Region: South Africa

FTC urged to enforce INFORM, Taiwan revises dispute guidelines, Poland amends copyright law – legislation and policy watch (July 2024)

WTR’s monthly column tracks trademark and related policy developments, including the progress of major bills, from around the world.

29 July 2024

South Africa: Targeted law is already scoring big wins against domestic fakes

Featured in Anti-counterfeiting and Online Brand Enforcement: Global Guide 2024

The Counterfeit Goods Act is a crucial weapon in the battle against homegrown infringement, setting out the procedures and penalties needed to take on counterfeiters. Inspectors have far-reaching powers to search for, seize and detain goods that are suspected to be counterfeit.

24 June 2024

DUMAX and DULUX - same paint, different colour?

Paint giant Akzonobel, owner of the DULUX mark, successfully asserted infringement under Section 34(1)(c) of the Trademarks Act, which protects against dilution of well-known marks.

30 January 2024

Brand protection at the South Africa border: insights and strategies from the front line

Featured in Border and customs protection around the world

In the next edition from our series, we take readers on a journey to understand the challenges of – and best solutions for – brand protection at South African borders.

21 December 2023

Shoprite Checkers v Pick 'n Pay: a whole herd of horses from the same stable?

This decision of the Western Cape High Court is noteworthy in that it deals with passing off in respect of an entire range of products, rather than a single product-to-product comparison.

06 December 2023

Amazon to launch in South Africa; INTA Leadership Meeting keynotes; Next acquires Fatface – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at Rolex topping the list of seized counterfeit watches in South Korea, police issuing a warning over a fake Wilko website, and much more.

17 October 2023

Determining the ‘crax’ of the matter: an application of Section 10(17) in opposition proceedings

This Supreme Court of Appeal’s judgment clarifies that Section 10(17) of the Trademarks Act is not limited to cases involving dissimilar goods or services.

10 October 2023

South Africa: Targeted law is already scoring big wins against domestic fakes

Featured in Anti-counterfeiting and Online Brand Enforcement: Global Guide 2023

The Counterfeit Goods Act is a crucial new weapon in the battle against homegrown infringement, setting out the procedures and penalties needed to take on counterfeiters.

29 September 2023

Supreme Court of Appeal strongly criticises High Court decision in ‘iCollege’ dispute

The ruling highlights the importance of a thorough and holistic assessment of trademarks in infringement cases.

28 July 2023

Supreme Court of Appeal rules on effect of disclaimers and admissions

This is a rare example of a judgment tackling the issue of the effect of an endorsement, such as a disclaimer or an admission.

09 August 2022