Adams & Adams copyright services

Our copyright attorneys provide clients with a full range of legal services relating to the acquisition, enforcement and commercialisation of copyright.

Adams & Adams’ copyright law services include identifying rights of copyright, advising on copyright ownership as well as advising on and handling of transactions involving rights of copyright. These transactions include licensing and transfer of ownership or assignment agreements, as well as enforcement work such as issuing infringement notices and prosecuting formal proceedings in Court.

By way of example, we were proud to represent Sam Nzima who took the famous photograph of Hector Pietersen being carried by a fellow student after he was shot. In Mr. Nzima’s words: “I saw a child fall down.

Under a shower of bullets I rushed forward and went for the picture. It had been a peaceful march, the children were told to disperse, they started singing Nkosi Sikelele. The police were ordered to shoot.”

In our capacity as Africa’s largest intellectual property law firm, we were involved in facilitating the return of copyright of this famous photograph to Mr. Nzima. Adams & Adams also assisted with the placement of that copyright in a trust, ensuring that Mr. Nzima’s family will benefit from it in years to come.

This case really cuts to the heart of how important a copyright can be: capturing powerful moments and ensuring that those who created them and their families get the benefit they deserve.

Area of Practice

Copyright protects the expression of an idea, whether intellectual, creative or otherwise. It is the work created in material form that is protected as copyright does not protect ideas.
In order to ensure that you make your intellectual or creative effort work for you, you must maximise the benefit gained in exchange for your consent to the copyright work being used.
An owner of copyright can take steps against a work being copied, adapted, published, broadcast or being communicated to the public in certain other manners without authorisation, as well as against other acts of exploitation as provided for in the Copyright Act.

Contact One of Our Copyright Law Professionals

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How can we help you?

We have offices in four major cities in South Africa: Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Additionally, we have 23 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.