Guide for South Africans on intellectual property

10 April 2002 News

The value of intangible assets should not be underestimated, and must be protected by law. This is the opinion of Adrienne Viljoen, general manager of the SABS Design Institute.

Viljoen explains that knowledge of intellectual property rights is a major factor in business today, and becomes more relevant with the globalisation of trade. Often, prospective business people and designers do not know where to begin when it comes to protecting their intellectual rights.

"How often do you hear stories of how the inventor did not make a cent, but those who followed him made a fortune from his invention," Viljoen says. "This is not an urban legend, this is a harsh reality in the world in which we live today.

"Legal protection will ensure that the original creator of a design receives the full commercial benefit, and new product design could entail features that qualify for benefits under one or more of the four major fields of law that govern intellectual property in South Africa and abroad."

Issues such as copyright, design registration, patents, trademarks, counterfeit goods, licences, product liability, tax implications and intellectual property acts and treaties are just some of the topics covered in a new booklet just released by the SABS Design Institute. Titled the Guide for South Africans on Intellectual Property Rights, this guide has useful information and contact details.

For further information contact Adrienne Viljoen, SABS Design Institute, 012 428 6326, or see www.sabs.co.za/design

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