Exchange Controls were amended on 8 June 2012 to prevent the assignment of intellectual property by a South African “resident” to a foreigner without the consent of the South African Reserve Bank. The cession of patents as security in favour of foreigners is similarly restricted. This amendment drags us back to the position that existed … Read more
Jun 19th, 2012If you are negotiating a license for your intellectual property, have a look at our licensing term sheet. It channels your negotiation ensuring that you consider all relevant issues. Should you start to flounder, read the associated tips and articles. This should get you back on track. If you are still uncertain, click on the … Read more
Feb 8th, 2012You cannot copyright an “idea” in South Africa or elsewhere. Copyright does not arise when you have the “idea”. You must first reduce that “idea” to a “material form” (e.g. write it down, draw it, record it), and it is that material form (otherwise known as a “work”) that is protected by copyright. Copyright only … Read more
Feb 8th, 2012To patent an idea in South Africa is surprisingly affordable and quick. You can file a South African provisional patent application online for only $49 through GlobalIPCo or $99 through Iptica. Use our provisional patent drafting and filing guide. See our article summarising patent costs. (*Estimated costs) After filing your provisional patent application, you can … Read more
Sep 16th, 2011The executive of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) has been decimated. They left it to Ela Romanowska – one of the last remaining members of the “old guard” – to switch off the lights. After a purge as exciting as that which followed Polokwane, the dust is finally settling around the behemoth of South African … Read more
Jun 28th, 2011Unless you bought one from Iluba. JJ Viljoen, the managing director of one of our clients, Iluba gave us a bunch of Iluba preserved roses more than two years ago. With the occasional dusting, we continue successfully to pass them off as “fresh”. This technology really works. However, the secret behind Iluba’s success is not … Read more
Jun 27th, 2011