A registered trademark represents the mark that distinguishes your products / services from others. Trademarks are filed with the intellectual property office in Pretoria an will be subject to certain requirements. A trademark may be filed by a qualified trademark attorney or trademark practitioner.
Do a search: It is advisable that the trademark be searched before the application is filed. Your trade mark must be capable of distinguishing your products / services from those of your competitors. We conduct a search through the records of the South African Trade Marks Office. You should consider doing an international trademark search in each of the countries in which you wish file a trademark registration.
File the trademark application with the Trade Mark office: When a trade mark (Name, Slogan, Logo, Shapes, 3D Marks, Colours) has been filed, competitors may not use your mark, or one that is confusingly similar. Once a trademark is registered in South Africa, it needs to be renewed every 10 years to stay in force. Trade Marks may be renewed indefinitely, thereby ensuring the continuity of your brand.
Information required to file a Trademark
In order to file a trademark we would require a copy of your intended trademark – be it a simple name or slogan, or a stylised logo. It would also require details of all products or services that you intend applying the trademark to (you have to file a separate trademark application in each of the international classes relating to your products / services.)
Trademark Search
(advise if a search is required)
Applicant
Full names and a copy of ID, passport or registration documents.
Physical and postal address of the applicant.
Trademark
What is the mark to be protected? If it is a logo, please send an electronic copy.
Class(es):
Describe the relevant goods or services. South Africa uses the classification of the International (NICE) Classification of Goods and Services.
Invoice Details
Entity to be invoiced and VAT registration number (if applicable)
Trademark Search
It is advisable that the trademark be searched before the application is made. We can conduct searches through the records at the South African Trade Marks Office. This will provide an indication of whether there are existing trademarks which are identical or similar to yours. Foreign trademark searches may also be conducted, should you wish to have a search conducted through the trade mark offices of foreign countries. A search has to be conducted to make sure there is no similar or identical trade mark on the register preventing the registration of your trademark.
Trademark Renewals
Once a logo is registered as a trademark in South Africa, it needs to be renewed every 10 years to stay in force. A registered logo can be protected forever, provided it is renewed every 10 years upon payment of the renewal fee. If your registered trademark has not been used for a continuous period of 5 years, another person may apply to have it removed from the Registrar. It is advisable to do a formal search for any similar registered logos before you apply for your logo trademark.
Trademark Duration
Once a trademark is registered in South Africa, it needs to be renewed every 10 years to stay in force. However, provided you continue renewing your trade mark registration, your rights to the trademark may last indefinitely. If your registered trademark has not been used in South Africa for a continuous period of 5 years, another person may apply to have it removed from the Register.