Trademark applications undergo formal and substantive examination, assessing conflicts with earlier marks and registrability criteria.

Examination by the Trademark Registrar usually occurs within 12 to 18 months after filing, with a decision issued within 6 months from the examination date.

The applicant may submit a consent letter or co-existence agreement, which, if duly signed and sealed, can help overcome refusals. In cases involving foreign entities, a notarized letter may be required.

Applicants must respond within 3 months of receiving the examination report. This deadline can be extended indefinitely in 3-month increments.

Once accepted, the trademark is advertised in the Trademark & Patent Journal (published monthly), opening a 3-month opposition period for third parties.

If no opposition is filed, the registration certificate is issued within 3 to 5 months after the opposition period, with no additional registration fees required

As of 1 October 2021, CIPC issues electronic registration certificates only; no hard copies are provided.

Yes, trademarks containing words in languages other than South Africa's eleven official languages require a meaning and derivation submission after the initial examination stage.