Role of the Patent Lawyer in South Africa

February 3, 2010 | Advocates

Oftentimes the terms Patent Lawyer, Patent Attorney or Patent Agent are used interchangeable. In short a person who wants to act as a patent lawyer in South Africa must be qualified in engineering and the law. The patent lawyer acts on behalf of the client regarding patent filings and oppositions. All legal aspects surrounding patents fall within the work scope of the patent lawyer. As such whether a person wishes to file a patent application, simply wants a patent search done, requires assistance with the setting up of a patent licence agreement, or want to oppose a patent application, the patent lawyer should be the first stop. Patent applications may go through when you apply directly, but you will also face the risk of several lawsuits or opposition if you have not done your research on its originality, usability, and the requirements as set out by the Patent Office for a patent to be valid. As such the first person to speak to before commencing with any application should be the patent lawyer.