News & Insights
The Jerusalema IP Challenge
Hot on the heels of the Jerusalema Dance Challenge that took the world by storm last year, a new challenge is developing for some organizations that uploaded videos online showcasing their brands and workforces dancing to South African DJ Master KG’s global megahit, ‘Jerusalema’, without permission from the rights holders to do so. Recent media […]
February 26 2021
The What, Who and How of the Competition Commission’s Market Inquiry Into Digital Markets
On 19 February 2021 the South African Competition Commission (“the Commission”) announced that it will be conducting a market inquiry into online intermediation platforms (“OIPMI”) and published the draft terms of reference for the inquiry with calls for public comment thereon to be received by no later than 16h00 on the 12th of March 2021 […]
February 23 2021
New Legal Framework for Copyright Protection
The Namibian Business and Intellectual Property Authority (“BIPA”) has announced that it is in the process of developing a new legal framework for copyright protection in Namibia. This will, as a result, lead to a repeal of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act 6 of 1994 (“the current Copyright Act”). The news has been welcomed, […]
February 23 2021
Copyright Amendment Bill: potential cause for concern for trade between SA and the USA
Sources: Copyright Amendment Bill an issue for trade between SA and US (businesslive.co.za) Copyright Amendment Bill: US Trade Representative to review SA’s Preferential Trade status – Tech4Law The much-awaited analysis of the Copyright Amendment Bill and the Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill has been seemingly frozen since December 2020, and there has not yet been any […]
February 22 2021
Looming String of Civil Action Against the Municipality Amid the Human Rights Commission’s Report on Vaal River?
The South African Human Rights Commission (“SAHRC”) has released its final report regarding the inquiry into the sewage problem of the Vaal River. The report, released on 17 February 2021, suggests a very distasteful and unpalatable state of the Vaal River – despite this being a crucial water source in Gauteng. To this extent, according […]
February 17 2021
Navigating company and business name disputes in Nigeria under the Companies and Allied Matter Act
The Nigerian Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990 had not been significantly changed for thirty years, until President Buhari assented to the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 on 7 August 2020. The much needed developments aim to address the rapidly transforming corporate landscape in Nigeria. Company and business name disputes in Africa are not […]
February 15 2021
Legalities Around the Taking or Refusal of Vaccines & Medical Treatment
It has been it is almost a year since the first COVID-19 case was reported in South Africa. Given the devastating impact of this virus, the endeavours to find effective vaccine, treatment and cure have been ongoing, world-over. To date, there are several vaccines that have been manufactured and are already being distributed to countries […]
February 10 2021
How to Challenge Lockdown Regulations
An overview of how to challenge lockdown regulations in South Africa compared to an advanced democracy like that of Switzerland Switzerland will hold a referendum on whether to strip the government of its power to impose lockdown measures. The Financial Times reported that during mid-January, campaigners handed in a petition with 86,000 signatures, well above […]
February 10 2021
Everything you need to know to apply for a Trade Mark in Somalia
Pursuant to the provisions of the Somali Trade Mark Law No. 3 of 22 January 1955, and its amendment by Law No. 33 of 18 January 1975, the Somali Trademark Office (TMO) has recently introduced examination and publication processes on trademark registrations. Thus, the application for the registration of trade marks has resumed in Somalia, […]
February 08 2021
An Assessment of Whether Business Rescue Effectively Provides for the Efficient Rescue and Recovery of Financially Distressed Companies in a Manner That Balances the Rights and Interests of All Relevant Stakeholders
While the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the South African economy will likely only truly be felt once the world has completely triumphed over the tragedy of the pandemic, many businesses have unfortunately already succumbed under the pressure of the restrictive trading conditions imposed by the national executive with a view to combating […]
February 02 2021
Post Festive Season Scare: Could Legal Action Haunt Organisers of Super Spreader Events?
Traditionally, we, South Africans, are adventurous and love travelling and “having fun” and it is no coincidence that our local tourism contributes heavily to our GDP. It is therefore no surprise that, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed thousands of lives in the country and millions worldwide, the event organisers continued with their […]
February 01 2021
