Complete guide to trademark registration in South Africa. Learn trademark registration process, requirements, fees, protection, and how to register a trademark with CIPC to protect your brand.
Registering a trademark protects your brand name, logo, or slogan and gives you exclusive rights to use it in South Africa. Understanding trademark registration requirements, process, and protection helps you protect your intellectual property. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about trademark registration in South Africa.
Trademark:
Purpose:
Trademarkable Elements:
Cannot Trademark:
To Register Trademark:
Registration Eligibility:
Step 1: Trademark Search
Step 2: Prepare Application
Step 3: Submit Application
Step 4: Examination
Step 5: Publication
Step 6: Registration
Trademark Classes:
Common Classes:
Application Fees:
Fee Factors:
Trademark Protection:
Protection Duration:
Issue: Trademark Conflict
Issue: Application Rejected
Search existing trademarks, prepare application with trademark representation and goods/services classes, submit to CIPC with fee (R590-R750 first class), wait for examination and publication, and receive registration certificate if no opposition.
Trademark registration costs R590-R750 for first class, plus R200-R300 for each additional class. Renewal costs R590-R750 per class every 10 years.
Trademark registration typically takes 12-18 months from application to registration, including examination, publication, and opposition period.
Trademark registration is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years by paying renewal fee.
While not mandatory, a trademark attorney can help with search, application preparation, class selection, and handling oppositions. Consider professional help for complex cases.
Registering a trademark requires searching existing trademarks, preparing application with trademark and goods/services classes, submitting to CIPC with fee (R590-R750 first class), waiting for examination and publication, and receiving registration if no opposition. Trademarks are valid for 10 years and renewable. Register early, choose distinctive marks, search before applying, and renew promptly. Understanding trademark registration helps you protect your brand and intellectual property in South Africa.
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Specializing in South African business registration, CIPC compliance, tax requirements, BEE certification, and business law with extensive knowledge of company registration processes.