How to Register a Trademark in South Africa
Quick Answer
How to Register a Trademark in South Africa
Register a trademark at CIPC‘s trademarks office: search the register for conflicts, file form TM1 in the correct classes of goods or services (about R590 per class), wait for examination and advertisement, and receive 10-year renewable protection. Company registration alone does not protect your brand.
What this means in plain language
A trademark is the only real fence around a brand name or logo. Your CIPC company name stops another company registering the same name – it does nothing against a competitor trading under it.
Trademarks are registered per class (45 classes cover all goods and services). A clothing brand and a software product with the same name can coexist – class selection is where strategy lives.
Who this applies to
- Businesses with a brand name, logo or product name worth protecting
- Anyone investing in packaging, signage or marketing around a name
Step by step
- Search the CIPC trademark register for identical or confusingly similar marks.
- Identify the classes covering your goods or services.
- File form TM1 with CIPC, per class, with the fee.
- Respond to any examination queries or objections.
- After advertisement and no opposition, the mark registers for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
What it costs
| Item | Cost / detail |
|---|---|
| Trademark application | About R590 per class (CIPC fee) |
| Renewal (every 10 years) | Renewal fee per class |
| Using a trademark attorney | Professional fees on top – worth it for valuable brands |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Building a brand for years before searching the register – rebranding costs more than filing.
- Registering in the wrong class – protection does not extend outside it.
- Assuming the .co.za domain or company registration protects the name – they do not.
A South African example
A Stellenbosch craft gin brand files in class 33 (alcoholic beverages) before printing labels. Two years later a lookalike name appears; the registration certificate ends the argument with one attorney’s letter.
Related questions
Always verify this information with official South African government sources. Rules, fees and thresholds change. Check SARS, CIPC, the Department of Employment and Labour or gov.za before you act.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a trademark cost in South Africa?
The CIPC filing fee is about R590 per class of goods or services. Most small brands file in one or two classes. Attorneys charge professional fees on top if you use one.
How long does trademark registration take?
Commonly 12 to 24 months from filing to registration, because of examination and the advertisement period for opposition. Your priority date, however, is the filing date.
Is my company name automatically trademarked?
No. Company registration, domain names and trademarks are three separate systems. Only a registered trademark gives exclusive brand rights in your class – file separately.
Official sources
About BizAnswers: BizAnswers is a privately owned South African company – not a government department. Our guides are free to read and show you how to do things yourself through official channels. If you would rather have the paperwork handled for you, we assist individuals and businesses with filing their South African tax returns and staying compliant, which is a paid service, not a free government service. Contact us for help.
Last reviewed: September 2026 by the BizAnswers editorial team. How we write and check our guides.
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