If you are preparing to establish a new apparel brand in South Africa, consider the following:
First, determine whether you are permitted to use your brand name or emblem for a fee of R2,500 + VAT; and
Then, for R3,950 with VAT, file a South African trademark to protect your brand name/logo.
It is important to note that you cannot patent a clothing brand; instead, patents protect a new feature on a product, such as a new form of zipping/velcro fastener. You can, however, file a design patent to safeguard the unique shape of your dress/jacket/pants/sunglasses. Having said that, given the various garment designs that have been marketed over the world, the extent of protection provided by a registered design will be relatively limited.
How much does it cost in South Africa to register a brand name?
The trademark application fee is R590.00 for each class in which you apply and for each spare trademark.
In South Africa, where can I register a brand?
Since 1916, CIPC has managed the Register of Trade Marks, which is the official record of all trademarks that have been formally applied for and/or registered in the Republic of South Africa.
How much capital do I require to launch a clothing line in South Africa?
The best choice is to register it as a private company; in South Africa, the fee of creating a clothing brand is R175.
This also applies to registering a business. Trademark your logo; you will also need to trademark your logo, which will cost between R3 000 and R4 000.
