Trademark Registration in South Africa
Overview of Trademark Protection in South Africa
The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is responsible for overseeing trademark registrations in South Africa, providing businesses with exclusive rights nationwide through a single application. Unlike regional or unregistered trademarks, a national South African trademark offers comprehensive legal protection, ensuring your brand is safeguarded across the entire country.
For businesses looking to establish a strong presence in the South African market, securing a trademark with the CIPC is a vital step. With South Africa’s strategic location in Africa and its significant role in the continent’s economic growth, securing a trademark here offers not only local protection but also positions your brand for potential expansion into other African markets.
Aspect
Details
Official Trademark Office
Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)
Relevant Law
The Trade Marks Act No. 194 of 1993, and the Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Act No. 38 of 1997. Common law principles also apply
Countries Covered
South Africa
Registration Period
10 years (renewable)
Renewal Requirement
Every 10 years
Trademark Examination
The application process includes a classification, and formalities check alongside an examination on both absolute and relative grounds. The absolute grounds assessment primarily evaluates whether the mark is distinctive enough to differentiate your goods and/or services from those of others.
Additionally, under relative grounds, the CIPC will assess whether your mark is likely to deceive, cause confusion, or conflict with any identical or similar prior registrations.
Opposition Period
3 months after publication, extendable for further periods of 3 months each
Use Requirement
Must be used within 3 years of registration to maintain validity
Average Registration Time
2-3 years to receive the Certificate of Registration if no refusals or objections occur
Unique Aspects
– South Africa offers the possibility to file applications using the Nice classification, which an international system for the classification of goods and services for trademark applications
– South-Africa follows a single-class filing system
– In South Africa, it is possible to establish rights to an unregistered trademark through use, in accordance with common law principles
Fixed registration prices. No surprises.
We simplifying legal hurdles—transparency and fair pricing always come first.
The National Registration fee, starts at:
Basis fee South Africa
EUR 1500
Additional class
EUR 600
Trademark registration prices are per trademark and always include the local official authority fee and Trademarkhost services like…
- Identical check
- trademark assessment
- Risk analysis
- Strategy advice
- Classification analysis and specification
- Filling of Applications up to and including registration
- Certificate of registration
- First advice refusal and/or opposition
VAT: For EU members all prices are exclusive of VAT.
Aprox. Prices: These are indicative, non-binding, starting prices and the final cost may vary depending on your specific situation, including the number of classes, and any changes to official fees set by the relevant government authority.
International Registration system: If you are considering using the Madrid International Trademark System, please note that costs per country are typically lower compared to filing directly through national procedures. We’re happy to check whether this option is suitable for your specific case — just get in touch with us for a tailored quote.
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