Professional Documents
Culture Documents
INPL7312 MO
This guide enjoys copyright under the Berne Convention. In terms of the Copyright Act, no 98 of
1978, no part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any other information storage
and retrieval system without permission in writing from the proprietor.
Table of Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Using this Module Outline ................................................................................................................. 4
This Module on Learn......................................................................................................................... 5
Module Resources .............................................................................................................................. 6
Module Purpose ................................................................................................................................. 9
Module Outcomes .............................................................................................................................. 9
Module Pacer ................................................................................................................................... 13
Glossary of Key Terms for this Module ............................................................................................ 31
Introduction
Welcome to Intellectual Property Law. This module will expose you to the various intellectual
property rights that ground South African Intellectual Property Law. This module presents the basic
concepts of intellectual property in relation to legislation that governs them as well as case law
that set outs the adjudication in our courts over disputes concerning these unique property rights
in practice. In examining relevant legislation and case law relating to Intellectual Property Law, you
will also learn about the significant impact that the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,
1996, has had on South African Intellectual Property Law. You will also have the opportunity to
engage with different Foreign legal systems, as well as the impact of International Human Rights
Law, and how they are compared to South African Intellectual Property Law, so that you can also
get a global perspective on the uniqueness and diversity that characterises South African
Intellectual Property Law.
Throughout this module, you will learn about intellectual property rights, concepts, principles and
remedies that flow should there be an infringement of these rights. Studying these rights along
with the Constitution, legislation, case law, foreign law and international legal concepts is integral
as it will assist you in answering questions based on given scenarios when faced with them in
practice.
Please remember that to get the most out of this module, it is essential that you read all the
prescribed texts and prepare for your classes accordingly. When doing so, keep a pen or pencil
handy, and make notes, ask questions, and provide comments as you read so that you engage more
deeply with the content in this module. Also remember that you have access to a variety of helpful
resources and active learn questions on VC Learn, that will assist you in understanding the content
of this module better as you work through your prescribed material and prepare for assessments.
We hope you will enjoy this module and take the opportunity to use the knowledge gained in your
future legal career.
This document includes a basic outline of the content of your module and should be used to guide
your progress through the course of this module. In it, you will find a module pacer, which outlines
the suggested hours for each learning unit. Additionally, your pacer includes the objectives that
inform the cognitive levels that you will be expected to engage with specific content. Please use
these objectives to prepare for your assessments and ensure that you have mastered them
accordingly.
An assessment brief section, which outlines the kinds of formative (developmental) and summative
(final) assessments that you will need to complete for the module, is also included in this
document. Please consult with this section so that you are suitably prepared for your assessments.
Finally, this document also includes a short breakdown of each learning unit. These are likely to
include various activities and revision questions for each learning unit. Again, please use these to
guide your comprehension and mastery of the content of this module so that you can successfully
meet the outcomes and develop the skills related to this module.
Kindly note:
• Unless you are completing this as a distance module, Learn does not replace your con-
tact time with your lecturers and/or tutors.
• INPL7312 and INPL7322 are Learn modules, and as such, you are required to engage
extensively with the content on the Learn platform. Effective use of this tool will pro-
vide you with opportunities to discuss, debate, and consolidate your understanding of
the content presented in this module.
• You are expected to work through the learning units on Learn in your own time – es-
pecially before class. Any contact sessions will therefore be used to raise and address
any questions or interesting points with your lecturer, and not to cover every aspect
of this module.
• Your lecturer will communicate submission dates for specific activities in class and/or
on Learn.
Module Resources
Prescribed Prescribed Textbook:
Material (PM) Dean, O. and Dyer, A. Dean & Dyer: Introduction to Intellectual Property
for this Module Law (2014) 1st ed Oxford University Press: Cape Town
ISBN: 9780199045792
Bills
• The Copyright Amendment Bill
[https://www.parliament.gov.za/storage/app/media/uploaded-
files/Copyright%20Amendment%20Bill%20Draft.pdf] [Accessed on
16 March 2023].
Journal articles
• Holland, J. Copyright Law and Freedom of Expression in South Africa
2017 8:2 Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journal of International Law and
Jurisprudence 1.
