Business method patent It is difficult to protect a business idea. The South African Patents Act specifically excludes “a method of doing business” from being patented. Below are examples of business methods that cannot be protected by patents: a new restaurant specialising in Dutch / Austrian fusion cuisine; a new bar in Sandton that serves … Read more
Jan 2nd, 2015We are always surprised at how many people spend so much money filing software patents that are invalid. For helpful tips on protecting Software Apps, see Iptica’s website ‐ get Patent, Design and Trademark Pending Numbers for only US$99. Also see our easy DIY provisional patent drafting and filing guide. Software patents in South Africa … Read more
Dec 29th, 2014Considerations when registering a trademark Choice of word mark: The strongest trademarks are made up words, such as “PANADO” – it would be difficult for a competitor to motivate why they “need” to use a mark that is similar to this trademark. The patent for PANADO expired a long time ago, but the trademark has … Read more
Dec 20th, 2014Tips on how to trade mark your name or logo in 5 easy steps: Select a mark that is not descriptive (e.g. “Cape Town Grocer”). The best is a made-up word, such as “Kodak”. Alternatively, a word that is not usually associated with the product (e.g. “Apple” for computers). Call us to discuss the appropriateness … Read more
Dec 6th, 2014A trade mark registration prevents others from using a mark that is confusingly similar to your registered trade mark. You can file a trade mark for the following: a WORD (e.g. “Nike”); a LOGO (e.g. the Swoosh); and a PAY-OFF line (e.g. “Just Do It”). Trade mark Tip 1 Few applicants will qualify to trade … Read more
Nov 29th, 2014Protect your brand, name or logo by filing a trademark in South Africa. The process is quick and simple: Step 1: Call us and speak to a trademark attorney. This is free. We will discuss: whether your mark is sufficiently distinctive – a descriptive mark (e.g. Norwood cycle shop) will likely be rejected by the … Read more
Nov 26th, 2014To file a patent is a process. How you go about filing a patent depends on whether you intend to secure a patent in South Africa only or whether you intend to file patents in three or more countries. To protect your invention: See Iptica for discussions on what is patentable – there is no … Read more
Nov 23rd, 2014Forms to file a South African provisional patent Fillable South African (CIPC) patent forms are freely available at IdeaNav. These forms include: Patent Form P1 – Application for a Patent and Acknowledgement of Receipt. Patent Form P2 – Register of Patent. Patent Form P3 – Declaration and Power of Attorney. Remember to strike out the … Read more
Nov 20th, 2014Contact Patent Office The South African Patent Office (CIPC) is located at The DTI campus (Block F – Entfutfukweni), 77, Meintjies Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria (telephone: 086 100 2472). Tip: Easily file South African provisional patents online using the GlobalIPCo / Iptica online filing systems. Patent Search In the past, one could visit the South African … Read more
Nov 17th, 2014Patents are the most effective tool to obtain a monopoly. By filing patents in your trading countries, you will prevent others from making, importing, selling, advertising and using an infringing product in those countries. Your patents will effectively neutralise them – for others to be permitted to trade in those countries, they would need to … Read more
Nov 14th, 2014A granted patent gives you the following rights: the right to prevent others from making a product that is covered by a patent claim; the right to prevent others from importing a product that is covered by a patent claim. Note: “exporting” is not an act proscribed by a patent. However, “exporting” presupposes that the … Read more
Nov 11th, 2014Africa has a total population (growing at +2.74% pa) similar to China, and a total GDP (growing at +5% pa) similar to India. However, Africa comprises 54 countries. So, where does one register a PCT national phase patent in Africa? By registering only 4 African national phase patents, you can capture 77% of the total … Read more
Nov 8th, 2014South African PCT national phase patent information Cost of a South African patent: US$ 475 Time to grant: approx. 12 months Filing deadline: 31 months from priority date, extendable on payment of a nominal fee to 34 months Language: English Requirements: All we require is your PCT / WO patent number. We will send you … Read more
Nov 3rd, 2014If you are approaching the 31 month deadline of your PCT patent, it is time to consider filing an ARIPO regional patent. This will secure protection over a large swathe of Southern Africa. But which ARIPO member countries should you select? An ARIPO patent covers the following countries: Botswana Gambia Ghana Kenya Lesotho Liberia Malawi … Read more
Oct 28th, 2014If you are approaching the 30 month deadline of your PCT patent, it is time to consider filing an OAPI regional patent. This will secure protection over a large swathe of Northern Africa. An OAPI patent covers the following countries: OAPI Country Information Country GDP Population GDP/Capita Ivory Coast US$ 28,288m 23,919,000 US$ … Read more
Oct 25th, 2014