Copyright law had its origins in the 18th Century when the need was felt to protect the investment of printers in carrying out the new-fangled process of mass production of books. Its ambit was extended over the years to cover additional forms of works such as musical and artistic works and then in the 20th […]
The age old proverb says “there is no smoke without fire”. The legislatures of several countries are about to turn this proverb on its head. The anti-smoking lobby has gained such strength in these countries that the fire brands of the anti-smoking lobby with their fiery rhetoric have moved governments to do their utmost to […]
Two related United States Bills were recently the topics of much controversy. Public outcries and widespread online protests were followed by an unprecedented Internet blackout on 18 January 2012. The Internet blackout was supported by the likes of Google, Facebook, Reddit and Wikipedia to name but a few. The blackout was not only supported by the Internet […]
We are all familiar with the old academic adage, “publish or perish”, but when commercialisable research outputs have associated potential intellectual property, any published or presented outputs from the research prior to filing patent applications can result in a minefield for the patent applicant. There are two important intrinsic requirements for obtaining a patent for […]
Can Food Recipes be Patented in South Africa? Cookery has become one of the most popular past times of the last few years. This is illustrated by the enormous popularity of TV shows such as “Masterchef” and “Come Dine with Me”; and cookbooks by celebrity chefs such as Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson. This leads […]
The Advertising Standards Authority (“ASA”) has ruled that retailer Woolworths must stop using the phrase GOOD OLD FASHIONED as it imitates beverage manufacturer’s “GOOD OLD FASHIONED SOFT DRINKS” advertising slogan. In 2006, beverage manufacturer Frankie’s Olde Soft Drinks (“Frankies”) launched its FRANKIES range of drinks. The range was based on “vintage” flavouring, which was emphasised […]
The Anton Mostert Chair of Intellectual Property Law (University of Stellenbosch) and the Professional Development Project (University of Cape Town) is pleased to announce a short course (3 days) in IP law aimed at non-legal or non-IP practitioners, those in business, commerce, engineering, arts or sciences or indeed anyone with an interest in this crucial field of law. The course is specifically designed to provide students with an introduction to this field of law and its practical application, and has no admission or examination requirements.
If you cannot beat them, join them. For that reason this Chair of IP has decided to announce a NEW sui generis Protection of Traditional Knowledge Bill in the hope that something may yet be done to save us all. Government’s current attempt at protecting traditional knowledge by amending current IP statutes remains an unmitigated disaster, […]
