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Tanzania confirms recognition of ARIPO trade mark registrationsRecent legislative changes in Tanzania have clarified the...
15/10/2026

Tanzania confirms recognition of ARIPO trade mark registrations

Recent legislative changes in Tanzania have clarified the recognition and enforceability of ARIPO trade mark registrations designating the country, bringing certainty following the 2025 Court of Appeal decision.

The development strengthens confidence in the ARIPO system and provides greater certainty for brand owners seeking regional trade mark protection across Africa.

Our latest newsflash examines the legislative changes and what they mean for existing and future trade mark portfolios.

Click on the below link to read the full newsflash, or contact [email protected] for assistance.

https://www.kisch-ip.com/Articles/Read/539/NEWSFLASH--Tanzania-confirms-recognition-of-ARIPO-trade-mark-registrations-OR-Tanzania-reverses-course-on-ARIPO-trade-marks-New-legislation-confirms-enforceability

What happens to the old brand after a rebrand?While much attention is given to launching a new identity, the management ...
14/10/2026

What happens to the old brand after a rebrand?

While much attention is given to launching a new identity, the management of existing trade mark rights is often overlooked. Abandoned brands can retain significant value and, if they are not properly protected this may create opportunities for third parties.

In his latest article, Daniel Pekar explores why rebranding requires careful consideration of both new and legacy intellectual property assets.

Read the full article on our website here : https://www.kisch-ip.com/Articles/Read/538/REBRANDING-AN-ESTABLISHED-BUSINESS-WHEN-A-NEW-BRAND-INHERITS-DECADES-OF-COMMERCIAL-SUCCESS

A trade mark registration is only as strong as the territory in which it is protected.For brands operating across border...
14/10/2026

A trade mark registration is only as strong as the territory in which it is protected.

For brands operating across borders, gaps in a filing strategy can create significant enforcement challenges when competing organisations seek to use the same or similar names. The challenge for rights holders is ensuring that protection keeps pace with commercial expansion.

In his latest article, Viteshen Naidoo discusses the dispute between New Zealand Rugby and the NRL's proposed PNG Chiefs franchise, and the lessons it holds for brand owners managing valuable trade marks internationally.

Read the full article on our website here : https://www.kisch-ip.com/Articles/Read/537/WHOS-THE-CHIEF-NEW-ZEALAND-RUGBY-THE-NRL-AND-THE-BATTLE-OVER-A-TEAM-NAME

Athlete identities are more than trade marksAn athlete's identity can be just as valuable as any registered trade mark. ...
08/10/2026

Athlete identities are more than trade marks

An athlete's identity can be just as valuable as any registered trade mark. But what happens when a brand uses the essence of that identity without using a name, logo or registered mark?

In his latest article, Viteshen Naidoo explores the legal questions raised by Erling Haaland's dispute with Norwegian Air, and what it reveals about image rights, passing off and how South African law approaches the protection of personal identity.

Read the full article on our website here: https://www.kisch-ip.com/Articles/Read/536/THE-DIVINE-PONYTAIL-NO-NOT-THAT-ONE-HAALAND-NORWEGIAN-AIR-AND-THE-VALUE-OF-AN-ATHLETES-IDENTITY

A breakthrough innovation does not need to be visible to create substantial patent riskThe recent Apple vs Taction dispu...
07/10/2026

A breakthrough innovation does not need to be visible to create substantial patent risk

The recent Apple vs Taction dispute highlights how a single component within a larger product can become the focus of a multi-billion dollar litigation.

For technology businesses, the challenge is not only protecting innovation, but also understanding whether individual features may intersect with third-party patent rights.

In his latest article, Fredo Stroh explores the lessons this case has to offer on patent scope, infringement risk and freedom to operate.

Read the full article on our website here: https://www.kisch-ip.com/Articles/Read/535/APPLE-VS-TACTION--SMALL-COMPONENT-S-SUBSTANTIAL-PATENT-RISKS

Don’t rush to grant: the strategic value of timing in patent prosecution.Timing plays an important role in the prosecuti...
06/10/2026

Don’t rush to grant: the strategic value of timing in patent prosecution.

