# Trademark registration in South Africa

> Trademarks in South Africa are registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC); the official application to register a trade mark fee is ZAR 590 per class, and third parties can oppose within 3 months from advertisement in the Patent Journal. A registration lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed. South Africa is not in the Madrid System, so a national filing is needed.

Source page: https://trademarkshub.com/trademarks/south-africa
Facts checked against official sources: 2026-10-11

## Key facts
- **Trademark office:** Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)
- **Official fee:** ZAR 590 — Application to register a trade mark (Form TM1), per class
- **Madrid Protocol:** Not a member
- **Opposition period:** 3 months from advertisement in the Patent Journal
- **Protection:** 10 years from the filing date, renewable
- **Multi-class applications:** No — one class per application
- **Foreign applicants:** Any person or entity may apply, but the address for service must be in South Africa

## Official links
- Trademark office: https://www.cipc.co.za/
- Law: Trade Marks Act, 1993 (Act No. 194 of 1993) — https://www.gov.za/documents/trade-marks-act
- Law: Trade Marks Regulations (fees payable) — https://www.gov.za/documents/trade-marks-act-regulations-fees-payable

## Official fees (as of 2026-10)
- Application to register a trade mark (Form TM1), per class: ZAR 590 — One class per application
- Application for a certification or collective mark (Form TM1), per class: ZAR 310
- Request for search (Form TM2), per mark per class: ZAR 190 — Optional official search
- Notice of opposition or rectification (Form TM3): ZAR 260
- Renewal (Form TM5), per registration: ZAR 260
- Additional fee for renewal within one month after expiry: ZAR 48
- Restoration of a mark removed for non-payment of renewal fee: ZAR 145
- Recordal of assignment (Form TM6), first mark: ZAR 150

## Steps
1. Search the register for earlier conflicting marks; CIPC offers an official search on Form TM2 per mark per class.
2. File a separate Form TM1 application with CIPC for each class of goods or services, giving an address for service in South Africa.
3. CIPC allocates an application number and examines the application for registrability and conflicts with earlier marks.
4. Respond to any official action (objections or conditions) raised by the examiner.
5. Once accepted, request advertisement of the application in the Patent Journal (Form TM2).
6. If no opposition is filed within the opposition period, CIPC issues the registration certificate.

- **Examination:** CIPC examines applications on absolute and relative grounds; its published service standard is a first official action within 10 months from the date of application.
- **Publication:** Patent Journal (South Africa)
- **Opposition:** 3 months from advertisement in the Patent Journal
- **Timeline:** CIPC's service standards state about 10 months to a first official action and about 3 months (66 working days) from the end of the opposition period to issue the certificate where there is no opposition.
- **Late renewal:** Renewal may be filed up to 6 months after expiry; an additional fee applies when renewing after expiry, and unpaid marks are advertised and then removed (restoration available on payment of a fee).
- **Power of attorney:** A power of attorney is required when an attorney or agent files on the applicant's behalf; notarisation or legalisation requirements were not verified from an official source.
- **Language:** English
- **Use requirement:** a registration can be challenged after 5 years of non-use.

## Good to know
- South Africa is a single-class jurisdiction: each class needs its own application and fee.
- South Africa is not a member of the Madrid Protocol, so protection must be obtained through a national filing with CIPC.
- Registration dates back to the filing date, and the 10-year term runs from the date of application.
- A registered mark can be removed for non-use if it has not been used in good faith for a continuous period of five years from the issue date of the registration certificate (section 27 of the Act).
- Applications may be filed before the mark is used; prior use is not a filing requirement.

## FAQ
### How much does it cost to register a trademark in South Africa?
The official CIPC fee for a Form TM1 application is R590 per class, and each class requires a separate application. Renewal costs R260 per registration; attorney fees are extra.

### How long does trademark registration take in South Africa?
CIPC's service standard is a first official action within about 10 months of filing, followed by a 3-month opposition period after advertisement in the Patent Journal. The certificate is issued about 3 months after the opposition period ends if no opposition is filed.

### Is South Africa part of the Madrid Protocol?
No. South Africa is not a Madrid Protocol member, so owners must file nationally with CIPC.

### Can I file a multi-class trademark application in South Africa?
No. South Africa only accepts single-class applications, so each class needs a separate TM1 application and fee.

### How long does a South African trademark registration last?
A registration lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely for further 10-year periods. Renewal can still be filed up to 6 months after expiry with an additional fee.

## Sources
- CIPC – Trade marks forms and fees: https://www.cipc.co.za/?page_id=4074
- South African Government – Register a trade mark: https://www.gov.za/services/intellectual-property/register-trademark
- WIPO Lex – Madrid Protocol contracting parties: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/treaties/ShowResults?search_what=C&treaty_id=8

Need a firm that files in South Africa? Find one at https://trademarkshub.com/trademarks/south-africa (TrademarksHub lists IP firms by country; featured placements are paid and labelled).
General information, not legal advice.