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ARTICLE · 12 AUGUST 2026

IP ENSight | August 2026

Explore eight compelling intellectual property cases and developments, from a single patent generating $229 million in royalties to major brand disputes between 7-Eleven and Nike, pharmaceutical advertising battles...

South AfricaIntellectual Property

1. $229 million in royalties from a single patent by Dr Bernard Dippenaar
This article is a lesson in protecting assets: Safeguard the time, effort and resources you have expended developing new technology by filing a patent application as soon as possible.

2. 7-Eleven sues Nike over its shoe design and colour scheme by Dr Bernard Dippenaar 7-Eleven has filed a trade mark infringement lawsuit against Nike, alleging that the colour scheme and overall look of a new Air Max 95 sneaker closely resemble 7-Eleven's well-known orange, green and red branding.

3. The obesity drug wars: Now it's about the advertising by Dr Bernard Dippenaar
The battle between Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly is no longer being fought only in research laboratories or through patent portfolios. It has now moved into the courtroom over advertising claims.

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