Intellectual Property Lawyers
November 26, 2009
Intellectual Property News
In basic terms, the function of intellectual property lawyers is to assist you with legal issues regarding intangible, but valuable aspects of your business, such as protection of your unique logo, new inventions and innovative strategies.
These three examples each represent an important subsection of intellectual property, namely trademarks, patents and copyrights.
All of them can contribute to your success, and intellectual property lawyers will assist you in identifying these aspects of your business and ensure they are protected by law.
Because of its intangible nature, the classification and registration of intellectual property can sometimes prove to be rather complicated. It is therefore vital to consult an expert on this subject.
Smit & Van Wyk Incorporated is a leader in this field, and our intellectual property lawyers have the necessary skill and experience to assist you with any advice you might need regarding the legal aspects of this matter.
Patent Applications
November 26, 2009
Patents
While it is important to register your new inventions in order to protect your intellectual property, there are a few basic requirements that an invention need to adhere to according to South African law before you can initiate patent applications.
All patent applications need to be:
- New: South Africa has a so-called “absolute” novelty requirement, which implies that any disclosure anywhere in the world before the filing date of a South African patent application will destroy the novelty of your invention, thereby forfeiting your patent rights.
- Inventive: Even if your invention is new, there may be other similar inventions that have been disclosed to the public in patent specifications or other literature. It needs to be determined whether your invention is considered obvious or not.
- Useful: Abstract inventions with no application in trade, industry or agriculture cannot be the subject of a patent in terms of South African patent law.
Contact Smit & Van Wyk Incorporated for any queries regarding patent applications. We have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process quickly and efficiently.
Lawyer
November 26, 2009
Intellectual Property Information
When looking for a lawyer that can assist you with issues such as registration of patents and trademarks, or other legal action in this or a related field, look no further than Smit & Van Wyk Incorporated. We are as reputable legal practice that specialises in the field of intellectual property.
Whatever your requirement might be in this field, we have an expert lawyer to provide you with a solution.
Not only will a lawyer from our office assist you with the various intellectual property processes, but they are also capable of assessing your situation and helping you identify various areas where you would require legal protection, and provide you with options that will be best for your specific situation.
Contact Smit & Van Wyk Incorporated for assistance with your intellectual property issues, and we will ensure you get the assistance of a leading lawyer in this field.
Trademarks
November 26, 2009
Attorneys, Trade Marks ™ ®
For most businesses, trademarks play a very important role, as it is the mark by which the public recognises their brand, product or service.
Without trademarks, it will be virtually impossible for consumers to identify various products on sight only, as this mark can be any name, word, phrase, logo, symbol, design, image, or a combination of these elements that distinguishes the product from other similar products.
As a business, the idea is to build a relationship with your consumers or customers, in order to create a sustainable market. It is thus very important to protect recognisable trademarks, as this is what notifies the public of the presence of your brand.
If anybody could freely use your trademark, they would be able to steal your market share, without the public necessarily realising it immediately.
Contact Smit & Van Wyk Incorporated, the specialists in intellectual property law, to find out more about the protection of trademarks.
Contact Details for Smit & Van Wyk
Tel:
+27 (0) 12 349 7800
Fax:
+27 (0) 86 619 0493
E-mail:
enquiries@svw.co.za
Physical Address / Courier
Block A Apex Corporate Park
Quintin Brand Street
Persequor Technopark
Meiring Naudé Avenue
Pretoria
0184
South Africa
Trademark Articles
name, word, phrase, logo, symbol, design, image
Trademark Applications
November 26, 2009
Attorneys, Trade Marks ™ ®
Registering your company and its name is not the same thing as applying to register a trademark. Trademark applications serve to protect the distinctive sign or indicator you use to identify your specific brand to the consumer and to distinguish it from your competitors. Without protection, competitors may try to imitate your product if it is a commercial success. By registering and enforcing a registered trademark, such competitors may be prohibited from using your trademark.
In addition, you may be marketing several product lines, each with its own name or brand which differs from your company name. Trademark applications can be made for each of these separate product trademarks, protecting their image and ensuring that the public does not confuse your product or service with that of a competitor.
For quick and efficient trademark applications, contact the experts – Smit & Van Wyk Incorporated.
