Intellectual Property

Intellectual property (IP) refers to intangible, novel creations that originate from the human intellect, such as innovations, literary and artistic works and names and symbols used in commerce. In the majority of countries, there are four primary types of IP that are protected by law, namely: patents, trademarks, copyright and trade secrets.

IP is regulated by the Copyright Act, 1978, Patents Act, 1978, Trademarks Act, 1993, Designs Act, 1993 and the Registration of Cinematography Act, 1977.