The Draft Intellectual Property Policy Phase 1 (2017) (Draft IP Policy) for South Africa was released on 9 August 2017. The release of the Draft IP Policy is one of the key stages of reform that is taking place in the Intellectual Property sector. This policy is in response to the National Development Plan and its aims of increased innovation and improvement in productivity.
The policy has an impact on a number of industries including technology and innovation, creative and industrial development, and consumer interests. The plan for South Africa’s IP Policy is to implement these reforms in phases. This policy is the first phase and focuses primarily on IP and public health, aspects of patent registration, and the implementation of obligations based on international IP agreements.
Where can you find the Draft IP Policy?
The Draft IP Policy is available online and government has called for comments on the policy. All commentary submissions on the policy can be emailed to [email protected] by no later than 9 October 2017.
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