CIPC Urges Firms to Register Trademarks Early

Registering a company does not automatically protect its name, logo or brand, business owners must apply separately through CIPC.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Financial Planning

CIPC Urges Firms to Register Trademarks Early

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At the African Summit on Entrepreneurship & Innovation 2026, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) said company registration does not automatically give a business trademark protection. A trademark can protect a business name, logo or other distinctive brand identity, and owners apply through CIPC.

Why it matters

Without a registered trademark, businesses may find it harder to prevent others from using their name or brand. The guidance comes as the summit's panel discussed funding barriers that entrepreneurs face.

Trademarks must be renewed every 10 years to remain in force. Business owners apply for trademark registration through CIPC, which also handles company registration, patents and designs.

The players

Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)

CIPC is the South African government body that handles company registration and intellectual property services, including trademarks, patents and designs.

African Development Bank

The African Development Bank is a multilateral lender that funds development projects across the African continent.

The details

CIPC explained that a company's registration and its brand protection are separate steps. The Inventor Assistance Programme also connects eligible inventors with patent professionals.

ASENTI 2026 was held in 2026 under the theme Re-imagining Partnerships for Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Africa.
Trademark registrations must be renewed every 10 years.

Market Dynamics

CIPC's guidance sits within its wider role administering trademarks, patents and designs for South African businesses. It reflects the same policy focus on formalising intellectual property protection that underpins the commission's registration services.

Business owners who skip trademark registration may leave their brand name and logo unprotected. Applying through CIPC is a separate step from company registration and must be completed by the owner.

The takeaway

Registering a company is not the same as protecting its brand, so owners should apply for a trademark through CIPC. Remember that trademarks need renewing every 10 years to stay in force.