February 3, 2010 | Advocates
When thinking of trademarks business owners often stop at logos and names. The trademark lawyer however also helps to clarify the categories of trademarks. Colours, shapes, and sounds for instance, can also fall within the scope of trademarks. The trademark lawyer will be able to assist a business owner such as the owner of a restaurant to trademark the interior design of a chain of restaurants. It is possible to even trademark a specific font. With the scope being much broader than most people realize, it may be a good idea to contact a trademark lawyer for assistance regarding the registration of trademarks. Harley Davidson for instance, has trademarked the sound of the motor cycles. If something is distinct to your brand and you want to get some legal protection against copying or misuse thereof get in contact with a trademark lawyer for assistance.
No Comments »
One of the most valuable assets of a successful company is its trademark. This is the sign or indicator that identifies the brand to the public, conveying a sense of quality or reliability in the process. A trademark lawyer can help you protect this asset by guiding you through the necessary steps:
Determining the uniqueness of you trademark: Before you can register your trademark, you need to know that you are not infringing on the rights of an already existing trademark. A trademark lawyer will be able to have the national registry checked to ensure this is not the case.
Registering your trademark: There are certain requirements to meet before a trademark is accepted. Your trademark lawyer will be able to efficiently guide you through this process.
Renewal of trademark: A registered trademark is valid for ten years in South Africa, then it has to be renewed in order to stay legitimate.
Contact Smit & Van Wyk Incorporated, the leading intellectual property legal practice in South Africa, to assist you with any and all trademark related queries.
No Comments »
The function of trademark lawyers is to ensure that the intellectual property of businesses and other legal entities are protected, specifically concerning the distinctive signs or indicators they use to identify their product, service or brand and to distinguish it from that of competitors. Trademarks can be registered, which will prohibit other businesses to use the same or relatively similar trademarks to promote their goods, thus leeching of your success and even potentially tarnishing your reputation in the process.
Some of the leading trademark lawyers in South Africa can be found at Smit & Van Wyk Incorporated. We specialise in the legal matters surrounding intellectual property, and our expert trademark lawyers are able to give you advice on this matter and guide you through the process in such a way that your interests are always the number one priority.
No Comments »
September 28, 2009 | Attorneys
In order to be able to call himself a trademark lawyer in South Africa, an attorney must pass examinations set by the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law. Unlike a patent attorney, a trademark lawyer does not need to have a separate qualification in science or engineering. He does, however, have to comply with and observe the professional ethics and standards laid down by the Institute in order to maintain formal registration as a trademark lawyer. The necessity of this qualification is common in most Commonwealth countries but not so in the United States, where any attorney may prosecute trademark applications and legislation.
No Comments »
