BUSINESS BRIEF: SOUTH AFRICA


“COPYRIGHT OWNERS BEAR THE ONUS OF PROVING EXISTENCE OF COPYRIGHT IN PROTECTABLE WORKS. OFTEN INFRINGEMENT TAKES PLACE WITHOUT THE OWNER’S KNOWLEDGE.”


Copyright What are the key challenges to copyright owners in your jurisdiction? Copyright owners bear the onus of proving existence of copyright in protectable works. Oſten, infringement takes place without the owner’s knowledge. Having knowledge of infringement is naturally important. It is notoriously easy to infringe copyright and South Africa is no exception.


How should people ensure they are protected against copyright infringement? No formalities exist for the acquisition of copyright. Protection will subsist automatically in the event that the owner fulfils certain basic requirements. It is important for the copyright owner to be proactive in frequently conducting investigations to identify possible infringements. It is advisable to conduct awareness campaigns on using copyright to prohibit, for example, unauthorised reproductions. As a start, one can apply the universally recognised © symbol to a work.


What is the best way to deal with infringement, and what are the costs associated with it? In most cases, a formal cease-and-desist letter must be sent to the alleged infringer. In the absence of a favourable response or an outright rejection of


the only alternative is


the copyright owner’s demands, to seek appropriate


relief from the High Court, eg, an interdict. Copyright litigation is generally technical and expensive.


Have there been any changes to the copyright law(s) in the last 12 months? As with trademarks, draſt legislation introducing


www.worldipreview.com


Danie Pienaar is a senior associate at Spoor & Fisher. He specialises in patent and design law, particularly in the fields of


electronic and computer


related inventions. He can be contacted at: d.pienaar@spoor.com


Herman Blignaut is a partner at Spoor & Fisher. He specialises in trademark enforcement (brand protection), copyright and unlawful competition matters. He is a fellow of the South African Institute of IP Law. He can be contacted at: h.blignaut@spoor.com


the concept of ‘traditional knowledge’ into the Copyright Act has been approved by parliament, but is not yet in force.


Counterfeiting How big a problem is counterfeiting in your jurisdiction? Counterfeit goods have become a major cause for concern and threat to the South African economy as well as IP owners. Te prevalence of counterfeit goods in the South African market has been increasing in recent years and


the demand for such goods has been further fuelled by the recent recession.


What industries are particularly at threat? Certain goods automatically come to mind, namely clothing, footwear, eyewear and optical discs. However, counterfeiting is not a problem that is limited to a particular class or type of goods. Anything from motor parts, medicines, cosmetics, clothing, footwear and perfumes to food items can be, and are being, illegally manufactured and sold.


World Intellectual Property Review Annual 2015 109


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