News & Insights
Bullying in Schools - What Does the Law Say?
As schools reopen, a concerning issue for many parents is bullying. This is justifiable, particularly in the South African context, where there have been increasing reports of cases of bullying in schools, some of which have resulted in loss of life. Bullying comes in several forms, some more severe than others, which can affect victims […]
February 03 2022
Overview of the Main Findings and Recommendations of Part 1 of the Report by the State Capture Commission
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector Including Organs of State (“the Commission”), chaired by Acting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo released part 1 of its report on 4 January 2022. The complete report is being released in three tranches. Part 2 was released on 1 […]
February 02 2022
ARIPO - Amendments to the Harare Protocol on Patents and Industrial Designs
During the Administrative Council meeting, the following material amendments to the Harare Protocol were tabled and approved: Filing of third-party observations: Section 2quater has been included in the protocol to provide for the filing of observations by third parties regarding patentability of inventions to which the ARIPO application relates. Previously, the Harare Protocol was silent […]
January 31 2022
OAPI - Amendments to the Bangui Agreement
On 2 January 2022, Annexes III, IV and V of the revised Bangui Agreement entered into force, introducing significant changes to the trade mark registration process in OAPI, and changes affecting geographical indications and industrial designs. No changes have been promulgated in respect of patents under the revised Bangui Agreement yet, although this may well […]
January 31 2022
ARIPO - Amendments to the Banjul Protocol on Marks and Its Implementing Regulations
The Administrative Council proposed and adopted amendments to the Banjul Protocol on Marks as well as its Implementing Regulations at their Extraordinary Session and Ordinary Session that was held during the latter part of 2021. The following amendments came into force on 1 January 2022: Section 6bis which refers to the Publication and Registration procedures […]
January 31 2022
ZIPO: Kicking 2022 Off on a High Note
Operations at the Zimbabwean Registry took a devastating blow in October 2021 when the Industrial Property Automated System (IPAS) crashed. The already strained capacity of the Registry was severely impacted by this, but things are starting to look up as the system has now been replaced and is once again up and running. While delays […]
January 17 2022
OAPI: Bangui Agreement Revisions Change the Trade Mark Registration Process with Effect from 2 January 2022
On 2 January 2022, Annexes III, IV and V of the revised Bangui Agreement entered into force, introducing significant changes to the trade mark registration process in OAPI, and changes affecting the registration of trade names, and industrial designs. No changes have been promulgated in respect of patents under the revised Bangui Agreement yet, although […]
January 13 2022
A Long Road, Less Travelled, to Protect the SEVEN SEAS Label Trade Mark
In what is believed to be the first case of its kind, the Ethiopian Supreme Court has issued a decision recognizing rights in an unregistered label trade mark in the context of opposition proceedings which culminated in an appeal to that court The Appellant in this case was The Procter & Gamble Company, or P&G, […]
January 12 2022
What will happen to me and my children in the midst of a pending divorce?
The start and end of the festive season sadly sees an expected rise in the onset of divorce actions. These leave many people anxious about what will happen to them financially pending divorce actions, this includes whether they will see their children or how financial commitments will be met, or even how to pay the […]
January 07 2022
ARIPO: 45th Session of the Administrative Council and 18th Session of the Council of Ministers
Zimbabwe hosted the 45th Session of the Administrative Council of ARIPO from 6-8 December 2021 at Victoria Falls. After last year’s virtual Session, this year’s Session was in a hybrid format with some of the 21 Member States and Burundi (an Observer State) attending the Session in person and a few Member States joining virtually. […]
January 06 2022
The Rights Behind Trade Mark Infringement Cases in South Africa
When starting a business, protecting that business and giving it the best chance at succeeding should be at the forefront of your mind. One of the aspects of ensuring that your business has the best chance at success is registering a trade mark. A trade mark registration goes a long way in protecting your business, […]
January 03 2022
Personal Injury Lawyer: A Brief Explanation
A personal injury lawyer has knowledge of and works within the sphere of healthcare, litigation, and clinical negligence. They provide their services to those who have been injured, experienced physical or psychological damage, or have been wronged by another person. This damage could have been caused to the person, their property, rights or even their […]
January 03 2022
Transfer Duty, Attorney Registration Fees, and Bond Repayment Calculators
Buying a new property isn’t as simple as getting approval for and paying off a bond. There are multiple additional taxes, fees and charges which will be payable to ultimately have the property registered in the name of the buyer. Some of the fees can be included in the bond application but others, such as […]
January 03 2022
A step closer to more affordable school uniforms
Parents and students are gearing up for the new school year. This is an expensive exercise – especially for those in need of first-time or new school uniforms. However, the Competition Commission – through its investigation into the pricing of school uniforms and subsequent stakeholder engagements – are hopefully bringing some much-needed relief for parents. […]
January 03 2022
Would A Claim For General Damages Fall Away After The Death Of The Plaintiff?
The common law General damages can be described as damages awarded to compensate a plaintiff for any harm suffered as a result of injuries sustained and which includes pain and suffering, disfigurement, emotional harm, permanent disabilities and loss of amenities of life. In the past, our South African courts applied the common law to cases […]
December 22 2021
Festive Season Car Crashes: Who Can Claim From the RAF?
We have seen over the years that the number of accidents considerably increase. This is evident from the annual statistical reports by the Department of Transport. It is common knowledge that, in law, victims of the car accidents can claim for compensation from the Road Accident Fund, in terms of the Road Accident Fund Act. […]
December 13 2021
Africa Day 2020
Standing with the world in solidarity and supporting Africa in unity, through this challenging period in our history. May is recognised as Africa month, in commemoration of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (now known as the African Union) 57 years ago, when African countries pioneered the focus on continental unity. Annually crowned as […]
December 03 2021
Reminder: Possible Legal Implications of Hosting Super Spreader Events Amid the Pandemic
Covid-19 cases are on the rise, once again, in South Africa, in line with what scientists had predicated mid-year. The fourth wave of infections is on the cards and, therefore, it is critical that every necessary effort is made to, at least, delay this wave, or at best, avoid it. The rise in infections coincides […]
November 30 2021