Grassroots innovation journey spotlights new pathways
Creating impact in the innovation ecosystem and reaching disadvantaged communities has been central to the Inventor Assistance Program (IAP), helping turn innovative ideas into commercial assets. The IAP is the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) flagship project, launched in partnership with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).
Read more: Grassroots innovation journey spotlights new pathways
Young Ideas — South Africa’s Future Gold Standard, CIPC IP Youth Awards 2026
The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is proud to announce that they will be hosting the CIPC Intellectual Property (IP) Youth Awards 2026. The Competition is a dynamic platform designed to celebrate bold thinking, fresh innovation, and the next generation of business leaders.
Read more: Young Ideas — South Africa’s Future Gold Standard, CIPC IP Youth Awards 2026
dtic, CIPC AND SPU to host the 6th annual intellectual property and technology commercialisation colloquium
Key stakeholders from government, academia and business will convene in Kimberley, Northern Cape, for a colloquium aimed at strengthening South Africa’s innovation and technology commercialisation ecosystem and unlocking new economic opportunities.
CIPC launches a Case Management System
The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is pleased to announce the launch of its new Case Management System (CMS), a modern digital platform designed to improve how the public submits and tracks complaints and legal documents.
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A defensive name may be registered for a period of two years and may be renewed for a further two years. The applicant must provide proof to the Commission that he/she has a direct and material interest in the protection of the name.
Important:
It must be noted and taken into cognisance that a Defensive name can be transferred to another person or company. It can also be used or utilized to serve as a company name prior to its two year expiry period.
Application for a defensive name registration must be lodged manually.
To register a defensive name, follow these steps:
- To view information on how to register as a customer, click here. If you are already registered as a customer and know your customer code and password, proceed and make payment.
- Deposit R250 into the CIPC bank account. For the bank account details, click here.
Required documents:
- Sign CoR10.1 form;
- Certified copies of the Identity Documents of the applicant
Include evidence of a direct and material interest in the name, e.g.- Full particulars of the period of use of the name
- Particulars of sales and advertisements and labels used and
- A statement that as a result of the use of the name it has become well-known and that the general public will probably assume that all goods or services bearing the name, or all services rendered under that name, derive from the applicant.
Scan and email to
Transfer of a Defensive Name
Important:
Transfer of a defensive name must be accompanied by satisfactory evidence that the transferee has a direct material interest in the name.
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A private company may not offer shares to the public and restrictions are also placed on the transferability of their shares. Private companies must have at least one director and one incorporator. The director and incorporator may be the same person. The word “person” includes a juristic entity. This means that a legal entity or a trust may be an incorporator of a new company. Most private companies are owner-managed and tend to have a smaller number of directors.
All companies must have a Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) which sets out the rules agreed to by the shareholders for the management and maintenance of the business. Private companies may be registered with a standard or a customised MOI. The standard MOI is provided by law and is integrated into the company registration process (click here to preview a standard MOI). A customised or non-standard MOI allows shareholders to impose certain conditions or waive certain requirements, such as an audit requirement. Such MOIs must be attached to the applications and may require the assistance of a legally qualified person or someone with company secretarial knowledge
A Private Company with a standard MOI may be registered on-line, at a self-service terminal or through collaborating banks. Click here to view a guide on how to register a private company at the Self-help Service Terminals.
Click here for step by step guide for new company registration via E-Services.
Click here for the CIPC service standards. Service Standard is dependent on payment for the transaction being made.
For enquiry send an email to:
Checklist for registration of a private company with standard MOI:
To be able to transact with CIPC, one needs to register as a customer on the e-services website. Once registered, a virtual account is created in the customer name. Registering as a customer is a once-off process. Keep your customer code and password safe for use when transacting with us.
Click here to register as a customer.
You may also follow a step-by-step guide.
Funds may be deposited into the CIPC bank account. Customers are urged to only deposit funds that are required for the transaction. Bulk deposits are discouraged. A customer code must be used as a reference for funds to be allocated accordingly.
New e-service transaction accept card payments only
| Service | Fee |
| Name reservation | R50 |
| Private company with standard MOI; Non-profit company without members and with standard MOI or Co-operative |
R125 |
| Private company with customised MOI; Personal liability company; Public company; State owned company; Non-profit company without member and with customised MOI or Non-profit company without member and with customised MOI | R425 |
| External company | R400 |
| Domestication of a foreign company | R100 |
Bank details
| Bank name |
ABSA |
| Account Type: | Transmission Account |
| Account Name: | CIPC |
| Account Number: | 4055 68 1017 |
| Branch Name: | Van der Walt Street |
| Payment Reference: | CUSTOMER CODE |
For more information about name reservations click here. Any for-profit company may be registered with or without a company name. If a reserved name is not included in the initial application, the company will be registered with its enterprise number. A name may be added at a later stage through a company name change (amendment of MOI). A company name change requires an approved name reservation and a special resolution to effect a change to the Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI).
