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ChecklistIntellectual PropertyMedium
IP Protection Checklist
IP Protection Checklist for preparing documents, facts, dates, and questions connected to intellectual property.
Time to prepare2-5 hours
Before you start
0/2 completedNeed help with this checklist?
Get support from a lawyer who works with intellectual property matters.
Before the appointment
0/2 completedOn consultation day
0/2 completedAfterwards
0/2 completedWhen It Applies
You need to protect or review a trade mark, copyright work, design, patent, domain name, licence, or brand dispute.
You need a preparation pack before speaking to an IP lawyer or patent attorney.
Not For
- Filing strategy, patentability, registrability, infringement, or valuation advice without specialist review.
Documents
- Brand assets
- Logo files
- Source files
- Creator records
- Contractor agreements
- Assignments
- Registration records
- CIPC references
- Licences
- NDAs
- Use evidence
- Infringement screenshots
Timeline
- Before launch: check ownership and protection route.
- Before filing: collect use and creator evidence.
- After filing: track office actions and renewals.
- If copied: preserve infringement evidence and get advice before contacting the other party.
Tips
- Keep dated source files.
- Get contractor assignments in writing.
- Search before investing heavily in a brand.
- Ask before public disclosure of inventions or designs.
Warning Signs
- A contractor created key brand or software assets without assignment terms.
- A competitor is using a similar name or logo.
- An invention was disclosed publicly before advice.
- A renewal, opposition, or takedown deadline is close.
Official sources
- CIPC intellectual propertyTrade mark, patent, design, and IP registration context.
- Trade Marks Act 194 of 1993Trade mark protection context.
- Copyright Act 98 of 1978Copyright protection context.
This checklist is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
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