Customs Recordals
This development will not only reduce a significant administrative burden on the brandholders and/or their local representatives but will be in line with the duration of the registered trade mark rights in terms of the Trade Marks Act (which is 10 years). Brandholders and/or their local representatives are required to inform or notify Customs (i.e. the SARS Customs recordal application coordinator) of any changes during the lifespan of the recordal. Such changes may include representation, ownership of the intellectual property rights recorded, any new product range, trade mark lapsing and/or renewal and other related matters.
Contact One of Our Customs Recordals Professionals
Famous Faces, Hidden Risks: Using Celebrity Images on Merchandise in South Africa
A photograph of a famous athlete on a t-shirt. A tote bag featuring a well-known actor. A coffee mug bearing the likeness of a popular influencer. Celebrity-driven merchandise has become increasingly ...
October 21 2026
Is Your Trade Mark Portfolio Keeping Up With Your Business?
“We registered our trade mark years ago. We’re covered.” Are you? It’s a question every business owner should ask. Many businesses view trade mark registration as a once-off ex...
October 14 2026
Netflix and the Reach of Reputation: a Taiwan Trade Mark Decision and the South African Perspective
A recent decision of the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (“TIPO”) illustrates how trade mark protection operates where competing marks consist essentially of stylised single letter devices, an...
October 14 2026
How can we help you?
We have offices in four major cities in South Africa: Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Additionally, we have 24 associate offices in the rest of Africa, the firm serves as a gateway into Africa for IP clients. Please contact your nearest office for any legal enquiry or assistance.