South Africa (ZA)

South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. With over 60 million people, it is the world’s 23rd-most populous nation and covers an area of 1,221,037 square kilometres (471,445 square miles). South Africa has three capital cities: executive Pretoria, judicial Bloemfontein and legislative Cape Town. The largest city is Johannesburg. About 80% of South Africans are of Black African ancestry, divided among a variety of ethnic groups speaking different African languages. The remaining population consists of Africa’s largest communities of European (White South Africans), Asian (Indian South Africans and Chinese South Africans), and Multiracial (Coloured South Africans) ancestry.

Intellectual property protection in South Africa

Intellectual property office Companies and Intellectual Property Commission Department of Trade and Industry (CIPC)
Website http://www.cipc.co.za/
Contact details Block F
the dti Campus
77 Meintjies Street
Sunnyside
Pretoria
(27 12) 394 1298

Patent

Time limit applicable for entry into the PCT national phase 31 months from the priority date
Time limit applicable for filing Conventional application 12 months from the priority date
Language English
Representation Foreign applicants must be represented by a South African Patent Attorney
Power of Attorney A signed Power of Attorney is required to be submitted in original

Trademark

Filing requirements
  • Applicant(s) details
  • Representation of the mark
  • List of good(s) and/or service(s) in accordance with International classification
Multiple-class applications No
Power of Attorney A Power of Attorney can be provided any time before examination
Opposition period Within three months from the publication of the application
Representation Foreign applicants must be represented by a South African Trademark Attorney

Industrial Design

Filing requirements
  • Applicant's name and address
  • Designer’s name and address
  • Representation of the design
Multiple design applications No
Power of Attorney A signed Power of Attorney can be submitted along with the application or within six months
Examination Formal examination
Representation Foreign applicants must be represented by a South African Design Attorney

Source: WIPO and Wikipedia