Case Law
• Waylite Diary CC v First National Bank Ltd 1995 (1) SA 645 (A)
• Klep Valves (Pty) Ltd v Saunders Valve Co Ltd 1987 (2) SA 1 (A)
• King v South African Weather Service 2009 (3) SA 13 (SCA)
• Galago Publishers (Pty) Ltd and Another v Erasmus 1989 (1) SA 276
(A)
• Jacana Education (Pty) Ltd v Frandsen Publishers (Pty) Ltd 1998 (2) SA
965 (SCA)
• Fax Directories (Pty) Ltd v SA Fax Listings 1990 (2) SA 164 (D)
• Bosal Afrika (Pty) Ltd v Grapnel (Pty) Ltd and Another 1985 (4) SA 882
(C)
• Frank & Hirsch (Pty) Ltd v A Roopanand Brothers (Pty) Ltd 1993 (4) SA
279 (A)
• Beecham Group plc and Others v Triomed (Pty) Ltd 2003 (3) SA 639
(SCA)
• Verimark (Pty) Ltd v BMW AG 2007 (6) SA 263 (SCA)
• adidas AG and Another v Pepkor Retail Ltd (187/12) [2013] ZASCA 3
• Société des Produits Nestlé SA v International Foodstuffs Co 2013
JDR 2699 (GNP)
• Laugh It Off Promotions CC v South African Breweries International
(Finance) BV t/a Sabmark International 2006 (1) SA 144 (CC).
• McDonalds Corporation v Joburgers Drive-Inn Restaurant (Pty) Ltd
and Another 1997 (1) SA 1 (A)
• Atlas Organic Fertilizers (Pty) Ltd and Others v Pikkewyn Ghwano (Pty)
Ltd and Others 1981 (2) SA 173 (T)
• Payen Components SA Ltd v Bovic Gaskets CC and Others 1995 (4) SA
441 (A) 29.
• Gentiruco A.G. v Firestone South Africa (Pty) Ltd 1972 (1) SA 589 (A)
• Ensign-Bickford (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd and Others v AECI Explosives
& Chemicals Ltd 1998 BIP 271 (SCA)
• University of Pretoria v Registrar of Patents 2011 BIP 41 (CP)
• Buzbee (Pty) Ltd v Registrar of Patents 2010 BIP 42 (CP)
• Clipsal Australia Pty Ltd v Trust Electrical Wholesalers [2007] SCA 24
[RSA]
• Ex Parte Chairperson of the Constitutional Assembly: In re
Certification of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996
Module Purpose
The purpose of this module is to provide students with sufficient knowledge of intellectual
property law so that they are able to respond to and resolve basic matters relating to
intellectual property.
Module Outcomes
MO01 Provide an overview of the development of intellectual property law.
MO02 Differentiate between the various types of intellectual property rights.
Advise on remedies available when an intellectual property holder’s intellectual
MO03
property has been infringed.
MO04 Analyse the various sources of law which regulate intellectual property law.
Apply this detailed knowledge to (together with an ability to) apply the various
MO05
sources of intellectual property law to a scenario-based question.
Assessments
Integrated Curriculum Engagement (ICE)
Minimum number of ICE activities to complete 4
Weighting towards the final module mark 10%
Take-Home Examination
The examination will assess • Consult your past examination papers for this module,
all learning units in this which will be made available prior to your examination.
module, and will include Make sure that you practice answering the sample
both theory and application- questions in the past papers so that you become familiar
type questions. with the kinds of questions likely to appear in the
examination itself.
You will be expected to • Ensure that you work through all the activities, exercises
respond to short and long and revision questions in your textbooks. You must have
theory-based questions, as completed the readings of your prescribed material to
well as application-type ensure that you have prepared adequately for your
questions with given examination for this module.
scenarios. • Engage with your lecturer in classes concerning any
questions or queries you may have regarding the module
content.
