What is a Logo?
A logo is a graphic mark, emblem, or symbol used to aid and promote public identification and recognition.
Logo Registration In South Africa
A company logo/product logo/service logo which is used in trade to distinguish your goods or services from the goods and services of others is eligible for trademark registration.
To Trademark a Logo it must be distinctive and not only describe the goods or services to which it relates. The logo may not be identical or confusingly similar to a trademark that is already registered, applied for, or used in South Africa in respect of the same or similar goods or services.
Why should you trademark a logo?
If you are in the process of building the reputation of your product/service. Ensure that the buying public does not confuse your goods or services with those of your competitors, registering a trademark is a cost-effective way of protecting your name and reputation.
We would require you to provide us with a copy of your intended trademark – be it a simple name or slogan, or a stylized logo.
We would also require details of all products or services that you intend applying the trademark to. This is necessary, as one has to file a separate trademark application in each of the international classes relating to your product(s) or service(s).
Search
Please advise if a search is required.
Applicant
Full names and a copy of ID, passport, or registration documents. Physical and postal address of the applicant.
Trademark
What is the mark to be protected? If it is a logo, please send an electronic copy.
Class(es):
Please describe the relevant goods or services
VAT:
Entity to be invoiced and VAT registration number (if applicable)
Trademarks are registered at the South African Trade Marks Office (CIPC) and foreign trademark registrations may be obtained should you wish to market your product in foreign countries.
Trademark Search
The trademark should be searched before the application is made. We can conduct searches through the records at the South African Trade Marks Office. This will indicate whether there are existing trademarks that are identical or similar to yours. Foreign trademark searches may also be conducted, should you wish to have a search conducted through the trademark offices of foreign countries.
A search has to be conducted to make sure there is no similar or identical trademark on the register preventing the registration of your trademark. We recommend doing an international trademark search in each of the countries in which you wish to file a trademark registration.
Trademark Duration
Once a trademark is registered in South Africa, it needs to be renewed every 10 years to stay in force. However, provided you continue renewing your trademark registration, your rights to the trademark may last indefinitely.
If your registered trademark has not been used in South Africa for a continuous period of 5 years, another person may apply to have it removed from the Register.
How much does it cost to trademark a logo in South Africa?
Our charge for the first trademark is R4,090 plus vat (inclusive of trademark publication and registration costs). Subsequent trademarks cost R2,950 plus vat.
To file a trademark takes between 1 and 2 days.