Available Platforms for name reservations:
- New E-services – www.cipc.co.za / Online Transacting / New E-services
- BizPortal – www.bizportal.gov.za
- CIPC Mobile App
- Self Service Terminal
- Banks (as part of company registration process)
- Associated name reservations or names requiring supporting documentation
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - e-Services - www.cipc.co.za / Online Transacting / New E-services.
Click here to log an enquiry (only after the indicated service standard has lapsed).
Name transfer
An approved name may be transferred to another customer, provided that it has not yet been assigned to an existing entity and it is still valid. Only the owner of the customer code that was used to initially reserve the name can transfer such name to another customer.
Click here to apply for name reservation and/or to transfer the ownership of the reserved name.
Defensive name
To apply for a defensive name click here
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Service Delivery Standards
The CIPC service delivery standards (2026/2027) are an indication of the maximum time it will take to process 90% of received applications/filings.These standards will be adhered to on condition that customers submit accurate and complete information, and payments made as required.
Queries shall be lodged by submitting an enquiry via the customer enquiry management system (cems), facebook or x.
The turnaround times for query resolution are as follows:
CEMS – 8 working/business days
X & Facebook – 24 hours
Channels
Channels (see details on the website) through which applications or filings can be lodged:
- Post
- Drop off boxes (Physical)
- CIPC website (E-services; IP online)
- Mobile APP
- Bizportal
- SSCs and Partner Sites
|
Service Offering |
Turnaround Times (Service Delivery Standards) - working/business days |
Query Resolution and Escalation |
| Trademark Special Search | 10 working days of receipt of the application for a special search |
1st level query Phuthi Lamola 2nd level query Fleurette Coetzee |
| Allocate Official Application Number to New Trademark Applications | 2 working days of having received the application/s |
1st level query Tsholofelo Mokgoko 2nd level query Fleurette Coetzee |
| Issue First Official Action in Relation to New Trademark Applications | 10 months from date of application |
1st level query Vuyiswa Tlape 2nd level query Fleurette Coetzee |
| Trademark Registration Certificates |
66 working days (3 months) from expiry of statutory opposition period in relation to applications |
1st level query Monica Mamphiswana
2nd level query Fleurette Coetzee |
| Process Applications for Renewal of Trade Marks | 2 working days after receipt of the application/s for renewal |
1st level query Helen Nuwejaar
2nd level query Fleurette Coetzee |
| Service Offering | Turnaround Times (Service Delivery Standards) - working/ business days | Query resolution and escalation |
| Allocate Official Application Number to New Patent Applications | 2 working days of having received application/s |
1st level query Dineo Malebane DMalebane @cipc.co.za 2nd level query Velaphi Skosana 3rd level query Mavis Nyatlo |
| Issue Patent Registration Certificate | 44 working days (2 months) from date of publication of the notice of acceptance of a patent in the Patent Journal |
1st level query Boitumelo Sepato 2nd level query Udisha Chathuri |
| Process Applications for Renewal of Patents | 2 working days of receipt of application for renewal |
1st level query Steven Mbewe 2nd level query Velaphi Skosana 3rd level query Mavis Nyatlo |
| Service Offering | Turnaround Times (Service Delivery Standards) - working/ business days | Query resolution and escalation |
| Allocate Official Application Number to New Design Applications | 2 working days of having received application/s |
1st level query Tshenolo Jakoba 2nd level query Velaphi Skosana 3rd level query Mavis Nyatlo |
| Issue Design Registration Certificate | 44 working days (2 months) from date of publication of the notice of acceptance in the Patent Journal |
1st level query Tshenolo Jakoba 2nd level query Velaphi Skosana 3rd level query Mavis Nyatlo |
| Process Applications for Renewal of Designs | 2 working days of receipt of application |
1st level query Thulani Ntuli 2nd level query Tshenolo Jakoba 3rd level query Velaphi Skosana |
| Service Offering | Turnaround Times (Service Delivery Standards) - working/ business days | Query resolution and escalation |
| Allocate Official Application Number to New Copyright (Film) Applications | 1 working day from receipt of application |
1st level query: Tshepo Bambo 2nd level query: Kadi Petje |
| Issue Copyright (Film) Registration Certificates | 2 working days from receipt of end date publication in the Patent Journal |
1st level query: Tshepo Bambo 2nd level query: Kadi Petje |
| Service Offering | Turnaround Times (Service Delivery Standards) - working/ business days | Query resolution and escalation |