• Pay close attention to the instruction words (like list,
apply, describe, analyse etc.) and to the mark allocations
of each question to ensure that you provide the correct
depth and detail in your answers.
• Make sure that you are comfortable in responding to all
the objectives for all learning units.
• Brainstorm possible questions based on the learning
outcomes and objectives provided.
Module Pacer
Code Programme Contact Sessions Credits
INPL7312 LAW3 36 12
INPL7322 BLW3 36 15
Learning Unit 1 Copyright
Overview:
Just as the law regulates and protects ownership of personal property and real estate, so too
does it regulate and protect the exclusive control of intangible assets, such as intellectual
property. The term “intellectual property” is used to describe a variety of different products that
originate from human intellect, and which are protected by various rights, including copyright.
Copyright specifically regulates the legal rights to control the production and commercial use of
certain creative works such as works of art, written books, photographs and films, among other
types of media, for a limited amount of time.
The reason behind copyright is to provide owners of original material with the exclusive rights
to use and profit from such material for a given amount of time. This can arguably provide more
motivation for people to innovate and create when they can do so with the assurance that their
rights are protected.
In this learning unit, we will look at the concept of copyright and protectable works, the
legislative framework regulating copyright protection, ownership of copyright, assignment and
licences related to copyright, the law as it pertains to the infringement of copyright and the
impact of the Constitution, 1996 on the law of copyright.
Please work through Themes 1,2,3,and 4, together with the relevant sections of your prescribed
source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives for this learning unit,
please also ensure that you complete all activities on Learn.
The challenge you may experience in this learning unit relates to the concept of what constitutes
a ‘work’ with reference to Copyright, so ensure that you are familiar with the various concepts
and terminology as set out in the chapter and the way that these are used in this module by
referring to the definitions in para 1.2 Chapter 1 for this unit.
Overview:
Trademarks may therefore consist of a brand name, such as a word or combination of words
(e.g., Burger King), a slogan which is a short phrase or a sentence, (e.g., Just Do It) or a logo
which is a distinctive picture or symbol (e.g., the Apple on Apple Inc. products).
In this learning unit, we will look at the nature and essence of trademarks; the law as it relates
to the registration of trademarks and associated formalities; assignment, transmission and
licences related to trademarks; the law as it pertains to the infringement of trademarks; the
concept of “passing off”; and the impact of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,
1996 on trade marks.
Please work through Themes 1,2,3 and 4, together with the relevant sections of your
prescribed source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives for this
learning unit, please also ensure that you complete all activities on Learn.
The challenge you may experience in this learning unit relates to the concept of what
constitutes a “mark” and “passing off” so ensure that you are familiar with the various
terminology as set out in the chapter and the way that these are used in this module. Also pay
careful attention to infringement and the remedies available.
McDonalds Corporation v
Joburgers Drive-Inn Restaurant
(Pty) Ltd and Another 1997 (1)
SA 1 (A)
Theme 4: Trademarks and the Constitution,
1996.
LO11: Discuss the impact of the Van der Walt AJ and Shay RM
Constitution, 1996, on trademarks. Constitutional analysis of
Intellectual Property 2014 17:1
PER/PELJ 51.
Overview:
Unlawful competition, or unfair competition, entails the rules, primarily of a common law
origin, that regulate the competitive process between traders.
Generally, every person can freely carry on his or her trade or business in competition with his
or her rivals. However, there are rules which seek to ensure that competition in business
remains within fair bounds and that no trader benefits at the expense of his or her rivals though
the use of improper business methods. Unlawful competition occurs when a trader commits a
wrongful (unlawful) act which causes damage to a competitor by interfering with such
competitor’s right to attract custom or to conduct business.
In this learning unit, we will look at the law as it pertains to unlawful competition, including the
development of unlawful competition and related concepts; types of unlawful competition and
defences against unlawful competition.
Please work through Theme 1, together with the relevant sections of your prescribed source/s.
