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
Permission to Post Is Not Permission to Profit: The Legal Complexities Behind Influencer Photos
By Sanda Nyoka (Candidate Attorney) | Reviewed by Stephen Hollis (Partner) Introduction Hiring a photographer to capture an event or create content raises a deceptively simple question: who may use th...
October 23 2026
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
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
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.