In the third episode of a three-part podcast series by Adams & Adams on doing business within the dynamic intellectual property world of Africa, the firm’s partner Wilhelm Prozesky and Adv Rory Voller, Commissioner of the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), explore the latest trends surrounding patents in South Africa.

Adv Voller provides a status update on the CIPC’s move from a formal examination system towards a substantive search and examination (SSE) system for patent applications in South Africa, after a decade-long consultation. He discusses the progress of actions taken so far, looks ahead at the challenges of implementation, and explains how Adams & Adams have been involved in the transformation.

In a chat with Managing IP’s Rani Mehta, Prozesky and Adv Voller discuss the benefits for patentees once SSE has been implemented, while also considering the changes in assignment requirements and other notable procedural changes at the Patent Office that patentees and businesses need to be aware of.