Searches and Filing
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. We look to identify and advise you on any potential conflicts by virtue of prior rights or registrability pitfalls such as language barriers or negative connotations before filing your trade mark.Once filed, we deal with official actions by complying with conditions of acceptance or filing submissions to address any conflicts or registrability concerns. Following acceptance of your trade mark, we arrange and facilitate publication and registration to complete the process. We assist with searches, filing and prosecution in Africa and internationally.
We use state of the art technology and programs to effectively manage trade mark portfolios and maintain records. We also provide our clients with access to a portal which provides live updates on the status of their trade marks and enables them to generate tailored reports.
Contact One of Our Trade Mark Prosecution Law Professionals
Chat Chat Chatterbot - Shall We Register Your Name?
So, you have birthed a chatbot and given it a name, what now? Should you register the name of the chatbot as a trade mark? The answer is a simple one, yes. If the chatbots are customer-facing, particu...
October 06 2026
Tacos, trade marks and the CHINGADA’S question: The curious case of a Cape Town restaurant name
I went to Chingada’s in Cape Town this week for Taco Tuesday. It is a striking restaurant: colourful, theatrical and deliberately Mexican in its presentation. As tends to happen when one encounters ...
October 06 2026
Your Brand Crossed the Border. Did Your Trade Mark?
Why foreign brand owners should protect their trade marks in South Africa By Amina Suliman and Ntethelelo Ndaba Your Brand Is Here. Are Your Rights? Expanding into a new market is exciting. Businesses...
October 01 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.






































