2/8/2019 CIPC :: Trade Mark FAQ

Companies and Intellectual Property Commission

Trade Mark FAQ

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Why do I need a trade mark?

If you are manufacturing goods or offering a service, it helps you to have a trade mark. When
people see or hear about a trade mark, they remember the goods or services associated with it.
Your trade mark distinguishes you from other people in the same line of work, and gives you an
identity in the market place. Goods are things that can be manufactured, such as a radios,
clothing, medicine, cosmetics, jewelry and cars, goods can also be perishables, such as plants,
meat, milk, fruits, and vegetables. A service is work done by a person or a group of people for

Are there different types of trade marks?

Yes, there are ordinary, collective and certification trade marks. Also non-traditional trade marks

What are collective trade marks?

A group of traders may register a so-called collective trade mark for use by its members only. The
purpose of such a trade mark is to show that a member of the association provides the goods or
services associated with that specific association/organisation. The collective mark may often be
used together with the individual company's trade mark. When a collective trade mark has been
registered, the owner may allow use of the mark by any person who complies with the regulations
relating to its registration. Geographical names or other indications of geographical origin may be
registered as collective trade marks e.g. Stellenbosch Farmers Winery.

What are certification trade marks?

A certification mark exists to indicate that a product is of a certain quality or has certain
characteristics rather than to distinguish it from the products of other traders e.g. the cotton mark,

What if my trade mark is not registered?

If you have become associated with a particular identity through trade, you have what is known as
common law trade mark rights. To protect this trade mark, you can sue the infringer for passing
off. Passing off is when the infringer has led the public to believe that his goods/services are the

Who may register a trade mark?

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Any trade mark owner. You do not need to be a South African citizen to register a trade mark, but
you must be using the trade mark in the Republic of South Africa. To register the trade mark you
must have a business address in South Africa. If you are represented by someone with an
address in the Republic of South Africa, the representative must be an admitted attorney in South

Can I use a trade mark on goods for export?

Yes, you can, but you must make sure that your trade marks do not infringe somebody else's
rights in the country/ies you are exporting to. Remember that your registration is valid only in the
territory of South Africa. You are strongly advised to use an attorney to conduct a trade mark
search for you in the country you are exporting to, or depending on the circumstances, apply for a

Can I use a well-known trade mark that is not registered in South Africa as my
own?

It is not possible to use a well-known trade mark as your own, because the Trade Marks Act (Act
194 of 1993) protects the original proprietor.

Why does a search have to be done?

A search has to be conducted to make sure there is no similar or identical trade mark on the
register preventing the registration of your trade mark. Click here
(http://www.cipc.co.za/index.php/find-enterprise-ip-informatr/sear/) for more information on special

When will it be possible to search via the Internet?

It is hoped that this functionality would be available in the second half of 2014.

How long does it take to do a search?

If you require a special search to be conducted, the office will provide a report within 15 working
days after receipt of the request for the special search.

How do I create a trade mark?

Create a brand name, slogan or logo (device) for your goods or services. Try to create something
distinctive that people will remember. Do not simply describe your goods or services, since this
will not serve to distinguish your business from other businesses with the same goods and

Can any sign be a registered trade mark?

No. The Act defines what can be regarded as a trade mark and more specifically exactly what
constitutes a trade mark. Click here (/index.php/trade-marks-patents-designs-copyright/trade-

Does a South African registration give protection overseas?

It does not. If you want to apply for overseas protection you must approach a trade mark attorney
in the relevant country to register the trade mark for you.
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Must I register through a trade mark attorney?

This is not necessary but you may find it useful to seek the assistance of a trade mark attorney if
your trade mark is refused or if there are any objections. If you do not reside in South Africa you
must however make use of lawyers to lodge the application for you.

How do I register my trade mark under the Trade Marks Act?

Click here (http://www.cipc.co.za/index.php/trade-marks-patents-designs-copyright/trade-marks/)

for information on how to register.

Please explain "admission" and a "disclaimer"

An admission is normally required where a word that is required for use in the trade by other
traders has been miss-spelt in a trade mark, eg “xpert” as opposed to “expert”. The applicant will
be required to admit that he does not obtain any exclusive rights in the word “expert”. A disclaimer
is required when a word that is required for normal use in the trade by other traders form part of a

Can I use a trade mark that is similar to or identical to mine?

The best course of action is to obtain written consent from the registered owner by contacting him

How much will my application cost?

The application fee for a trade mark is R590.00 for each class in which you apply, and for each
spare trade mark. This amount will not be refunded if the application is refused.

For how long is my registration valid?

A trade mark should be renewed every 10 years.

When will I know that it is due for renewal?

A trade mark is renewable every 10 years. This office will notify the trade mark owners / holders
six months before renewal is due. However it is also the responsibility of the trade mark holder to
ensure that he tends to the renewal in the proper time frame as the office cannot be held
responsible when a trade mark holder fails to apply for renewal timeously.