| Co-operative registration and issue of certificate | 1 working day from date of tracking application |
1st level query Gotewang Setshedi 2nd level query Lettie Skosana 3rd level query Vuyani Nkohla |
| Amendment of constitution of a co-operative | 5 working days from receipt of application |
1st level query 2nd level query 3rd level query Vuyani Nkohla |
| Changes of co-operative details | 5 working days from date of tracking application |
1st level query 2nd level query 3rd level query Vuyani Nkohla |
| Conversions of co-operatives | 7 working days from date of receipt of application |
1st level query Lettie Skhosana 2nd level query Vuyani Nkohla |
| Amalgamations of co-operatives | 7 working days from date of receipt of application |
1st level query Lettie Skhosana 2nd level query Vuyani Nkohla |
| Divisions of co-operatives | 7 working days from date of receipt of application |
1st level query Lettie Skhosana 2nd level query Vuyani Nkohla |
| Changing of directors or details of co-operative | 5 working days from receipt of application |
1st level query Mabuse Moeti 2nd level query Vuyani Nkohla |
| Service Offering | Turnaround Times (Service Delivery Standards) - working/ business days | Query resolution and escalation |
| Disclosure and annual financial statements filing of AFS by companies on XBRL portal (Target: Instant) |
Immediate (portal-based auto response). Online: Match |
Joey Mathekga |
| Prospectus registrations (Target: 90% processed within 5 working days) | 5 working days to issue acknowledgement notice after receipt of documents Online: Match, excluding foreign jurisdictions |
Joey Mathekga |
| Provisions or comments on draft/final supplement prospectus (Target: 90% processed within 14 working days) |
14 working days from receipt Online: Match, excluding foreign jurisdictions |
Joey Mathekga |
| Prospectus certificate (Target: 90% processed within 14 working days) | Issue a prospectus certificate within 14 days after the PVC approved registration of prospectus from the client. Online: Match, excluding foreign jurisdictions |
Joey Mathekga |
| Service Offering | Turnaround Times (Service Delivery Standards) - working/ business days | Query resolution and escalation |
| Acknowledgement of receipt of Reportable Irregularity reports (Target: 90% processed within 5 working days) |
5 working days |
Joey Mathekga |
| Allocation of the matter after receiving a subsequent report (Target: 90% processed within 5 working days) |
Within 5 days after receipt of subsequent report |
Joey Mathekga |
| Evaluation of the case for jurisdiction (Target: 90% processed within 30 working days) |
Within 30 working days of allocation |
Joey Mathekga |
| Finalisation of the matter. In terms of issuance of the Inspector’s Report and related directive. (Target: 80% processed within a calendar year). |
Within a calendar year after allocation of the matter. |
Joey Mathekga |
| Service Offering | Turnaround Times (Service Delivery Standards) - working/ business days | Query resolution and escalation |
| Acknowledgment of receipt of complaints (Corporate Governance Surveillance and Enforcement) - (an automatic response is send immediately after receiving the email). | 3 working days of allocation of a complaint |
Khutso Maboya |
| Evaluation/ determination of case jurisdiction (Corporate Governance Surveillance and Enforcement) | 80% of requests closed or inspectors appointed to investigate within 25 working days of receipt of request date of tracking an application. |
Khutso Maboya |
| Service Offering | Turnaround Times (Service Delivery Standards) - working/ business days | Query resolution and escalation |
| Foreigner Assurance | 2 working days |
Enquiry: 1st level query Glory Moumakwe (3 working days) |
| Name Reservation | 1 working day (service is dependent on sufficient funds being available in customer code) |
Enquiry: 1st level query Emanuel Manyelo (3 working days) 2nd level query Christa Klokow |
| Short Standard Private & Non-Profit without members (CoR15.1A & CoR15.1C) | 1 working day Mobile App, Self Service Centre, Bank, BizPortal immediately (service is dependent on payment being made immediately) |
Enquiry: 1st level query Glory Moumakwe (3 working days) 2nd level query Christa Klokow |
| Private Company & Non Profit Company with customized MOI, Public Company, State Owned Company and Incorporated Company(CoR15.1B, D & E) | 5 working days from date of tracking (service is dependent on sufficient funds being available in customer code at time of e-mailing) |
Enquiry: 1st level query Glory Moumakwe (3 working days) 2nd level query Christa Klokow |
| Close Corporation to Company Conversions (CoR18.1) | 5 working days from date of tracking (service is dependent on sufficient funds being available in customer code at time of e-mailing) |
Enquiry: 1st level query Glory Moumakwe (3 working days) 2nd level query Christa Klokow |
