Trademarks in South Africa generally follow a single-class filing approach, meaning a separate application is required for each class of goods or services.
Applications must include a clear representation of the trademark and payment of official fees.
A formal and substantive examination by the CIPC determines eligibility based on distinctiveness and non-conflict with earlier marks.
Registrations last for 10 years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely for further 10-year terms.
Applicants must provide accurate details (name, address) and specify the class of goods or services.
Owners of registered trademarks may institute legal proceedings in South African courts to prevent and claim damages for unauthorized use of an identical or confusingly similar mark.