SOUTH AFRICA
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Trade Mark Services & Trade Mark Lawyers
Forms part of
- ARIPO
- OAPI
- MADRID
- SERVICE CLASSES
- NICE CLASSIFICATION 11th Edition
- WELL-KNOWN TRADE MARKS RECOGNISED?
- SOUTH AFRICA
- ARIPO
- OAPI
South Africa is a party to the Paris Convention for Protection of Industrial Property. It is possible to claim priority under the Paris Convention.
South Africa follows a single class filing system and recognises both goods and service classes in terms of the 11th edition of the Nice Classification.
The total time from filing to registration is approximately 18 to 24 months. Trade mark applications are examined for compliance with formal and substantive requirements and are published in the official gazette after acceptance. Trade marks may be opposed within 3 months from the date of publication.
Well-known trade marks in terms of the Paris Convention and common law trade marks are recognised in South Africa.
Trade mark registrations are valid for 10 years from the date of filing and may be renewed indefinitely for 10-year periods thereafter.
A registered trade mark may be cancelled on action by an interested party if it has not been used for a continuous period of 5 years after the date of registration.
Customs recordals are possible.