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Trademark Registration

What you need to know

A trademark gives a brand or logo legal protection from anyone trying to copy it. 

Good to know

Each class is a separate application and has a separate filing fee. 



Price :  From R1800
How long does it take?   10 Days to Receipt


Call Centre
021 595 4433

Email
info@swiftreg.co.za

WhatsApp
060 070 2089

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Trademark?

A trademark gives your brand or logo legal protection from anyone trying to copy it. 

Is my Trademark only protected in South Africa?

Trademark protection is only valid in the country where the trademark is registered. Therefore to have a worldwide trademark you would need to register your trademark in each country. This can be very costly. Trademarks registered with CIPC are only protected in South Africa.

What type of Trademarks are there?

There are a number of different types of Trademarks for example trademarks for shapes or sounds, but word marks and logo’s are by far the most popular.

What can’t you trademark?

You can’t trademark a national flag nor any national symbols such as Table Mountain.

Can I use superlatives?

No, it is best to avoid words like biggest, best or fastest. Also don’t use common words like cheese, or 24 hours.

What is a Trademark class?

All goods and services are divided into 45 different categories called classes. It is essential to register your Trademark in the correct class or classes as the protection is limited to the specific class in which it is registered. Each class is a separate application and has a separate filing fee. 

Is each class a separate application?

Yes, each class is a separate application and therefore a separate filing fee. For example class 25 is clothing, footwear and headgear.  

When can you use the abbreviation TM?

As soon as you have received your filing receipt from CIPC you are legally allowed to use the abbreviation TM. This usually takes about a week and shows that your application is in process. 

When can you use the abbreviation R?

Only once you have received you trademark certificate can you start using the R symbol. This shows that you have a registered trademark. This process can take up to 18 months however your protection will be backdated until to the initial filing date.   

From what point of the process is my Trademark protected?

Your trademark only receives its protection on final registration, however the date is then backdated to the original filing date. 

How long does it last?

A trademark last for 10 Years after which you can renew it.

Can you sell a Trademark?

Yes, a trademark is an asset which you can sell.

Copyright vs Patent

Copyright, Patents and Trademarks are all Intellectual property. Copyright refers to artistic works such as books or photographs and does not need to be registered. While patents refer to inventions and must be registered.
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