The CIPC offers a number of free search facilities. Through these searches, you can find out whether an identical trade mark, company name for a corporate entity exist or establish whether a similar patent or design already exist.

Initial searches are free of charge and customers need a customer code for most of these services.  If you do not have a customer code, click here to register as a CIPC customer.

On this page, you can find basic and detailed searches and requests for disclosure.

Basic Searches

• Corporate Name Search
• Trade marks
• Public Patent Search (click on basic search)

More Detailed Search

These searches may require fees.  Please select the appropriate option:

• Trade Mark Special Search
• Public Patent Search (click on Advanced Search)
• Design Search before filing
• IP Online
• Patent Journal

• Do you want to verify the existence or details of a company or close corporation?
• Do you want to print a company or close corporation certificate?
• Do you want to purchase electronic data from CIPC?
• Do you require copies of documents / certification of documents or authentication letters?
  • Companies or close corporations
  • Co-operatives

Do you want to peruse a file:

• Company or close corporation file
• Co-operative
• Trade Mark
• Patent
• Design