How do I protect my brand?

Before deciding on your brand and rushing to the South African trademarks office to register and protect it, we suggest first doing some basic homework:

• Check that the co.za (and other relevant domains) are available. To do this, go to WebAfrica.
• Check the CIPC trademark records to confirm that no confusingly similar mark is already registered. To do this, you will first need to open an account with CIPC.
• Check for conflicting company names on the CIPC companies database.
• If you intend to extend your business to the US, query the US Trademarks Office database, and filter out the “live” trademarks.
• If you intend to extend your business to Europe, query the European Trademarks Office database.

Alternatively, for only R2,500 (excl. vat), we will conduct a trade mark registrability search for you. Together with the trademark search report, we will provide our opinion regarding the registrability of your mark. Thereafter, filing your trademark will only take a couple of days.

Whether you wish to protect your brand, word mark, logo or pay-off line, IdeaNav offers the most affordable trademark registration services in South Africa.