Response from CIPRO

[Martinco]

Wow ! Look at the response time from CIPRO. I guess I am lucky to even get a read receipt

Your message

To: Info
Subject: Trade mark registration
Sent: 17 March 2011 10:21:25 AM (UTC+02:00) Harare, Pretoria

was read on 11 May 2011 08:44:53 AM (UTC+02:00) Harare, Pretoria

[Dave A]

I wonder how much longer it takes to get the actual registration?

[Chrisjan B]

Seems I am lucky - ABSA only took three days to acknowledge receipt...

[Martinco]

I wonder how much longer it takes to get the actual registration?

Dave, I seem to remember my application is now a few weeks from 3 years old.

Well done CIPRO !!!!

[roryf]

Hi Martin,

I know that I have replied on a previous thread but I have had some info back from CIPRO. I registered for 2 trademarks in May 2010 using Trademark Attorneys, I received a letter from our attorneys in February this year stating that the registrar had examined one of our trademarks and wanted a minor change, which we agreed.

At least I know that CIPRO are looking at my trademarks and something is happening. I am not sure how much longer I am going to have to wait,much patience is required in SA. I would try get hold of them on the phone and start chasing them - if possible?

Good luck.

[Dave A]

Of course it's not even CIPRO anymore. It's the Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission.

Browsing around, I see we need to submit supporting documents along with annual returns now. What has me curious is this:

Supporting documents required for lodging of annual returns can be handed in when lodging annual returns, or within 20 business day thereafter. This can be emailed to annualreturns@cipc.co.za

The following supporting documents are needed for lodging of annual returns:

•Certified ID copies of all company directors and the applicant

Why not just a scan of the original if you're going to accept emailed scans of certified copies?

[Martinco]

Hi Roryf,

Also used a trademarks registering specialist company and they report back to me now and so often but I just thought I shall inquire myself direct to CIPRO, hence the "quick" email read receipt.

I simply do not have the stamina to phone them as I am sure it will take a very long time to get to the right person.
So..........wait is the name of the game !

[Martinco]

Browsing around, I see we need to submit supporting documents along with annual returns now. What has me curious is this:

Why not just a scan of the original if you're going to accept emailed scans of certified copies?

Yes, makes no sense what-so-ever ! What about CC members ? They specifically talk about directors

[BusFact]

Yes, makes no sense what-so-ever ! What about CC members ? They specifically talk about directors

Its concerning the new act so "members" no longer exist, only directors.
As a special case, by still being a member of a cc, I guess you would have to realise that the member would be the effective director.

[Blurock]

Cipro does indeed deliver service.....in their own good time. They apparently stuffed up when I registered my CC, so I was forced to change the name of my business. After a few tries to choose an unallocated name, they undertook to fast track my application, which was done via my auditor. It took more than 9 months of fast tracking to get the new name registered. Apparently it went quicker than normal because it eventually went via an inside contact who could fast track the fast tracking!

[KimH]

Its concerning the new act so "members" no longer exist, only directors.
As a special case, by still being a member of a cc, I guess you would have to realise that the member would be the effective director.

So do we use the designation Director now rather than Member? Member has always sounded so phallic - no complaints from me if this is the case

[Mark Atkinson]

So do we use the designation Director now rather than Member? Member has always sounded so phallic - no complaints from me if this is the case

Ha ha - no I'm quite sure you don't, Kim. Your designation would still be a "Member", but in certain situations a "Member" would be an effective director as dictated by certain sections of the Companies Act.

[KimH]

Damn!

[BusFact]

So do we use the designation Director now rather than Member? Member has always sounded so phallic - no complaints from me if this is the case

You remain as a member of your CC as long as you keep it as a CC. If in future you choose to convert to a company, then you would lose your title.