Can the Trade Marks Office give me any advice on whether my applications would
proceed to registration?

It is always advisable that the trade mark be searched before the application is made. This can be
done by requesting a special search on payment of a fee of R190.00 payable. However a special
search report ONLY indicates if there are prior conflicting marks on the register – it does not
indicate whether a mark will be found to be registrable or not during the period of examination.
This cannot be advised beforehand – only once the application is examined will an official action

Will the Registrar take action if my registered trade mark is infringed?

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The CIPC is not responsible for policing and/or enforcing an individual's trade mark rights. You
should approach your trade mark attorney for help.

Can I allow others to use my registered trade mark?

Yes.

You may allow others to use your trade mark on some of the goods or services for which it is
registered on such terms and conditions as you deem appropriate. A fee is payable.

Can I sell my registered trade mark?

Yes you can.

A trade mark is property just as any other and can be sold or given away. The Registrar must be
informed of the change of ownership and the conditions of the change of ownership. The new
owner must be noted in the Register for which a fee is payable.

Click here (http://www.cipc.co.za/index.php/trade-marks-patents-designs-copyright/trade-

What is the classification of goods and services?

A trade mark must be registered for goods or services falling in a particular class in accordance
with the prescribed classification, e.g. class 25 for clothing, footwear and headgear, class 5 for
pharmaceuticals and class 42 for the Internet services. The classification is an international one
used in all countries and can be found on the CIPC website under "Trade Mark classification of

Can trade mark registration be obtained in all 45 classes to keep out competitors?

A trade mark cannot be filed in all 45 classes just to keep out competitors. But if you intend to
actively use the trade mark in all 45 classes, you can apply for registration in all the classes.

Can I use my company name for a trade mark?

Yes, provided there is no similar or identical registered trade mark on the Register.

What can I do if I file for a trade mark and someone else complains that I am using
the name of his or her close corporation or company?

You will need to ask advice hereon from your lawyer as it will depend whether their right to use
the company name is stronger than your right to use the trade mark. It is advisable to do the trade
mark and company or close corporation searches simultaneously.

Does this office register Internet domain names?

This office do not register domain names, they are registered at http://co.za (http://co.za/)

How do I acquire a trade mark of someone who has died?

The best course of action is to approach the executor of the estate and discuss the matter with 

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What happens to a trade mark if the company / person is liquidated?

A trade mark is property that can be sold by the liquidator.

What do I do if someone objects to the registration of my trade mark?

Anybody who sees a trade mark advertised in the Patent Journal and believes that he / she may
have objections may oppose its registration within three months of it being advertised, by making
written representations to the Registrar. The same applies if you wish to object to the registration
of someone else's trade mark. If your trade mark is opposed it is advisable to seek professional
assistance from a lawyer.

Click here (http://www.cipc.co.za/index.php/trade-marks-patents-designs-copyright/trade-

Can a domain name be used as a trade mark?

Yes it can be used, but the owner cannot obtain sole rights to the common part of it , e.g. .co.za.

What needs to be filled in the application form? Why in triplicate?

Click here (http://www.cipc.co.za/index.php/trade-marks-patents-designs-copyright/trade-

marks/ho/) to view more information on how to apply.

If two people together own a trade mark, can one of the owners assign it to a third
party without the knowledge of the other owner? If not, why not?

No, because it is jointly owned and has to be jointly assigned.

Does the CIPC give loans to businessmen / women?

SEDA, a division of the dti may be able to assist you herewith. Their details can be obtained from
www.thedti.gov.za (http://www.thedti.gov.za).

Can I protect a registered design as a logo?

Yes you can, provided it falls within the definition and requirements of a trade mark.

What is an address for service?

It is a physical address, where you would like to receive your correspondence in respect of the
trade mark application. It must be an address in the Republic of South Africa.

Can I make use of electronic filing and communication with this office?

Only new applications can currently be lodged via our e-filing application. Click here
(http://www.cipc.co.za/IPservices.aspx) to go to IP e-Services.    In addition all documents

Does this office give barcodes?

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This office does not provide barcodes. Contact Barcode Systems at 011 444 3344. They will be
able to assist you.

Does this office register royalty agreements?

Please contact the Technology Promotions of the Department of Trade and Industry hereon.

What is a state emblem? Can I use it?

Such emblems fall under the protection of the Merchandise Marks Act, Act 17 of 1941.

The following are regarded as state emblems:

- the seal and coat of arms of the Republic,

- national monuments,

- the representations of the present and -

- all former State Presidents of the Republic.

Use can be made of these state emblems only with the permission of the Minister of Trade and
Industry, together with the consent of the owner of the state emblem and that of the National
Monuments Council.

In as far as the use of national the flag is concerned, use may not be made of it in a trade mark. In

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