Tag: Intellectual Property (IP)

In what can best be described as a robust and 'no bars held' move, Russia has declared that champagne producers must now include the designation 'sparkling wine' on their champagne products manufactured for export to Russia. 

A few months ago, intellectual property officials in South Africa became the first in the world to award a patent that names an artificial intelligence (AI) as the inventor of the product. The moment was a triumph for Ryan Abbott, a professor at the University of Surrey who has for years led a battle against patent offices around the world to recognise artificial intelligences as investor.

Footprints is a captivating story about intellectual property (IP). It speaks to its role in society, trade, industry, and economy and expounds on the actual meaning of IP. The book lays a solid foundation for innovators, entrepreneurs, businesses, and nations to realise their full potential through IP policy, legislation, use and practices.

Investors need to consider cyber preparedness in their investment decisions. Today, 100% of companies rely on the internet to operate, compared to the one-in-four 10 years ago, according to a study from Accenture.

Trade mark protection does not end at registration, and trade mark enforcement does not need to involve lengthy litigation or extensive legal fees for brand owners. Having a good trade mark enforcement strategy is essential in ensuring that a brand owner’s trade mark not only remains proprietary to them, but that it also does not become vulnerable to genericism.

Globally, the perennial battle to alleviate poverty is an enduring one and in this respect South Africa is no exception. According to Statistics SA almost half of the adult population in our country is living below the upper-bound poverty line.

Intellectual property (IP) created at universities can contribute to economic and social development and can support entrepreneurs in generating income through innovative business ideas. Innovation arising out of university research constitutes a rich source of IP.

The latest riots and looting in South Africa have been utterly devastating for local businesses. When the dust eventually settles, the reality is that many businesses are going to have a tough time bouncing back from the destruction. Those that are able to pick up the pieces will be the ones that have business interruption insurance in place.

Innovation is the driving force of modern business. In a rapidly changing world, organisations need to be able to adapt and transform at speed: in fact, change management is the most important soft skill for businesses of today.

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world implemented national lockdowns to contain the spread of the virus. As a result, borders were closed to passengers but specified cargo and retail goods for certain essential products and supplies were permitted.