Protection
Copyright exists automatically upon the creation of a work, provided it is a category of work recognised and protected by the Copyright Act, and no registration is needed or, indeed, possible. The only exception is motion pictures or films, which can be registered by contacting one of our copyright lawyers.
Our attorneys will assist with
We are able to assist with clarifying the various rights of copyright. By working with you, our copyright lawyers afford an extra level of confidence. This gives you the space and time to create, knowing that your rights will be defended in respect of:
- Literary works, whether manuscripts, lyrics or policy documents
- Musical works, which is the musical notation
- Artistic works, which extend beyond the conventional to architectural and engineering drawings
- Motion pictures/films, including documentaries and television commercials
- Sound recordings, which is generally the master recording
- Broadcasts
- Programme-carrying signals
- Published editions
- Computer programs, including mobile applications
- Computer generated works, such as those made through artificial intelligence.
Contact One of Our Protection Law Professionals
Copyright 101: Understanding the Basics
Copyright is one of the most fundamental – yet often misunderstood – areas of intellectual property law. At its core, copyright protects the expression of original ideas, giving creators the exclu...
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MASTER YOUR RIGHTS: HOW SOUTH AFRICAN ARTISTS CAN USE CONTRACTS TO SECURE OWNERSHIP OF THEIR MASTERS
For many South African musicians, landing a record deal feels like the breakthrough they have been working toward. But amid the excitement of studio sessions and album plans, one critical question is ...
July 16 2025
What does this meme? How copyright protected the “success kid” meme
We’ve all seen it, possibly even used it – the photo of a little boy in the green and white shirt, on the beach, with a fist full of sand and determined look on his face – which has been doing t...
July 08 2025
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.