South Africa: Intellectual Property

Copyright is one of the most fundamental – yet often misunderstood – areas of intellectual property law. At its core, copyright protects the expression of original ideas, giving creators the exclusive right to control how their...

Lesotho's recent adoption of a National IP Policy (2025) and a Research and Innovation Policy (2021) reflects a broader strategy to build a knowledge-based economy and expand global trade, particularly in sectors like textiles, water, and agriculture. Between 2019 and 2023, Lesotho processed over 2,500 trademark applications and 1,300 patent and design filings through ARIPO, signalling growing international interest in its IP environment.

At the Milan Fashion Week in June 2025, Prada presented a toe-braided sandal that closely resembled India's traditional Kolhapuri chappal, an artisanal leather sandal...

In our previous article we established the monetary value and financial leverage available for business owners, more specifically registered brand owners, through the hypotec/pledging route...

For many South African musicians, landing a record deal feels like the breakthrough they have been working toward...

As patent litigation continues to reshape the tech landscape, the ongoing case between Apple and Optis Cellular Technology highlights...

South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL) has made a formal submission in response to the government's planned reforms of the Patents Act and Designs Act.

This year's Economics Nobel went to Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt for explaining how innovation drives long-run growth and for showing, with unusual clarity, that progress works through creative destruction.

Standard Essential Patent (SEP) holders should give serious consideration to African jurisdictions as part of their global enforcement strategy.

Trade secrets are often the most valuable form of intellectual property in the technology sector, and the latest dispute between xAI and OpenAI shows just how high the stakes can be.

The term "unlawful competition" is broad and encompasses a range of unfair business practices. Claims for damages arising out of unlawful competition are often brought together with claims...

Oasis supplies bottled, filtered and purified water and other beverages in South Africa. It has been in operation for over twenty years and is the fourth...