News & Insights
Africa Update 2020 - Zambia
The enforceability of International Registrations in Zambia- Trade Marks Rights Not Getting ‘Beta’? In a recent decision of the Registrar of Trade Marks in Zambia in the matter of Sigma-Tau Industrie Farmaceutiche Riunite (“the Opponent”) and Amina Limited (“the Applicant”), the Registrar held that international registrations (“IRs”) under the Madrid Protocol designating Zambia are valid […]
November 11 2020
Africa Update 2020 - Uganda
Registry Visit In December 2019, Adams & Adams Partner, Nishan Singh, attended a mediation hearing for a trade mark infringement matter filed at the Commercial Court in Kampala. He was accompanied by representatives from our associated firm. After the hearing, Singh visited the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), and met with the Manager of IP, […]
November 10 2020
Africa Update 2020 - Tunisa
Increase in official trade mark fees On 23 January 2020, the Tunisien Patent and Trademark Office (INNORPI) issued Decree no. 29/2020, in which it announced a 100% increase in official trade mark fees, effective as of 27 January 2020 KEY OPPORTUNITIES & CONCERNS Opportunities A resilient and resurgent economy based on established trade links The […]
November 09 2020
Our Virtual Selves: IP Implications of Virtual Reality
Virtual reality has been on the rise in the past years and is a growing and dynamic area of technological advancement and development. In 2020, through necessity, many of us have found ourselves conducting various aspects of our lives, everything from business meetings to birthday parties, through virtual platforms. In the mainstream, we have seen […]
November 08 2020
How to Copyright Your Work
As legally-binding protection over original works, copyright can be enforced by intellectual property (IP) attorneys, who can also assist those looking to become copyright owners. An IP attorney will be able to guide clients through application and action proceedings, as well as interdicts and royalty claims. Copyright Types The following ‘work’ can qualify for protection […]
November 07 2020
How to Register Designs in South Africa
South Africa abounds with talented people, and amongst these are designers. With our unique variety of cultures, South African designers are highly regarded both locally and internationally and many of them have exhibited and sold their products abroad. Design is a broad concept that may be applied in various ways. It can be applied to […]
November 04 2020
The Incessant Task of Managing Risks During the Pandemic
Earlier this year, we published an article discussing some of the key considerations for the construction industry during the global Covid-19 pandemic. We explored, among other things, how Covid-19 and associated lockdowns around the world have given rise to a tangled web of risks and challenges for employers, contractors and other stakeholders in the ultra-globalized […]
November 04 2020
Dog Bite Court Cases Gaining Momentum: General Legalities
Dogs, just like other domesticated animals, are an important part of most families – for affection, security, etc. As such, dogs play an important part in the family setting. However, in recent months many dog owners have become concerned by the growing number of cases relating to dog bites. When these cases succeed, owners are […]
November 01 2020
Africa Update 2020 - South Africa
Trade marks: Classification of goods and services Version 2020 of the 11th Edition of the NICE Classification of Goods and Services will apply to all trade mark specifications, effective 1 January 2020. Trade marks: Examination Version 3 of the Guidelines on the Examination of Trade Mark Applications came into effect as of 20 March 2019, […]
October 29 2020
Africa Update 2020 - Tanzania
Anti-counterfeiting training During October 2019, we travelled to Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania to conduct Brand Identification Training at the REACT workshop with the Fair Competition Commission (“FCC”) officials to assist them in combating the sale of counterfeit goods in Tanzania. The workshop was very well attended by the FCC, the Director General of the […]
October 28 2020
3D Printing: Friend or Foe of the Intellectual Property (IP) Rights Holder?
Covid-19 In the past couple of months, the global population has not only proverbially had their eyes glued on the Covid-19 pandemic, but also their bodies glued to their chairs, at home. In combating the virus, governments have put in place lockdown regulations which have kept the populace homebound. The lockdown regulations imposed by most […]
October 27 2020
Africa Update 2020 - Somalia
Registry Operational In January 2020, notification was received to the effect that the Somalia Registry was now operational and that it was now possible to file trade mark applications in Somalia. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry had earlier indicated that trade mark registration would only commence after the enactment of new trade mark laws. […]
October 27 2020
Africa Update 2020 - Sierra Leone
Trade Mark Prosecution: Update The Registry is applying the provisions of the 2014 Act, although the date of the Act has not yet been made available. As per our previous update, it is now possible to file for trade mark applications covering both goods and services. Under the previous Act, it was not possible to […]
October 25 2020
Protecting and Cultivating Innovation in a Remote Working Environment – a Legal Analysis
88% of the respondents in the Savile Row Workplace survey published in October 2020 would prefer to either work from home or a combination of both. A few days ago, Microsoft a permanent work from home option with its staff. Despite this, 67% of the respondents in the survey have not changed work policies or […]
October 25 2020
Looking to invest in Africa’s most populous nation? Don’t Forget the IP!
NIGERIA ratified in 2019 what is considered to be one of the biggest free trade agreements ever, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). The agreement has been ratified by more than 50 countries on the continent, the aim of which is to encourage trade relations. The Agreement facilitates reductions in duty and exchange rate […]
October 22 2020
Trade Marks Matter, Especially During COVID!
COVID-19 has had an impact on most businesses. Over the last year, businesses have been grappling with the impact that COVID-19 has had on their operations. Intellectual property, and specifically trade marks, has taken a backseat to more pressing concerns. While this is understandable, it does help to remind ourselves why intellectual property, and particularly […]
October 20 2020
Relocation Within and Across the South African Borders - What About the Kids?
It is expected of divorced parties to close the old book and start a new life after what is usually a traumatic and most definitely a life-changing experience. Very often a new life does not only include a new haircut and wardrobe but also a new province or even a new country. It is an […]
October 18 2020
Serving Notice Against the State During Lockdown: The Possible Saving Grace for Claimants Restricted by Pandemic Regulations
The nationwide lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on people’s daily activities. Under Level 5 (from 26 March to 1 May 2020), people’s movements were greatly restricted, and failure to abide by the government regulations had serious ramifications for offenders. These restrictions, as well as the closure of various institutions […]
October 13 2020