On 9 April 2013 the Law Society of the Northern Provinces issued a ruling on keyword advertising by attorneys practicing in its jurisdiction. The ruling is aimed at preventing attorneys from using the names of other attorneys to attract clients.
In terms of the ruling attorneys are not allowed to make use of search terms that make use of:
- “the name(s) or surname(s) of another attorney, firm of attorneys or incorporated practice, unless those name(s) or surname(s) are reasonably connected to the advertising member(s);
- any website name of another attorney, firm or incorporated practice; or
- any phrase or term which is the trademark of another attorney, firm of attorneys or incorporated practice and must cease using any phrase or term when advised in writing that a trademark application is pending in respect thereof.”
Click here for a copy of the ruling.
