How to Register a Trademark in South Africa

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Trademarks are registered at the South African Trademarks Office and foreign registrations may be obtained should you wish to market your product in foreign countries. Trademark attorneys would require you to provide them with a copy of your intended trademark (name or slogan, or logo) as well as details of all products or services that you intend applying the trademark to. Trademarks are registered at the South African Trademarks Office and a separate foreign trademark registrations should only be obtained if you wish to market your product in foreign countries as well. It can take up to a year to register a trademark in South Africa.

How do I know if someone else has registered the same trademark?
In order to be considered registrable, your trademark must be capable of distinguishing your goods or services from those of your competitors. IP attorneys can conduct searches through the records at the South African Trademarks Office.

Why you should register a trademark in South Africa:

A trademark is a unique mark which distinguishes your goods or services from other. Trademarks are register-able in terms of the South African Trademarks Act No 194 and is subject to certain requirements. If you are in the process of building a reputation for your brand competitors may try to imitate your product. To ensure that the public does not confuse your goods or services with those of your competitors, registering a trademark is a cost-effective way of protecting your brand and reputation.

Duration of trademark protection

Once a trademark is registered in South Africa, it needs to be renewed every 10 years to stay in force. Unlike patents, registered designs and copyright, trademarks do not expire after a set period of time. When you fail to renew your trademark  and pay the renewal fees, you lose your trademark and all your rights.