| Mergers or Amalgamations (CoR89) | 5 working days (service is dependent on sufficient funds being available in customer code at time of e-mailing if new registration and/or MOI amendment is required as part of process) |
Enquiry: 1st level query Glory Moumakwe (3 working days) 2nd level query Christa Klokow |
| External Company Registration (CoR20.1) | 2 working days from date of tracking (service is dependent on sufficient funds being available in customer code at time of e-mailing) |
Enquiry: 1st level query Glory Moumakwe (3 working days) 2nd level query Christa Klokow |
| MOI Amendments for JSE Applications (CoR15.2) | 3 working days from the date of tracking |
Enquiry: 1st level query Jane Mulidzwi JMulidzwi (3 working days) 2nd level query Christa Klokow |
| MOI Amendments on Company Name Change (CoR15.2) | Effective immediately based on the availability y of director/s to provide OTP |
Enquiry: 1st level query Jane Mulidzwi JMulidzwi (3 working days) 2nd level query Christa Klokow |
| CC Name Change (CK2) | 3 working days from the date of tracking an application. |
Enquiry: 1st level query Jane Mulidzwi JMulidzwi (3 working days) 2nd level query Christa Klokow |
| MOI amendments on share capital (CoR15.2) | Effective immediately based on the availability of chosen director to provide OTP. |
Enquiry: 1st level query Jane Mulidzwi JMulidzwi (3 working days) 2nd level query Christa Klokow |
| Company Address Change (CoR21.1) | Changes will be effective in a minimum of 5 working days due to requirement that effective date must be at least 5 days from date of filing with CIPC. |
Enquiry: 1st level query Jane Mulidzwi JMulidzwi (3 working days) 2nd level query Christa Klokow |
| CC Address Change (CK2a) | Immediately or on alternative effective date selected. |
Enquiry: 1st level query Jane Mulidzwi JMulidzwi (3 working days) 2nd level query Christa Klokow |
| Company financial year end (CoR25) | Changes effective immediately based on the availability of director/s to provide OTP/s |
Enquiry: 1st level query Jane Mulidzwi JMulidzwi (3 working days) 2nd level query Christa Klokow |
| Location of Company Records (CoR22) | 3 working days from the date of tracking an application |
Enquiry: 1st level query Jane Mulidzwi JMulidzwi (3 working days) 2nd level query Christa Klokow |
| B-BBEE & Domain Name Registrations | Immediate |
Enquiry: 1st level query Jane Mulidzwi JMulidzwi (3 working days) 2nd level query Christa Klokow |
| Company & Close Corporation Voluntary Deregistration | Immediate upon OTP verification |
Enquiry: 1st level query Joel Mphahlele (3 working days) 2nd level query Christa Klokow |
| Company and Close Corporation Solvent (CoR40.1) and Insolvent Liquidation (CM26Liq) | 3 working days from the date of tracking an application (service is dependent on sufficient funds being available in customer code at time of e-mailing) |
Enquiry: 1st level query Joel Mphahlele (3 working days) 2nd level query Christa Klokow |
| Company and Close corporation Re-instatements | Immediate upon payment |
Enquiry: 1st level query Joel Mphahlele (3 working days) 2nd level query Christa Klokow |
| Company and Close Corporation Annual Returns | Immediate |
Enquiry: 1st level query Joel Mphahlele (3 working days) 2nd level query Christa Klokow |
| Service Offering | Turnaround Times (Service Delivery Standards) - working/ business days | Query resolution and escalation |
| Respond to social media queries | 24 hours from the receipt of the query |
Thobani Mhlongo |
| Service Offering | Turnaround Times (Service Delivery Standards) - working/ business days | Query resolution and escalation |
| Automated change of directors | Immediate after submission of OTPs by directors |
1st level query Thomas Lebete 2nd level query Vuyani Nkohla |
| Back-office change of directors | 1 days from date of tracking and indexing |
1st level query Thomas Lebete 2nd level query Vuyani Nkohla |
| Changes in CC membership – eServices | 1 working day from date of receipt of correct documents sent to correct email address complying with email requirements |
1st level query Petro Engelbrecht 2nd level query Thomas Lebete |
| Changes in CC membership – Manual | 1 working days from date of tracking and indexing |
1st level query Petro Engelbrecht 2nd level query Thomas Lebete |
| Service Offering | Turnaround Times (Service Delivery Standards) - working/ business days | Query resolution and escalation |
| Respond to queries from CEMS (Customer Enquiries Management System) | 8 days from the receipt of the query |
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Reservation and Use of Company Names under the Companies Act 71 of 2008
This section sets out the statutory regime regulating the reservation, registration, extension, and transfer of company names in South Africa, with reference to the Companies Act 71 of 2008 (“the Act”) and the administrative practices of the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (“CIPC”).
