News & Insights
ZIMBABWE: The Principles of the Companies and IP Office of Zimbabwe bill - considered and approved by cabinet
The Zimbabwean cabinet has approved the principles of the Companies and Intellectual Property Office of Zimbabwe Bill. The approval of the principles of the Companies and Intellectual Property Office of Zimbabwe Bill by cabinet was announced on 11 October 2022. The Bill will provide for the establishment of the Companies and Intellectual Property Office of […]
April 19 2023
UGANDA: National Intellectual Property Week in Uganda
Uganda capped off its National Intellectual Property Week by highlighting the strides it has taken to broaden the protection afforded to intellectual property (IP). Uganda capped off its National Intellectual Property Week by highlighting the strides it has taken to broaden the protection afforded to intellectual property (IP) in the last few decades and the […]
April 19 2023
TUNISIA:Tunisia accedes to WIPO treaties related to the digital environment.
ACCESSION TO THE WIPO COPYRIGHT TREATY AND WIPO PERFORMANCES AND PHONOGRAMS TREATY On 16 March 2023, Tunisia acceded to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty, both of which will enter into force in the Republic of Tunisia on 16 June 2023. According to the WIPO website, […]
April 19 2023
RISKS FOR FINANCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS OFFERING PROFESSIONAL ADVICE BEYOND THEIR EXPERTISE
It is not uncommon for people, investors and businesses to suffer financial losses as a result of sub-standard professional advice offered by Financial Service Providers (“FSP”), as defined in the Financial Services Advisory and Intermediary Act (“FAIS Act”). In some instances, a financial advisor is not duly qualified and/or adequately experienced. Sometimes, it has nothing […]
April 19 2023
South Africa: Counterfeit Remotes and Copyright Infringement Plague Multichoice
MultiChoice, a large African broadcasting company, has recently been flexing its intellectual property protection clout against pirates. The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)meets with various health research leaders to further support their development. A new initiative has been created to improve entrepreneurial development across Southern Africa.
April 18 2023
South Africa: Innovation Bridge Entrepreneur Community
A new initiative has been created to improve entrepreneurial development across Africa through a joint collaboration between the World Bank and the South African departments of Science and Innovation (DSI) and Small Business Development.
April 18 2023
Nigeria: Urgent Meeting Held at the Patents and Designs Registry
An urgent meeting was held at the Patents and Designs Registry on March 9, 2023 between the Chief Registrar, Officials of the Registry and Nigerian Agents to discuss certain aspects of filing processes within the Registry which have been reviewed.
April 18 2023
Kenya: Anti-Counterfeit Authority Implements New Strategy
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority of Kenya launched its third strategic plan amidst also celebrating its re-certification of ISO standards related to Quality Management Systems Certification.
April 18 2023
ARIPO: Adams & Adams Meets with ARIPO
Adams & Adams was welcomed by the Director General of ARIPO during a courtesy visit to the ARIPO offices, along with BMatanga Intellectual Property Attorneys.
April 18 2023
SHORT-TERM INSURANCE CLAIM APPROVED BUT DISSATISFIED WITH THE PAY OUT? HERE IS SOMETHING TO CONSIDER
It is not unusual to have insurance claims approved but payouts being underwhelmingly low and/or slow. This was mostly seen during COVID-19 in relation to business interruption claims. Whilst most claims were approved by the insurers, the payouts left the insureds with great dissatisfaction. Despite COVID-19, many other major events led to this kind of […]
April 13 2023
The Cybersecurity Challenge: How Businesses Can Safeguard Themselves Against the Evolving Threats of Cybercrime.
Businesses across the spectrum are increasingly making use of the services of technology to manage their operations more efficiently. Unfortunately, this has led to a significant rise in cybercrime which is regarded by many as the fastest growing criminal activity around the world. Types of cyber threats The cyber threats faced by businesses are continuously […]
April 11 2023
Kenyan Anti-Counterfeiting Authority - PUBLIC NOTICE No 1/2023
In December 2022 and in line with its proposed phased approach, the ACA published a list of HS codes for goods which have been categorized under phase one of the implementation process and now require ACA import permit application starting 1st January 2023. The HS codes published then covered electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders […]
April 06 2023
ARE YOU UNDERINSURED? A NASTY LITTLE INSURANCE PRINCIPLE MAY JUST COME BACK TO BITE YOU
Many policyholders are underinsured, whether it be deliberately or ignorantly so. Either way, it may just come back to bite them at the claims stage. Principle of average Underinsurance arises when the amount for which an object is insured is less than the actual value thereof. When this happens, it gives rise to the principle […]
March 31 2023
Nigeria enacts new Copyright Act
Nigeria enacts Copyright Act, 2022 to repeal the Copyright Act, 2004 The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, signed the Copyright Bill, 2022 into law on 17 March 2023. This Act, that will presumably be known as the Copyright Act of 2023, repeals the Copyright Act of 2004. A statement issued by the Office of the […]
March 30 2023
ANOTHER VICTORY FOR THE INSUREDS IN A COVID-19 BUSINESS INTERRUPTION CASE
Many would have thought that all Covid-19 business interruption cases are long finalised. This is not the case. The judgment of late February 2023 in 43 Air School Holdings (Pty) (Ltd) & Others v AIG South Africa Ltd is one of many Covid-19 business interruption cases that are still ongoing. It is not unreasonable to […]
March 28 2023
National Shutdown events and business insurance matters
The National Shutdown of 20 March 2023 saw many businesses and institutions close down in fear of violence and destruction to their properties. To the contrary (credit being due to the protestors and overwhelming visibility of law enforcement) this was not the case. Whilst the anticipated damage was less than expected, it is nonetheless apt […]
March 23 2023
Shield Yourself: The Vital Role of Professional Indemnity Insurance in Today's Litigious Landscape
Litigation in South Africa has risen tremendously over the years with more and more individuals and organizations seeking redress through our courts. The increase in litigation can largely be ascribed to: Improved access to justice through initiatives, such as the Small Claims Court, Legal Aid South Africa, and the various industry Ombuds. Consumer friendly legislation, […]
March 16 2023
Fashion never goes out of style – then why not protect it?
Fashion trends come and go, but for designers who take their creative work seriously, protecting the intellectual property (IP) rights of a design ensures long-lasting value. Entrepreneurs in the fashion industry need to be made more aware of the benefits of obtaining registered design protection for their creative IP. Most tend to turn to legal […]
March 16 2023