As a versatile legal firm offering many aspects of legal as well as conveyancing and notary services, one of the primary areas of law that we cover under our Attorney banner is intellectual Property law – a fairly complex issue not always clearly understood by those who should be protected by it.
We have recently celebrated Worker’s Day and fittingly our workers should be given full credit for their massive contribution to the economy. As vitally important, however, as those who work with their hands are the many who work creatively and these people, at some time or another, will probably need to protect the Intellectual Property that they create.
Decide what you need to pursue
A valuable word of advice to save you time and money when dealing with an Intellectual Property (or I.P) law matter is that it is best to decide in advance which area of protection you need when it comes to I.P. We advise that you talk to an attorney like Glenn Rooseboom Inc, well versed in I.P law, ASAP to determine this.
Having done so you need to file as quickly as possible to reduce your chances of not being protected ahead of any opposition and Investigate international patents as well as those registered in South Africa. As soon as you start your company or invent something new let’s get started on it!
In the months of May and June we will be looking into the four primary types of Intellectual property protection – and a basic overview of POPI- but this article focuses specifically on that all too important issue of Patents.
What are patents?
Patents are one of the primary areas dealt with within the scope of Intellectual Property. In essence, a patent grants the property rights of an invention, allowing the patent holder to exclude others from making, selling, or using it. The three types of patents are Utility, Design and Plant.
It is only with correct patent protection that an individual or company can be in a position to take legal action against anyone who copies their invention, design, or discovery if they so desire. The patent protection process is complicated, however, and can be extremely expensive. It will save you time and money to hire a qualified I.P Attorney dealing with Patents.
Consult the experts
Glenn Rooseboom Inc. has for many years been servicing our client’s Intellectual Property needs professionally and with the necessary attention to detail required when it comes to this sometimes very complicated facet of the law.
Talk to us today if you believe you have an Intellectual Property worth protecting and watch this space for the next article on trademarks which are not, as some people may think, the same thing as a patent.
We salute our workers – and as for our Mums, well where would we be without you – have a terrific Mother’s Day!
