How To Register A Brand Trademark In South Africa
If you want to market your product abroad, you can register a trademark at the South African Trademarks Office. Foreign registrations are also possible. You would be required to give trademark attorneys a copy of your planned trademark (name, slogan, or logo), as well as information about all the goods and services you intend to use the trademark on. A separate foreign trademark registration should only be obtained if you also want to market your product in other countries. Trademarks are registered at the South African Trademarks Office. In South Africa, trademark registration can take up to a year.
Reasons to file a trademark in South Africa:
A trademark is a distinctive mark used to identify your products.goods or services you obtained from another. According to the South African Trademarks Act No. 194, trademarks are registrable as long as they meet certain criteria. Competitors may attempt to copy your product if you are in the process of establishing your brand’s reputation. Registering a trademark is an affordable way to safeguard your brand and reputation while ensuring that the public does not mistake your products or services for those of your rivals.
Protective period for trademarks
A trademark must be renewed in South Africa every ten years to remain in use after being registered. Trademarks have no set expiration date, in contrast to patents, registered designs, and copyright. When you don’t pay the required fees to renew your trademark,if you don’t pay the renewal payments, your rights and trademark are forfeited.
What does it cost in South Africa to trademark a brand?
We charge R4,090 + VAT for the first trademark (inclusive of trademark publication and registration costs). Trademarks after the first are R2,950 plus VAT. It requires 1 to 2 days to file a trademark. A few forms will be prepared and sent to you for signature.
How to register your company name as a trademark
Search. To make sure the name you want to trademark isn’t already protected as a trademark, you must first conduct a search of the federal database.
Apply. Prepare your trademark application now that you have checked and verified the name you wish to trademark.
File.
How long does it take in South Africa for a trademark to be approved?
The process of registering a trademark in South Africa can take anywhere from one to two years. A trade mark is in effect once it has been registered for a period of ten years from the application date, and it is renewable every ten years from the application date.
