Register your trade mark with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), to prevent your competitors from using it. CIPC administers the Register of Trade Marks, which is the official record of all the trade marks that have formally been applied for and/or registered in the Republic of South Africa, since 1916.
The registration procedure results in a registration certificate which has legal status, allowing the owner of the registered trade mark the exclusive right to use that mark. CIPC administers the Register of Trade Marks which is the record of all the trade marks that have been formally applied for and registered in the Republic of South Africa.
5 Step Process for Trademark Registration in South Africa: follow our 2025 guide: 1, Conduct a trademark search. 2, Submit an application. 3, Examination of the application. 4. Publication for opposition.
Trade Marks in Africa, including filings, oppositions, enforcement, renewals, and the scope of services offered by Spoor & Fisher. FAQs on Trade Marks, including distinctiveness requirement, search and clearance, trade mark search procedure, registration timelines, advantages of registration, and the legal timeline for renewals.
Those interested in trademark registration in South Africa must file an application for their chosen mark with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). The process is a multi-step one for which our lawyers in South Africa highlight the main stages below.
The trademark registration process in South Africa involves submitting paid applications to the South African Trade Marks Registry. Once an application has been filed, the mark will proceed to examination approximately sixeight months from the filing date.
Learn registration process, requirements, fees, protection, and how to register trademark with CIPC.
