ArticleOAPI UpdateThe COVID19 pandemic has impacted quite dramatically on the operations IP and other government offices in Africa and the rest of the world.South AfricaIntellectual PropertyAdams & Adams
ArticleOAPI Updates & NewsCurrently, OAPI patent applications are subject only to formal examination. Consequently, patent applications can proceed to grant quicklySouth AfricaIntellectual PropertyAdams & Adams
ArticleOAPI – The Regional Conference On Intellectual PropertyOn 12 October 2021, the regional conference on intellectual property was opened in Libreville. The purpose of this conference is to discuss the challenges and unique perspectives relating to trade in Africa...South AfricaIntellectual PropertyAdams & Adams
ArticlePartners Against Piracy Launched In NamibiaIn further news from Namibia, Partners against Piracy, an initiative spearheaded by MultiChoice, has now launched in Namibia. The initiative, which aims to reduce content piracy...South AfricaIntellectual PropertyAdams & Adams
ArticlePatents And Designs Registry Temporarily Unavailable In December 2024On 2 December 2024, the Patents and Designs Registry announced that its filing platform would be temporarily unavailable due to ongoing data updates.South AfricaIntellectual PropertyAdams & Adams
ArticleProtected Geographical Indications Project Enters Second PhaseProtected geographical indications. Which products to select? This question was at the centre of a seminar held recently at the headquarters of OAPI. South AfricaIntellectual PropertyAdams & Adams
ArticleRwanda - Reminder Regarding Upcoming Renewal DateProprietors of trade marks in Rwanda should take note of an upcoming trade mark renewal deadline which may be relevant to their marks in this country.South AfricaIntellectual PropertyAdams & Adams
ArticleTechnical Issues Affecting The Online Patent Filing System ResolvedThe online platform at the Egyptian Patent Office which malfunctioned and had been offline since Saturday, 3 February 2024, has been restored.South AfricaIntellectual PropertyAdams & Adams
ArticleThe Registry Updates Their NICE Classification System To The 12th EditionIn January 2024, the Zambia Trade Mark Registry issued a notice regarding the update of the NICE classification system from the 11th edition to the 12th edition.South AfricaIntellectual PropertyAdams & Adams
ArticleTrade Mark Office To Resume Operations From 2 September 2024The Libyan Trade Mark Office ("TMO") has been operating at limited capacity and has not been accepting new filings for some time. South AfricaIntellectual PropertyAdams & Adams
ArticleTurning Locally Developed IP Into Battery-sector OpportunitiesSouth Africa is positioning itself as a key player in the global electric mobility and battery value chains through strategic support for locally developed technologies and intellectual property. Can government-backed research partnerships and mineral resources be successfully converted into competitive industrial applications? The collaboration between academic institutions and industry demonstrates a model for technology commercialisation in the energy-storage sector. South AfricaIntellectual PropertyAdams & Adams
ArticleAfCFTA's Committee On Intellectual Property Rights Negotiations BeginThe African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat convened in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, during 7 to 18 April 2025.South AfricaInternational LawAdams & Adams
ArticleAfCFTA Rules Of Origin Reshape Automotive Production And Trade StrategiesManufacturers across Africa are increasingly aligning production strategies with AfCFTA Rules of Origin, which require defined local content thresholds to access tariff benefits across more than 50 participating countries.South AfricaInternational LawAdams & Adams
ArticleUpdated Guide: Worldwide Export Controls On Face Masks And Other Medical PPEAs the COVID-19 pandemic has expanded exponentially, so too has the demand by hospitals and other healthcare providers for masks and other medical personal protective equipment (PPE)...South AfricaInternational LawAdams & Adams
ArticleForm And Content Of The Power Of Attorney Effective 01 February 2025From 1 February 2025, the Rwanda Registry will only accept Power of Attorneys that strictly comply with the template outlined in Ministerial Order No. 26, dated 17 March 2016. South AfricaLaw Department PerformanceAdams & Adams
ArticleAfrica’s Satellite And Subsea Networks Deepen Broadband CompetitionAfrica's broadband infrastructure emerged as a strategic priority in Q2, with Uganda approving Starlink, Angola Cables and Uniti expanding connectivity, and South Africa advancing satellite regulatory reform. New subsea cables, EU funding for Google-linked infrastructure, and Rwanda's first certified satellite teleport facility signal a shift toward long-term connectivity partnerships and evolving licensing frameworks across the continent. South AfricaMedia, Telecoms, IT, EntertainmentAdams & Adams
ArticleNotice Of Unauthorised Download IncidentOn 3rd October an employee, who had just been dismissed by the firm, downloaded several folders from drives located on the firm's server to a private OneDrive account.South AfricaMedia, Telecoms, IT, EntertainmentAdams & Adams
ArticleProposed Changes To Public Broadcasting Legislation On The CardsIt is no question that the embattled national broadcaster is in dire need of recalibration to pull it out of the dark age into a modern era. South AfricaMedia, Telecoms, IT, EntertainmentAdams & Adams
ArticleTransfer Duty ChangesTransfer Duty ChangesSouth AfricaReal Estate and ConstructionAdams & Adams