To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives for this learning unit, please
also ensure that you complete all activities on Learn.
The challenge you may experience in this learning unit relates to the concept of “unlawful
competition” so ensure that you are familiar with the various terminology as set out in the
chapter and the way that such terminology is used in this module. Also take note of the
remedies available in relation to unlawful competition.
Overview:
Counterfeit goods are goods that fraudulently imitate and use another’s brand name to lead
consumers into believing that they are buying the genuine product. The Counterfeits Goods
Act 37 of 1997 was specifically introduced to prohibit the trade in counterfeit goods in South
Africa, and to protect the owners of trademarks, copyright works and certain other marks
against the unlawful misuse of their intellectual property rights.
In this learning unit, we will look at the regulation of counterfeit goods in South Africa, including
the introduction of the Counterfeit Goods Act 37 of 1997, and search and seizure operations in
relation to counterfeit goods.
Please work through Theme 1, together with the relevant sections of your prescribed source/s.
To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives for this learning unit, please
also ensure that you complete all activities on Learn.
The challenge you may experience in this learning unit relates to the concept of “counterfeit
goods” so ensure that you are familiar with the various terminology as set out in the chapter
and the way that these are used in this module. Take careful note of how these items are
regulated as well as the penalties attached to the offence.
Overview:
A “patent” is an intellectual property right which provides the owner with a statutory
monopoly right to protect their invention. A patent owner receives the exclusive right to
prevent or stop others from commercially exploiting the patented invention for a fixed period
of time. In exchange, however, a patent owner is required to fully disclose their invention,
thereby enabling others to exploit the invention once the patent term has come to an end.
Over the years, there have been countless examples of exciting inventions in terms of which
patent rights have been granted. You need not look further than the incandescent light bulb,
the electronic mouse that controls your desktop computer or the clickable mechanism found
in certain pens.
In this learning unit, we will look at patents as a concept and applicable law; the requirements
and procedure for obtaining a patent; the revocation of a patent; and the law as it pertains to
the infringement of patents.
Please work through Themes 1,2,3 and 4, and, together with the relevant sections of your
prescribed source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives for this
learning unit, please also ensure that you complete all activities on Learn.
The challenge you may experience in this learning unit relates to understanding the territorial
nature of the right related to patents as well as the legislative framework governing patents
and requirements and procedure for obtaining a patent. Please note what constitutes
infringement and pay attention to the defences and remedies available in relation to patents.
Overview:
In this learning unit, we will look at the concept of designs and its linkage to other forms of
intellectual property; the legislative framework concerning designs; the basic requirements for
obtaining a registered design; the revocation of a design; the infringement of a registered
design and the law as it pertains to the concept of traditional designs.
Please work through Themes 1,2,3,and 4, together with the relevant sections of your
prescribed source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives for this
learning unit, please also ensure that you complete all activities on Learn.
The challenge you may experience in this learning unit relates to understanding the legislative
framework governing designs, the basic requirements and procedure for obtaining a registered
design. Please note what constitutes infringement and pay attention to the defences and
remedies available in relation to designs.
Overview:
Intellectual property rights are regarded as sui generis categories of property in private law,
and as such, they may be regarded as property for the purposes of the right to property as
enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. The right to property, as
provided for by section 25 of the Constitution, lays down strict requirements that the State
must adhere to before a deprivation or expropriation of property, which includes intellectual
property, will be regarded as being constitutionally valid.
In this learning unit, we will look at intellectual property rights and section 25 of the
Constitution, 1996; intellectual property rights and constitutional rights in foreign law; and the
connection between international human rights law and intellectual property.
Please work through Theme 1, together with the relevant sections of your prescribed source/s.
To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives for this learning unit, please
also ensure that you complete all activities on Learn.
The challenge you may experience in this learning unit relates to understanding the
background of section 25 of the Constitution as well as the relevant case law. Being able to
apply case law to given scenarios will be your biggest challenge with this module but if you
apply the rules of FIRAC appropriately, you should manage this learning unit with ease.