news

Negligence Claims Amid the Initiatives to Curb COVID-19 Crisis

In South Africa, the health sector (public and private) is a ‘famous’ Defendant in our courts as the government, hospitals and/or doctors are often sued for medical negligence by the members of the public

Commercial LitigationLitigation
news

COVID-19: ICASA processing applications for the assignment of emergency temporary spectrum licenses

The announcement of the National State of Disaster on 15 March 2020 has driven up the demand for ICT services and has essentialised the need for access to high-speed and affordable broadband internet.

Commercial Law
news

Covid-19 - its legislative effect on South Africa, with a focus on the IP industry

The enforcement of “lockdown” by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 27 March brings with it much uncertainty and unchartered territory, in all aspects of life.  The full extent of this worldwide pandemic is yet to be seen, understood or experienced.  Uncertainty is at the forefront of the thoughts of most people.

Alexis ApostolidisDarren OlivierSouth Africa
news

Beware of counterfeit medical supplies

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there is a shortage of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), hand sanitizers and other disinfectants across the globe. As a result, there has been an influx of counterfeit PPE’s entering African countries which could increase the risk of infection

Anti-CounterfeitingGodfrey BudeliIntellectual Property
news

WIPO Trade Mark Search Done by the Experts

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is the international forum for intellectual property (IP) records and services, amongst others. Having begun operations in April 1970, WIPO was created to protect intellectual property, and the laws that surround it, across the globe. Many expert IP organisations use WIPO to conduct international trade mark searches to ensure […]

Intellectual PropertyTrade Marks
news

How to Register a Trademark

Before you adopt a brand name or, in essence, a trade mark  for your product or service offering it is important to understand the meaning of a trade mark, the different types of trade marks and what your legal rights are once it you have managed to secure registration for your trade mark. What Is […]

Intellectual PropertyTrade Marks
news

‘Stay at Home” During Lockdown Could Truly Flatten the Curve for Some

The enforcement of “lockdown” by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 27 March brings with it much uncertainty and unchartered territory, in all aspects of life.  The full extent of this worldwide pandemic is yet to be seen, understood or experienced.  Uncertainty is at the forefront of the thoughts of most people.

Commercial LitigationFamily LawShani van Niekerk
news

A Competitor’s Guide to COVID-19 - Comprehensive Analysis

Despite lockdowns and various preventative measures being taken by numerous jurisdictions around the globe, the devastating impact of COVID-19 (“the coronavirus”) continues at a startling pace. Locally, the pandemic will highlight the inequality amongst the different classes of South Africans.

Commercial LitigationCompetition LawKameel Pancham
news

A Competitor’s Guide to COVID-19

Individuals, corporations and the economy have all fallen victim to the devastating impact of COVID-19 (“the coronavirus”). However, the recent regulations published by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Minister Patel, intends to bring some relief to the economy in its bid to fight the pandemic.

Commercial LitigationCompetition LawJac Marais
news

Have Copyright Licences Been Relaxed Amid COVID-19?

JK Rowling recently announced a relaxation of the copyright licence terms usually associated with the series of Harry Potter books, thereby allowing teachers around the world to record and post videos of themselves reading the books.  The intention is for children who are unable to go to school to continue to enjoy the magic and educational benefits of the famous wizard’s adventures, from the confines of their homes.

CopyrightIntellectual Property
news

LOCKDOWN: What does it mean for divorced and separated parents’ contact rights in respect of their children?

Divorced and separated parents, as well as co-holders of parental rights and responsibilities, such as guardians, have been rolled yet another dice in the exercise of their respective contact rights during the lockdown period.

Commercial LitigationFamily LawShani van Niekerk
news

South African Government calls for proposals for supply of ventilators

Amid the outbreak of the COVID-19, many countries around the world implemented various drastic measures to curb the spread of the virus. South Africa, with the highest number of reported cases in Africa, was forced to effect such measures, inclusive of a national lockdown, in order to save lives, albeit economic repercussion of these measures.

Intellectual PropertyPatentsPieter VisagieSouth Africa
news

Tommy and Tiger Terry: An Empowering Tool for Children and Parents of Divorce

Tommy and Tigger Terry projects the painful reality of divorce through the eyes of a boy thrust in the middle of an ugly tug-of-war. This new children’s book tackles the distressing reality of children and teens impacted by family breakdown

Commercial LitigationFamily LawShani van Niekerk
news

Deliberate or Reckless Transmission of COVID-19 May Have Severe Legal Ramifications

The abrupt outbreak and negative impact of the COVID-19 disease has taken the whole world by surprise, prompting several role players and government leaders to implement drastic measures to curb the spread of this fatal disease.

Commercial LitigationLitigation
news

COVID-19 Labour Questions Answered

The enforcement of “lockdown” by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 27 March brings with it much uncertainty and unchartered territory, in all aspects of life.  The full extent of this worldwide pandemic is yet to be seen, understood or experienced.  Uncertainty is at the forefront of the thoughts of most people.

Commercial LitigationLabour Law
news

Covid-19 Block Exemption for the Retail Property Sector

The Government has already taken swift action against the Coronavirus pandemic through regulations gazetted by the Minister of the Department of Trade and Industry (“the DTI”).

Commercial LawJac MaraisMisha van Niekerk
news

Competing with COVID-19

We invite you to contact our Competition Law Team if you have any questions in relation to the COVID-19 regulations under the Competition Act, or any related matter.

Commercial LawJac MaraisMia de JagerMisha van Niekerk
news

Is COVID-19 Force Majeur or Breach of Contract?

The impact of the highly contagious virus COVID-19 has forced the world to find a new normal as we navigate our lives around containing its spread as much as possible. How does this affect existing agreements and performance under these agreements?

Commercial LawSibusile Khusi