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> the dti > the dti Group of Institutions > Regulatory Institutions > Company and Intellectual Property Registration Office (CIPRO) |
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Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office (CIPRO)
Introduction of Annual Returns - 1 September 2008
Vision
Global leadership in the efficient registration of business and intellectual property rights.
Purpose
To register businesses and intellectual property right, maintain related registries and develop
information for disclosure to stakeholders.
CIPRO offers the following services
The registration of Close Corporations
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A close corporation is ideal for people who want to establish a small business with
its members in a close relationship. Between one and ten people may register a close
corporation, affording them advantage of limited liability in a separate legal entity.
The following documents should be lodged with application:
- CK7 for Reservation of Name and R50.00 fee; CK 1 (in duplicate).
- Founding Statement R100.00; and, Letter by Accounting Officer, as well as Consent of person named as Accounting Officer of a Close Corporation to act in such capacity.
Application forms for the incorporation of a Close Corporation are available
from CIPRO public counters or can be downloaded from the
CIPRO website
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Registration &
Registration Procedure
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Registration of Companies
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There are 5 types of companies:
- Private Company generally referred to as Pty (Ltd).
- Public company that offers shares to the public and referred to as Ltd.
- Companies not for gain are commonly referred to as Section 21 company.
- External companies - foreign companies registered in SA.
- Incorporated companies where the directors remain jointly and
severally liable for debts, generally referred to as Section 53(b).
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Registration &
Registration Procedure
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Registration of Co-operatives
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A Co-operative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common
economic and social needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled
enterprise and which is organised and operated on co-operative principles.
There are various kinds of co-operatives. A co-operative registered in terms of the Co-operatives
Act may be a housing co-operative, workers co-operative, social co-operative, agricultural co-operative,
financial services co-operative, consumer co-operative, marketing co-operative, and transport co-operative.
It is important for a co-operative enterprise to register so that it can be recognized as a legal business entity.
How much does it cost to register a co-operative?
Currently the required amount for registering a co-operative is R 215-00. This amount is subject to
annual reviews meaning that in the coming financial year the stated amount can be less or more based on the
outcome of the negotiations.
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More information
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Registration of copyright
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A copyright is the right to protect ones work - which may be in the form of written and literal material,
computer programmes, artistic works, broadcast material, music, films or videos.
Protection is a method of preventing others from copying and reproducing your work or other material and
using it (without permission) for financial or other gain. Copyright is dictated by the Copyright Act 98 of 1978.
Having copyright provides ownership of material and it allows you to control commercial use of the
copyright material. The symbol that is most commonly used to indicate copyright is ©.
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Registration &
Registration Procedure
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Registration of Designs
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Essentially a design is anything that has a shape and features that appeal to
the eye. Some designs are functional while others are aesthetic.
Design refers to the shape, form, appearance, pattern, ornamentation and
configuration of a product or article, e.g. the design of a ring
(jewellery) is generally dictated by aesthetic features.
Two types of designs can be registered. Each has to comply with certain criteria for registration.
- An aesthetic design, which must:
- Be new and original
- Show beauty is in its shape, configuration or ornamentation
- Be able to be produced by an industrial process.
- A Functional Design, which must:
- Be new and not commonplace
- Have a shape or configuration that is necessitated by the function
- Be able to be produced by an industrial process.
Protection is afforded to aesthetic designs for a period of 15 years, and to functional
designs for 10 years. After three years, the registration of designs must be renewed annually.
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Registration &
Registration Procedure
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Registration of Patents
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When an invention provides a new way of doing something, or offers a unique solution to a problem,
it can be patented. The patent gives the patent holder protection and allows him or her to take
action to protect the patent.
Patent protection is granted for a limited period, generally 20 years. Patent protection
means that the invention cannot be commercially made, used, distributed or sold
without the patent holder’s consent. A patent can last up to 20 years, provided
that it is renewed annually from the third year.
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Registration &
Registration Procedure
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Registration of trademarks
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A trademark is a brand name, a slogan or a logo. It identifies the services or goods of one person or
company and distinguishes them from the goods and services offered by others.
Examples:
| Brand Names | Coca-Cola, Aquafresh |
| Slogans | Just do it! (Nike) |
| Logos | The Nike swoosh, or the McDonalds's M |
| Specific shapes | The Coca-Cola bottle |
It is not legally necessary to register a trademark, however it is advisable.
Unregistered trademarks may only be defended in terms of common law. The registration
provides the holder with a registration certificate with legal status, and this allows
the owner of the registered trademark to claim exclusive rights to use that mark.
A trademark can be protected forever, provided it is renewed every ten years.
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Registration
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The disclosure of corporate information
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CIPRO offers corporate information in the form of copies, certified copies,
and access to the CIPRO database. The offering provides confirmation of statutory
information, and certainty about corporate entities identities.
The offering is targeted at State Departments, Lawyers, Accountants, foreigners and members of the
public, who wish to track enterprises and individuals (to begin business, or sell products, or services),
or need the information for court purposes.
The steps required to receive corporate information are as follows:
- Contact our Customer contact centre at 0861 843 384 or visit CIPRO
offices at 77 Meintjies Street, Sunnyside Pretoria
- Submit an application for the necessary files or information
- Pay the required fee
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Information
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| CEO |
Mr Keith Wendel Sendwe |
| Tel |
0861 843 384 |
| Fax |
0861 843 888 |
| Email |
info@cipro.gov.za |
| Postal address |
PO Box 429, Pretoria, 0001
Intellectual Property: Private Bag X400, Pretoria, 0011
Co-operatives: Private Bag X237, Pretoria, 0001 |
| Website |
www.cipro.co.za
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