Best Patent Lawyers in South Africa

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Joubert & May

Joubert & May

Tzaneen, South Africa

Founded in 1929
English
Established in 1929 by Danie Joubert and Captain Frank May, Joubert & May is the oldest law firm in Tzaneen, South Africa, with a legacy spanning over 96 years. The firm has played a significant role in the development of the Letaba District and has consistently been ranked among the top law firms...
Bowmans

Bowmans

Cape Town, South Africa

Founded in 1885
1,000 people in their team
Afrikaans
English
Who we areWe help our clients manage legal complexity and unlock opportunity in Africa.We have an enviable track record of providing legal services to the highest professional standards in Africa. We work for clients across numerous African jurisdictions on corporate, finance, competition,...

Werksmans Attorneys

Cape Town, South Africa

Founded in 1917
English
Werksmans Attorneys stands as a leading law firm in South Africa, recognized for its comprehensive legal expertise across a broad spectrum of practice areas. With a rich history dating back more than a century, the firm is distinguished by its deep industry knowledge, innovative solutions, and...
Matsaung Mafika Prestige Legal Pty Ltd.

Matsaung Mafika Prestige Legal Pty Ltd.

Pretoria, South Africa

Founded in 2020
10 people in their team
English
Southern Sotho
Afrikaans
Tswana
Tsonga
Xhosa
Venda
M.M Prestige Legal is a dynamic consulting firm offering a full range of legal services to both corporate and individual South Africans. Through our professionalism and comprehensive knowledge of the South African Justice system, we ensure that our legal team offers  services of the highest...
Tabacks

Tabacks

Johannesburg, South Africa

Founded in 2000
200 people in their team
Afrikaans
English
Our storyTabacks was started by Lourens van Staden, Mervyn Taback and Rupert Smith, when they decided to break away from Deneys Reitz (with Elize Serfontein and Catharine Keene also from Deneys Reitz joining them a few months later).The intention was to start a boutique law firm, primarily focused...
Charl Goenewald

Charl Goenewald

Pretoria, South Africa

Founded in 2000
10 people in their team
Afrikaans
English
Charl Groenewald is an expert franchise lawyer and skilled litigator who is well renowned for his skills pertaining to franchise litigation and resolving franchise disputes. Having been a franchisor himself, Charl understands both the business of a franchise as well as the challenges faced by...
Barnard

Barnard

Pretoria, South Africa

Founded in 1998
200 people in their team
Afrikaans
English
About BarnardBarnard Incorporated is a leading and full-service commercial law firm based in Pretoria, South Africa. We provide a comprehensive range of legal services, including corporate and commercial law, property law, commercial litigation, mediation, insurance, wealth protection and family...
SD Law

SD Law

Johannesburg, South Africa

Founded in 2011
10 people in their team
Afrikaans
English
Attorney Simon Dippenaar has a BBusSc LLB degree and Professional Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Cape Town, and is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa. He is the founder and director of private legal practice, Simon Dippenaar & Associates, with offices in...
BC Attorneys Inc.

BC Attorneys Inc.

Cape Town, South Africa

English
Established in 2001, BC Attorneys Inc. is a distinguished law firm located in Oude Westhof, Bellville, South Africa. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services to a diverse clientele, both domestic and international. Their areas of expertise encompass consumer-related transactions,...
Engelsman Magabane Incorporated

Engelsman Magabane Incorporated

Kimberley, South Africa

Founded in 1948
50 people in their team
Afrikaans
English
Protecting the Law Since 1948The firm was established in 1948 by HJ Stander and was originally known as HJ Stander and Partners, but has since changed its name to Engelsman Magabane Incorporated. The firm incorporated the practices of Roelof Greeff Attorneys during 1997, Coetzee & Associates...
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About Patent Law in South Africa

Patent law in South Africa is designed to protect the rights of inventors and creators of new products and technologies. A patent grants the holder exclusive rights to their invention, preventing others from making, using, or selling the product without permission. To obtain a patent in South Africa, the invention must be new, involve an inventive step, and be capable of industrial application.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer for patent-related issues such as infringement, licensing, protection of intellectual property rights, and navigating the patent application process. A lawyer can provide legal advice, conduct patent searches, draft patent applications, and represent you in court if necessary.

Local Laws Overview

In South Africa, patent rights are governed by the Patents Act, No. 57 of 1978. The Act sets out the requirements for patentability, the rights of patent holders, and the procedures for filing and prosecuting patent applications. It is important to understand the local laws and regulations to protect your intellectual property rights in South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a patent?

A patent is a legal right granted to inventors that allows them to exclude others from making, using, or selling their invention for a certain period of time.

2. How long does a patent last in South Africa?

In South Africa, a patent is granted for a period of 20 years from the filing date of the application.

3. What can be patented in South Africa?

Inventions that are new, involve an inventive step, and are capable of industrial application can be patented in South Africa. This includes products, processes, and improvements to existing technologies.

4. How do I apply for a patent in South Africa?

To apply for a patent in South Africa, you must file a patent application with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and meet all the requirements for patentability.

5. What rights does a patent grant me?

A patent grants the holder the exclusive right to make, use, and sell the invention in South Africa. This prevents others from using the invention without permission.

6. Can I sell or license my patent?

Yes, patent holders can sell or license their patents to others. This allows them to profit from their invention without having to manufacture or sell it themselves.

7. What is patent infringement?

Patent infringement occurs when someone uses, makes, or sells a patented invention without the permission of the patent holder. This can result in legal action and damages for the infringing party.

8. How can a lawyer help with my patent application?

A lawyer can help with patent searches, drafting the patent application, responding to office actions, and ensuring that all legal requirements are met to obtain a patent in South Africa.

9. What happens if my patent application is rejected?

If your patent application is rejected, you have the opportunity to appeal the decision or make amendments to the application to meet the requirements for patentability.

10. How much does it cost to file a patent application in South Africa?

The cost of filing a patent application in South Africa varies depending on the complexity of the invention and the services required. It is important to budget for filing fees, attorney fees, and maintenance fees for the duration of the patent term.

Additional Resources

For more information on patent law in South Africa, you can visit the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) website or consult with a registered patent attorney.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance with patent-related issues in South Africa, it is recommended to consult with a qualified patent attorney who can provide guidance and representation throughout the patent process.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in South Africa through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Patent, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in South Africa—quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.