Who Owns My Tattoo? (Video)

South Africa's Constitutional Court has delivered a landmark ruling on the Copyright Amendment Bill, upholding the controversial shift to 'fair use' while striking down broad educational exceptions for textbook copying. The judgment leaves critical questions unresolved about contract terms, ministerial powers, and the Bill's complete silence on generative AI—creating both constraints and opportunities as Parliament must now revisit legislation conceived over a decade ago.

In July 2023, three independent designers filed a lawsuit in California against Shein, the popular online fashion retailer. They allege that Shein sold exact copies of their work which infringes their copyright...

The Gauteng High Court recently heard a case that’ll have serious implications for the vehicle and insurance industries.

The South African flag represents more than national identity—it's a protected symbol with strict legal requirements for commercial use. Businesses seeking to incorporate the flag into their branding or products must navigate complex regulations under the Heraldry Act and Merchandise Marks Act, requiring ministerial consent before use in trade marks, packaging, or advertising.

According to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), South Africa is currently grouped under middle-income countries, amongst other African countries such as Egypt and Algeria.

An issue that comes up often in the life of an IP attorney is this: who owns the rights to materials created by an advertising or design agency for a client?

When can genuine, brand name goods still be labelled "counterfeit"? The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has just answered that question in Yossi Barel v Popular Trading CC (handed down 23 June 2025) – and its guidance will matter to every South African company that imports, distributes or enforces branded products...

Section 11D of the South African Income Tax Act (the "Act"), makes provision for a tax incentive scheme, commonly referred to as the Research and Development (R&D) tax incentive.

The 13th Edition of the Nice Classification is now in effect. Nice is the international classification system trade mark offices use (including CIPC) to decide which goods and services your trade mark protection actually...

Many of our clients ask us whether they need permission to licence their intellectual property outside of South Africa.