Top 5 online systems for filing South African patents and trademarks
Instead of filing a South African patent or trademark through a South African law firm, you can easily file through any of these online systems:
Option 1 – GlobalIPCo – Best for foreign law firms
The GlobalIPCo system focusses on foreign law firms, enabling them to file South African patents and trademarks online at significantly discounted cost.
Foreign law firms may use the GlobalIPCo system to file:
- South African provisional patent
- South African national phase patents
- South African convention / direct complete patents
- South African trademarks
- South African designs
The GlobalIPCo system is the most popular online system for filing South African patents and trademarks. It has +3,000 registered users and is very well supported by S&Z (the #1 filer of South African patents 2022, 2023, 2024).
Tailored for professionals, the GlobalIPCo system is more sophisticated than most online systems, permitting users to add endorsements when filing a trademark (e.g. transliteration, translation, disclaimer).
Option 2 – TMDirect – Best for South African law firms
TMDirect is operated by S&Z. The system enables South African general law firms to advise their clients on trademarks and to file South African trademarks without having to deal with the South African Trademarks Office (CIPC).
Before filing a trademark, conduct a search using their free trademark search facility.
Option 3 – TrademarkRegister – Best for individuals
TrademarkRegister is very popular among trademark applicants. It keeps the filing process simple and provides useful tips for brand owners to maximise the value of their brands.
If you have a clothing brand or skincare product, this system is worth a visit.
Option 4 – Iptica – Best for inventors
Inventors should visit Iptica for a unique perspective on patents. Iptica focuses on provisional patents and using patent pending numbers for marketing and deterrence.
Iptica offers the simplest system for filing a South African provisional patent.
The Iptica system was the second-largest filer of South African provisional patents in 2019. However, in 2025, the GlobalIPCo system overtook the Iptica system in total provisional patent filings.
Option 5 – CIPC
CIPC supports an online system for filing South African patents, trademarks and designs. To use the CIPC system, you will need to create an account with CIPC and deposit funds into your account. For queries, you will need to contact the South African Patent & Trademarks Office for support.
Payment:
None of the systems – GlobalIPCo, TMDirct, TrademarkRegister, Iptica and CIPC – charge a registration or licence fee. Users are only charged for filings instructed.
With the exception of the CIPC system, which requires an account to be created and funded, the other systems permit payment by credit card. However, the GlobalIPCo system also permits foreign law firms to pay by bank transfer.