Timing plays an important role in the prosecution strategy of international patent portfolios, particularly as applications progress on varying timelines across jurisdictions.

South Africa’s patent system does not yet conduct substantive examination for novelty and inventive step. As a result, a patent application may reach acceptance well before corresponding applications in other jurisdictions. Strategically delaying acceptance can therefore create valuable flexibility to take account of developments during foreign prosecution and refine the South African claims before grant.

In her latest article, Annelise Engelbreg considers how this approach can strengthen alignment across an international patent portfolio and better position South African patents for future enforcement.

Read the full article on our website here: https://www.kisch-ip.com/Articles/Read/534/USING-DELAY-OF-ACCEPTANCE-STRATEGICALLY-IN-SOUTH-AFRICA

The South African Department of Health has published proposed Regulations prescribing fees under the Hazardous Substance...
06/10/2026

The South African Department of Health has published proposed Regulations prescribing fees under the Hazardous Substances Act for Group III and Group IV hazardous substances, which may affect a range of regulatory activities, including licensing, authorisations, renewals, imports, exports, amendments, and inspections.

Businesses and institutions operating in the healthcare, medical technology, laboratory, and research sectors whose activities fall within the scope of the Hazardous Substances Act should consider the potential impact of the proposed Regulations and whether to make representations before the comment period closes.

Click the link below to Read our latest newsflash to understand the proposed changes and what they could mean for your business.

https://www.kisch-ip.com/Articles/Read/533/NEWSFLASH--Healthcare-and-Related-Sectors-Invited-to-Comment-on-Proposed-Hazardous-Substances-Fees

Regulatory approval and patent clearance are not the same thing.A crop-protection product may satisfy the applicable reg...
01/10/2026

Regulatory approval and patent clearance are not the same thing.

A crop-protection product may satisfy the applicable regulatory requirements and still face obstacles arising from third-party patent rights. Regulatory approval enables market access, but it does not guarantee freedom to operate.

A key challenge for businesses is identifying potential patent obstacles before significant investment is committed to product development, registration and launch.

In their latest article, KISCH IP Chairman At van Rooy and Dr Diseko Boikanyo, explore why patent freedom to operate should form part of a coordinated market-entry strategy.

Read the full article here : https://www.kisch-ip.com/Articles/Read/526/REGULATORY-APPROVAL-AND-PATENT-FREEDOM-TO-OPERATE

Jersey introduces independent trade mark registrationSince 01 August 2026, applicants have been able to seek trade mark ...
30/09/2026

Jersey introduces independent trade mark registration

Since 01 August 2026, applicants have been able to seek trade mark registration directly in Jersey without first obtaining a UK registration. Jersey also requires a separate designation for new protection sought through the Madrid System.

Transitional provisions preserve qualifying existing rights, so the implications for each portfolio depend on how protection was obtained and its current status. Brand owners with interests in Jersey should review their coverage and renewal arrangements.

Our latest newsflash outlines the changes and the considerations for existing and future filings.

click the link to read the full newsflash: https://www.kisch-ip.com/Articles/Read/531/NEWSFLASH--Jersey-introduces-independent-trade-mark-registration or contact [email protected] for assistance.

The National Consumer Commission (“NCC”) has published Draft Guidelines on Product Descriptions, Labelling, Issuance of ...
29/09/2026

The National Consumer Commission (“NCC”) has published Draft Guidelines on Product Descriptions, Labelling, Issuance of Sales Records and Price Disclosure Requirements under the Consumer Protection Act, 68 of 2008 (“CPA”).

The Draft Guidelines are intended to clarify the NCC’s intended approach to compliance and enforcement in terms of the existing CPA framework, relating specifically to product claims, labelling, pricing practices, and sales-record systems.

Stakeholders should review the Draft Guidelines against the applicable products, claims and relevant approval processes, with regard to the broader regulatory framework and established industry practices, in order to identify any misalignment or regulatory exposure arising from the NCC’s proposed approach.

Read the full update and key considerations our latest KISCH IP newsflash here: https://www.kisch-ip.com/Articles/Read/530/NEWSFLASH--NCC-Publishes-Draft-Consumer-Compliance-Guidelines-For-Comment

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