South Africa: Closure of the trade marks, designs and patents office during national lock-down

by Janine Hollesen, Director and Donvay Wegierski, Director

South Africa is currently in a 21 day national lockdown to combat the spread of COVID-19, scheduled to end on 16 April 2020.  Our firm continues to operate remotely with lawyers and support staff working from their homes, as we do our part to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) announced a closure of the Patents and Trade Marks Office from 26 March 2020 to 30 April 2020.  During this period it will not be possible to file any trade mark, design or patent applications in South Africa.  These days will be regarded as dies non and any deadlines that fall within this period will automatically be extended to the next normal business day.  We expect the first normal business day to be 4 May 2020 due to 1 May 2020 being a national holiday.

We continue to render all our IP services throughout Africa in collaboration with our associate firms and will keep you informed of relevant changes and measures taken by the Patent and Trade Mark Offices in other African countries.  

We take this opportunity to wish you, your families and loved ones good health, safety and wellbeing and we believe that we if continue to stand together to support each other we will get through this difficult time.  Werksmans continues to publish COVID-related information, including legislative developments which may impact you, your business and your clients.   For up to date information please visit www.werksmans.com.

Stay safe and healthy.