Closure of patents office a heavy blow for innovation amid Covid-19 crisis
‘Some of the greatest inventions were the product of pandemics, wars and recessions’
05 April 2020 - 18:30
The closure of the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission’s (CIPC) trademarks, designs, patents, and copyright offices during the lockdown raises further risk for the economy, a legal expert has said.
The CIPC, a key entity housed within the department of trade & industry, is responsible for the registration of companies, co-operatives and intellectual property rights including trademarks, patents and copyright. Its proper functioning is crucial for driving innovation and facilitating the ease of doing business, an important pull factor for global capital...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.