In simple terms, a domain name is the address through which internet users can access a website, for example, www.companyname.co.za or www.companyname.africa or www.companyname.com. Although these...
Intellectual Property
Insights
South Africa
South Africa
The Smit & Van Wyk team of experienced intellectual property attorneys are able to provide legal advice regarding your patents, trade marks and copyright. We are a specialist...
Domain Names
In simple terms, a domain name is the address through which internet users can access a website, for example, www.companyname.co.za or www.companyname.africa or www.companyname.com. Although these addresses are reflected in Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, domain names provide easy-to-recall access for users. Domain name protection is important for protecting brands and trade marks online. Domain names, like trade marks, are assets to any business and it is thus essential to have a domain...
Franchise Agreement Setup
How a franchise agreement is setup depends on the type of franchise being bought and sold. No franchise agreement will be the same. There will definitely be provisions in the franchise agreement...
Franchise Ideas
Buying a franchise is an alternative option for entrepreneurs who don’t want the risks of starting a new business. Franchising is a public business format and people recognize a franchise business...
Franchise Contracts
If you are a business owner and you want to start a franchise, or buy a franchise, you will need a franchise attorney to setup a franchise contract that is lawful within the scope of statutory and...
Insolvent or struggling franchisees
Article by Esmari Jonker, Attorney – Head of Franchising, Smit & Van Wyk Published in FASA (Franchise Association Manual) Franchise Manual 2019. A franchise system is based on a...
Buying a Franchise
Legal representation when buying a Franchise Rather than starting your own business, you can purchase an established successful business franchise. Buying a franchise has it’s advantages and...
Starting a Franchise
Legal representation when Starting a Franchise A business that has set out its systems and procedures, and is trading profitably, may choose to start a franchise. Successful franchising is difficult...
South Africa Trademark Exclusions
Trademarks that may NOT be registered: Trademark exclusions in South Africa include: Emblems fall under the protection of the Merchandise Marks Act. The following are regarded as state emblems: Seal...
South Africa Trademark Requirements
Examples of Trademarks: Name, Slogan, Logo, Shapes, Three-dimensional Marks, Colors, Holograms, Motions / Multimedia, Positions, Gestures, Olfactory (smells /...
International Trademark Protection
Your mark should be registered in the countries in which you offer your products or services under that mark. You should also consider filing in countries where you intend to use the mark in...
South Africa Science Patents
Plant and Animal Sciences Patents According to the patent laws of several countries, one cannot obtain biotechnological patent protection for plant or animal varieties, or essentially biological...
South Africa Software Patents
Traditional protection of software / computer programs Historically, software has been protected primarily through the provisions in the South African Copyright Act. Examples of subject matter for...
South Africa Patent Search
It is very important for applicants to do a patent search for similar inventions before applying for protection. A patent search will indicate whether your idea or inventions has...
South Africa Patent Requirements
Novelty Although novelty can never be determined conclusively, an indication of the novelty of your invention may be found by conducting patent and literature searches. South Africa has a so-called...
South Africa Patent Exclusions
Inventions which cannot be Patented in South Africa Exclusions as inventions in terms of the South African Patents Act:Anything which consists of a discovery; a scientific theory; a mathematical...
South Africa Patent Costs
Novelty Search (R 5 000 – R 10 000) A novelty search is conducted prior to filing a Provisional Patent Application to identify potentially novel and/or inventive aspects of an invention in light of...
International Patents
It is important to note that patents are territorial rights – a patent granted in South Africa can be enforced in South Africa only. However, you may, within 12 months of filing your South African...
South Africa Biotech Patents
Research and DevelopmentResearch and development in the life sciences is extremely costly and time-consuming. The pharmaceutical industry provides a good example of the time-scales and funding one...
Trademark Search
Search for possible similar Trademarks It is always advisable to do a trademark search before the application is filed. In order to be considered register-able, your trademark must be...
Copyright Infringement in South Africa
What constitutes copyright infringement?Making photocopies for private use is NOT an infringement of copyright. Copying a public speech or a lecture does NOT constitute infringement. No...
South Africa Franchising
Franchising means the licensing of a franchisor’s business model to a franchisee. The franchisor appoints franchisees to expand its business by means of separate and...
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