detailed structure for the management and commercialization of their intellectual property were [aptly] published on [Valentine’s Day] 14 February 2025. The guidelines focus on the registration of unique software and […]
April 15 2025
Uganda Hosts Workshop on Improving Management of Digital Rights
This two-day URSB workshop focused on improving the management of digital rights. International best practices for digital rights management were discussed in sessions led by WIPO and ARIPO specialists, and panel discussions focused on the use of digital platforms for efficient collective rights management. The workshop also included an analysis of Uganda’s current legal frameworks, […]
April 15 2025
OAPI and INTA Collaborate on Trade Mark Classification System
About thirty people participated in an expert-led workshop, which was conducted both in-person and virtually, to discuss the nuances and complexity of the Nice and OAPI trademark classification system, and best practice. The key takeaway was the importance of carefully selecting the appropriate class of goods and services when registering trade marks to ensure legal protection […]
April 15 2025
Potential Restructure of Nigeria Trade Mark Registry Announced
During the third edition of the Ministerial Press Briefing Session in Abuja, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, disclosed a potential restructuring was announced. It appears that the Ministry is working with the Ministry of Justice and Ministry and Ministry of Arts and Digital Economy on the restructuring exercise. The motive is […]
April 15 2025
Nigeria becomes Member of UPOV
On 27 March 2025 the Federal Republic of Nigeria became a member of (UPOV). Nigeria deposited its instrument of accession to the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants of 2 December 1961, as revised, with the UPOV on 27 February 2025. The Convention came into effect for Nigeria on 27 March […]
April 15 2025
Morocco Launches Electronic Companies Platform
Morocco has effectively rolled out a national electronic platform that offers a single interface for local company creation and procedures. The platform was first tested in Rabat in February 2023, then moved to other important cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, and Tangier in 2024. Today, it is accessible all over the country. More than 2,400 experts […]
April 15 2025
Processing of New Trade Mark Applications Suspended
Due to a backlog of trade mark applications at the Libyan Trade Mark Office, the Libyan Ministry of Economy has temporarily suspended the acceptance and processing of all new trade mark applications. This suspension will be in place from 5 March 2025 until 10 April 2025. Although the acceptance of new trade mark applications has […]
April 15 2025
Traditional Guinea Leppi Fabric Now Officially Recognised as a PGI
Leppi fabric dyed using local plants is the traditional fabric of the Foutah Djallon region in Guinea. Its PGI designation, recently granted by OAPI, safeguards the fabric from misuse including counterfeiting, and protects and promotes it on global markets because of reciprocal arrangements with other countries on the protection of PGIs, ensuring that its authenticity […]
April 15 2025
Gambia Intellectual Property Office Modernises Trade Mark Registration System
The Gambia Industrial Property Office, with the help of World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Madrid Division, has successful integrated a new registration certificate template into its web-based IPAS 4.0 system. With the addition of a QR code and crucial information about the Madrid System, this updated certificate enables customers to quickly obtain information on how […]
April 15 2025
EIPA Hosts Pivotal Conference on the PCT
On 14 March 2025, EIPA hosted a pivotal conference on the PCT in Bishoftu. The conference brought together key stakeholders from government and non-government sectors. EIPA underscored its commitment to becoming a signatory to the PCT and has identified this initiative as its next major undertaking. With Ethiopia’s plans to join the World Trade Organization […]
April 15 2025
Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority (EGIPA) has been established
In line with Ministerial Decree No. 493/2025 the newly established Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority (EGIPA) EGIPA, located at the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, seeks to streamline all IP-related services under a single organisation with the consolidation of several offices, including those in charge of: Patents Trademarks and Industrial Designs Copyrights Administrations Plants Variety […]
April 15 2025