You can now register South African trade marks quickly and affordably online using TM Direct – an online trade mark registration system operated by S&Z Trade Mark Attorneys. The trade mark process To register a South African trade mark using TM Direct: (optional) Conduct a free identical trade mark on the TM Direct webpage. Register … Read more
Jun 28th, 2020Typically, general lawyers used to refer trademark applications to intellectual property law firms. The reason for this was not because advising on trademarks is difficult – sufficiently to understand trademarks in order to advise thereon is relatively simple, and can be learnt within a couple of hours. General lawyers’ discomfort in extending their services to … Read more
Jun 21st, 2020You cannot patent: An [existing product] not including [something that has been removed] Product patents only protect “new features” you are adding. By focussing on removal of a feature, you’re going in the opposite direction. It may be that the existing product was never offered with the superfluous feature removed therefrom. But, arguing that absence … Read more
Jun 14th, 2020Many inventors try to patent a new power source for electronic products, e.g. a solar powered kettle. To be patentable, your new power source must be “new” and “inventive”. Let’s first consider whether the general concept is “new”: some solar energy farms feed power into the grid, so every kettle that is plugged into the … Read more
Jun 2nd, 2020Protect your Corona Virus face mask, face shield and hand sanitiser by registering patents. But, be clever about how you do it. Covid-19 patents The problem with patents for Corona Virus PPE equipment is that the patent will only become legally enforceable in about 3-4 years from now – considering that there should be a … Read more
May 28th, 2020You cannot patent: An [existing product] for [doing something new] The reason is that product patents focus on “new features” you are adding. And, nothing after “for” is introducing a new feature – it is introducing a new application / use. The simple rule when considering whether your product is “new” (and, therefore, patentable) is … Read more
May 24th, 2020To protect your brand, you should register a South African trademark. An option is to register a trademark online with TM Direct – a trademark registration system operated by S&Z Trademark Attorneys. How to file a trademark using TM Direct Visit TM Direct, and click the START button. Register with TM Direct. Registering with TM … Read more
May 16th, 2020Trademarks protect BRANDS under which you trade (e.g. PUMA, KPMG), whereas Patents protect INVENTIONS. You cannot protect your invention by registering a trademark. Patent your invention To protect your invention, your: product must include a new and inventive feature method must include a new and inventive step https://ideanav.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/International-patent-costs-2021.png https://ideanav.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/International-patent-costs-2021.png For instance: Using an UBER-type system … Read more
May 8th, 2020Most companies protect their brand by trade mark registering their name and logo. Our tips when registering names and logos are to: type the name in capital letters, as your trade mark rights will not be case-sensitive; and submit the logo as a Black & White image, as your trade mark rights will extend to … Read more
Apr 30th, 2020#1: I can sell an idea It’s nearly impossible to sell an “idea”. Typically, you can only sell the protection you’ve secured for your idea. That’s why most buyers wait for you to obtain a granted patent in an examining country before considering buying your patent / idea – this typically takes 4-5 years. Our … Read more
Apr 25th, 2020Before filing a South African trademark, conduct a trademark search through the South African Trademarks Office’s (CIPC‘s) records. Why conduct a South African trademark search? You may have “created” your brand, but unless you conduct a trademark search, you are merely presuming that it’s new. You’re permitted to file a South African trademark without first … Read more
Apr 20th, 2020“Pat Pend” stands for “Patent Pending”. The “Pat. Pend.” mark on a product merely communicates to the public that a corresponding patent application has been filed. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be sued if you copy the product. It means that, in time (likely, a very long time), you MAY be sued if you … Read more
Apr 15th, 2020CIPC Direct Trademark Filings S&Z will shortly be launch a trademark filing system that lodges trademarks directly with CIPC. Attorneys can register with the TM Direct filing system and instruct South African trademark filings directly. Thereafter, pending trademark applications can be monitored and managed from the online portfolio. All trademark applications filed using the TM … Read more
Apr 12th, 2020To trademark your name and logo is easy, but it will take about 2 years before it is registered. This doesn’t mean that you can’t use your name in the meantime. Here are some tips on how to trademark your name: Conduct a search to confirm that a similar name isn’t already registered It would … Read more
Apr 10th, 2020Let me guess: you’ve just come up with a new invention; someone’s told you to patent it; you’ve had a look at the internet, and the options are confusing. Do you: Get a Patent Pending Number for $99? File a Provisional Patent application? Apply for a South African Complete Patent? Jump right in and file … Read more
Apr 5th, 2020