Name Reservation and Prescribed Filing Fees
In accordance with the Act and applicable regulations, each application to reserve a company name is subject to a prescribed, non-refundable filing fee, payable regardless of whether the proposed name is approved or declined. The current fees are R50 for electronic submissions and R75 for manual submissions.
Given the non-refundable nature of these fees, applicants are advised to submit Form CoR 9.1 containing up to four (4) alternative proposed names, listed in order of preference. This reduces the likelihood of rejection and the need for repeat applications, each of which incurs a separate filling fee.
Registration of Companies with or without a Reserved Name
The Act permits the incorporation for-profit companies, including private companies, either with a reserved name or without a name.
By contrast, non-profit companies may not be incorporated without a name and must comply with the statutory naming requirements prior to registration.
Where a profit company is incorporated without a reserved name, the CIPC will automatically allocate the company’s registration number as its registered name, together with the suffix “(South Africa)”. This constitutes the most expeditious method of incorporation.
A company registered without a reserved name may nevertheless conduct business under a trading name, provided such trading name complies with applicable legislation.
Alternatively, the company may subsequently reserve a name and apply for a formal change of name.
Any such change constitutes an amendment to the company’s memorandum of Incorporation (“MOI”) and must be effected in accordance with the Act and CIPC requirements.
Effect and Confirmation of Name Reservations
A proposed name is not regarded as reserved unless and until the CIPC issues written confirmation in the form of a Confirmation Notice (Form CoR 9.4).
Preliminary searches conducted by applicants, including trade mark searches or internet searches, do not guarantee that a proposed name will satisfy the statutory criteria or be approved by the CIPC. Accordingly, reliance may be placed only on the formal confirmation issued by the CIPC. Searches conducted by clients or third parties are not binding on the Commission and confer no assurance of approval.
Validity Period of a Reserved Name
Once approved, a reserved name remains valid for a period of six (6) months from the date of confirmation. During this period, the reserved name must be used for either:
- the registration of a new company or co-operative; or
- a change of name of an existing company or close corporation.
If the reserved name is not utilised within this period, it will lapse, subject to the provisions governing extensions.
Extension of Reserved Names
A reserved name may be extended by the person or entity (Customer Code holder) that submitted the original reservation application, upon payment of the prescribed fee of R30, for an additional period of sixty (60) business days per extension.
An application for extension may be lodged only within the final month preceding the expiry of the reservation. Once a reservation has lapsed, it cannot be extended, and a new reservation application must be submitted.
Transfer of a Reserved Name
A reserved name may be transferred only by the holder of the Customer Code under which the name was originally reserved. Such transfer must be effected electronically and is subject to payment of the prescribed transfer fee to the CIPC.
A transfer may be effected only while the reservation remains valid. An expired reservation cannot be transferred or reinstated.
The transfer of a reserved name:
- does not extend the original validity period of the reservation; and
- does not constitute a change to a company’s registered name.
The transferee acquires only the remaining portion of the original reservation period.
Platforms for Name-Related Applications
Applications for name reservations, extensions, and related processes may be submitted through various CIPC platforms, including:
- the CIPC eServices and new eServices portals.
- BizPortal;
- the CIPC Mobile Application.
- Self-Service Terminals; and
- Banks (as part of company registration process)
Note: Associated Name Reservations or Names requiring Supporting documentation (Please be advised that any application for a Name Association must be lodged via our New E-Services platform. The name application form [CoR 9.1] must be duly completed and submitted together with the consent letter evidencing the association and a certified copy of the relevant identification document, all of which must be uploaded as one combined PDF file as per the Step-by-Step Guide hereunder).
- e-Services – https://www.cipc.co.za / Online Transacting / e-Services
Click here for step-by-step guide for name reservation via New E-Services.
Click here for the Frequently Asked Questions.
Click here for the CIPC service standards. Service Standard is dependent on payment for the transaction being made.
For enquiry send an email to:
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