Tag: Adams and Adams

South Africa has officially adopted the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification (NCL 13-26) with effect from 1 January 2026. The World Intellectual Property Office implemented this edition on the same date. The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) gave notice through Practice Note 3 of 2025, published on 9 December 2025. The notice confirms that the updated classification applies to all trademark specifications from 1 January 2026.

A recent judgment from the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court provides a crucial interpretation of Section 35(1) of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA). The decision explores the limits of employer immunity under COIDA when tragic incidents occur during employment, but not necessarily arise from it.

When provident fund contributions are not paid, it is the beneficiaries who suffer the most. A reconsideration application before the Financial Services Tribunal confirmed that employers remain bound to honour their obligations. This applies regardless of the probationary status of employees or any transfer of business.

A recent decision from the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, in the matter between Hammond Power Solutions Inc. vs National Union Fire Insurance Co. (2025), provides important guidance on the interpretation of exclusions in commercial general liability (CGL) policies.

The High Court of South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal Local Division, Durban, recently delivered judgment. This follows a dispute concerning the supply of liquid petroleum gas (LPG). The Plaintiff, a supplier of LPG, had provided the product to the First Defendant over several years.

Recently, the Johannesburg High Court dismissed a personal injury case against an institution. The court found no evidence of negligence or wrongdoing on its part. In recent years, South Africa has witnessed a growing trend of litigation.

Can a professional services firm rely on a client’s assurance to avoid notifying its claims-made liability insurer of a claim? This question holds significant importance in claims-made professional liability insurance. The insured must disclose potential claims upon first becoming aware of an error or omission.

We see it weekly in the news. Headlines like “South African National Anti-Counterfeit Task Force seizes counterfeit goods worth R100 million, suspects arrested” capture attention. However, what happens to these suspects after their arrests and charges?

A traditional healer's income loss claim in a recent High Court case highlighted the complexities of compensating for personal injuries.

Insurance disputes and appraisals often arise when determining the value of damaged or destroyed property under policy limits. Disputes often arise between insurers and policyholders regarding the value of insured property. Some of these disputes are resolved with little difficulty, as the value can be relatively easily established.