Areas of Practice

Our team of attorneys offers comprehensive services related to trade mark searches, filing and prosecution.

We identify the classes of interest, assess the suitability and strength of the proposed trade mark, and conduct trade mark clearance searches focusing on availability and registrability.
The Recordals Department is responsible for facilitating the recordal of any changes pertaining to a trade mark.
Owners of trade marks can often exploit the commercial value of the trade mark by licensing other people to use it in a controlled manner. Allowing someone to use your trade mark under licence would typically ensure a regular royalty stream as well as enhancing the awareness of your brand through the marketing and activities of the licensee.
Adams & Adams has a team of experienced attorneys specialising in all forms of IP enforcement and has represented both local and foreign clients in several high-profile and precedent-setting cases.
The Adams & Adams Advertising Law Group has represented the advertising, marketing and promotion industries for many decades, and we are a proud member of the Global Advertising Lawyers Alliance (GALA). Through our extensive work in this field, we have acquired vast expertise in advertising clearance services, advertising compliance, matters relating to consumer protection, advertising complaints and marketing and advertising contracts.
The Minister of Trade and Industry may declare an event, such as a soccer tournament or a music concert, a “protected event” if he is satisfied that the staging of the event is in the public interest.
The matter of exchange control refers to the government restrictions regulating the transactions relating to capital – in this case intellectual property – between a resident and non-resident of a country.
In recent years, franchising (a specialised form of licensing) has become an increasingly popular and successful way of doing and expanding business.

FAQs

A trade mark is a type of intellectual property which represents a recognisable sign that distinguishes your business from that of a competitor. Any sign that can be represented graphically can be registered as a trade mark, such as a word, name, slogan, logo, signature or a unique combination of letters or numerals. Trade marks can also consist of non-traditional signs such as sounds, smells, shapes and colour. The primary function of a trade mark is to set your business apart from others, to establish a connection with the consumer and to serve as a powerful advertising tool.

Contact One of Our Trade Mark 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.