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
Contextual Interpretation of Policy Exclusions: Court Confirms that a Broadly Worded Property Exclusion Does Not Extend to Copyright Infringement
In Nichole Sliney Realty Team, Inc. v. Mount Vernon Fire Insurance Company, Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted a motion for judgmen...
September 21 2026
Respecting the Lens, Part 2: Why "I Didn't Know I Needed Permission" Is Not a Copyright Defence
Last year, in our article Respecting the Lens: Copyright Infringement and the Rights of Photographers in South Africa, we addressed a common misconception encountered in copyright enforcement matters:...
August 28 2026
Constitutional Court Delivers Landmark but Incomplete Copyright Ruling. Parliament Must Now Seize the Opportunity to Modernise South Africa’s Copyright Law for the AI Era
JOHANNESBURG — On 26 June 2026, the Constitutional Court of South Africa handed down its long-awaited judgment in Ex Parte President of the Republic of South Africa: In re Constitutionality of the C...
July 13 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 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.