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What is a Trade Mark?
A trade mark is a brand name, a slogan or a logo. It identifies the services or
goods of one person and distinguishes it from the goods and services of another.
Examples include:
Trade Mark
(Brand Name)
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Slogan
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Logo
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Shape
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COCA-COLA
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STANDARD BANK
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MOVING FORWARD
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NIKE
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JUST DO IT
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MTN
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HELLO THE FUTURE
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Note: The above are all extracts from the South Africa Trade Marks Register.
Thus a brand name is a word or combination of words (e.g. Kentucky Fried Chicken).
A slogan is a short phrase or a sentence and a logo is a distinctive picture or
symbol. They provide a distinctive identity in the marketplace and can apply to
both products and services.
When a trade mark (brand name, slogan or logo) has been registered, nobody else
can use this trade mark, or one that is confusingly similar. If this happens, legal
action may result.
Must a Trade Mark be Registered?
A trade mark can only be protected as such and defended under the Trade Marks Act , 1993 (Act 194 of 1993) if it is registered.
Unregistered trade marks may be defended in terms of common law. The registration
procedure results in a registration certificate which has legal status, allowing
the owner of the registered trade mark the exclusive right to use that mark.
CIPC administers the Register of Trade Marks which is the record of all the trade
marks that have been formally applied for and registered in the Republic of South
Africa.
What is the Lifespan of a Trade Mark?
A registered trade mark can be protected forever, provided it is renewed every ten
(10) years upon payment of the prescribed renewal fee.
Additional Information
- Photo copies of documents - R1.00.
- Inspection of register, a file or documents - R4.00.
- For collating documents for certification - for every 100 words or part thereof
- R4.00.
- Certification of extracts from register or documents (per document) - R34.00.
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