Pro Bono Contributions

Our partners are engaged in a number of pro bono matters, particularly in the advancement of the preservation of heritage and culture, but often purely to assist members of the public with IP enquiries. Among many others, we currently assist with the following matters on an ongoing basis:

Lumkani Fire Detection

Our client developed an early fire detection device for use in densely populated townships. The device, once installed in dwellings, operates using heat sensors which signal an alarm when a rapid rise in temperature is detected.  The device, once the alarm has been triggered, transmits radio frequency signals to other devices in the area, thus setting off the alarms in each dwelling in the area warning residents to seek safety. We are assisting client to register the trade mark LUMKANI Logo.

Sam Nzima

We are assisting Mr Nzima in preserving and protecting his legacy and copyright in the famous Hector Peterson photograph that he took in 1976 during the Soweto protests. This includes monitoring use of the photograph by third parties; identifying infringing use of the photograph and/or people who may wish to use the photograph (“users”); engaging with the users to stop infringing use; setting up a licence agreement for use and/or continued use of the photograph to ensure that Mr Nzima’s estate is compensated for use of the copyright.

Steve Biko Foundation

The foundation is a community development organization inspired by the life and legacy of Steve Biko, a well-known Anti-apartheid activist. The foundation recognises the link between economic realities and human dignity and through its programmes seeks to advance economic development by empowering individuals and communities to develop sustainable livelihoods. We have assisted the Foundation with several legal matters, amongst others with an urgent interdict to stop an auction of the autopsy report of the late Steve Biko. The interdict was granted in the client’s favour. The case received media attention and was important because it was about preserving the South African history and ensuring that the late Mr Biko’s legacy is treated with dignity and respect.

The Stroke Survivors Foundation

The foundation was established by George Scola and Nicole Murray who both had a stroke in their thirties and found that there was virtually no support for stroke survivors. They started the foundation with a goal to create awareness, education, and support to other stroke survivors and their families. They further started the GLOVE initiative which is in support of international stroke day on 29 October. Participants are required to wear a glove on their dominant hand and not use it the whole day. This will give them a sense of what stroke survivors go through. The client has been assisted to register its GLOVE trade marks.

Ekasi Entrepreneurs

This client is a non-profit company that runs an academy to train, mentor and develops township entrepreneurs to run their businesses successfully. They also provide township entrepreneurs with access to market and with opportunities. We have assisted the client with registration of its trade mark.

My Smart Library

This client has established a programme that works with retired teachers in township communities to help learners in grade 8 – 12 with homework after school. They use community halls for these homework sessions and have the support of provincial and municipal government and the leadership in the various communities. We have assisted the client in registering its trade mark #MySmartLibrary Logo.