Academics at INTA

There was dismay in African IP circles about the perceived lack of attention given by INTA to IP isues on our continent. A small consolation emerged from the workings of the Organising Committee of the INTA Academic Day. At this day, a session is devoted to presentations by members of their scholarly work. Academic members were invited to provide details of their projects. Only eight proposals were accepted for presentation. One of these was from Wim Alberts, Professor in Intellectual Property Law at the University of Johannesburg, and also special IP Counsel for Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs. The project he will present is a comparison between English and South African law on passing off. The emphasis will fall on the protection granted to foreign plaintiffs. In English law, the Crazy Horse hardline approach is followed, which requires the presence of goodwill. In contrast, post-Caterham, all that South African courts require is the existence of a reputation. This is not unlike the position under s56 of the UK Trade Marks Act. Afro-IP wishes Wim well.