INTRODUCTION “Plagiarism” is a much misunderstood and misused term in common parlance. In layman’s terms, it is generally used to convey the notion of copying or reproducing the work of another in a clandestine manner. Although it is not specifically mentioned or perhaps even considered as an element, by implication it entails such misuse being […]
There is a common misconception concerning copyright works, namely, that the person who has commissioned the creation of a copyright work also owns the copyright in such a work. This article will illustrate that, in the absence of an express contractual arrangement, it is only in a limited number of situations that the commissioner of […]
In an attempt to circumscribe the range of “nefarious conduct”[1] that may amount to plagiarism, many resort to a discourse on ethical standards,[2] literary technique,[3] institutional values, citation methodology, copyright infringement[4] or theft.[5] Although these discussions, at least in part, approach a grasp on what plagiarism means, none are acceptable from a legal perspective. Moreover, […]
Following its comprehensive review and comments submitted on the 2015 and 2017 versions of the Copyright Amendment Bill, the Chair of IP law has again submitted comments on the 2018 version. The full text of the Chair’s comments, authored by Proff Sadulla Karjiker and Owen Dean, is available for download here. Download written comments
THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED Watch the video of the lecture below. The annual Intellectual Property Law Public Lecture, presented by the Chair of IP Law and the Faculty of Law, will take place on 16 August 2018. Prof. Dr. Christoph Ann will deliver the lecture on the topic Patent Enforcement – lessons for SA […]
Prof Owen Dean’s latest work, The Summit Syndrome, is still fresh off the presses and is already attracting wide attention and resounding praise (read more here). This fictional courtroom drama is inspired by a real and fascinating copyright infringement/plagiarism case in SA and is a riveting read for everyone. Protea Bookshop will host a launch of […]
The Licensing Executives Society (LES) of South Africa, in collaboration with Parallel North – Sweden, will be hosting a course on intellectual property valuation under the theme “Realising Value from Intangible Assets”. To be an expert IP valuator, you need to understand IP rights, commercial considerations and in the South African context also regulatory issues. […]
Prof Owen Dean discussed the case of Mbube (The Lion Sleeps Tonight) by Solomon Linda on Kaya FM. You can listen to the interview here.
Prof Owen Dean recently discussed the likelihood of legal action by Laduma Ngxokolo against fashion house Zara for infringement of the MaXhosa by Laduma designs. The interview with Prof Dean was broadcast on 702 radio as part of the Night Talk programme hosted by Gugulethu Mhlungu. You can listen to the interview here. Featured image source: http://www.maxhosa.co.za/about
To celebrate world IP day, Stellenbosch University, Innovus, the Chair of IP Law and Spoor & Fisher will host a private screening of the film The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks on 25 April to coincide with the World IP Day Seminar, which will start later on the same day. The film, starring Oprah Winfrey, is based […]
