How South African trade mark filings, certificates and renewals changed

Applications rose while certificates fell

Applications rose by 3,299 between 2023/24 and 2024/25. Certificates fell from 31,395 to 28,001. The annual figures can include applications and certificate issuances for different marks filed in different years. Source 1

Renewals exceeded certificates in 2024/25

The registrar recorded 28,680 renewals and 28,001 registration certificates. A renewal maintains an existing registration. The CIPC describes a ten-year registration period with renewal calculated from the application date. Source 1 Source 2

The residence split is reported separately

Figure 10 shows 27,827 resident filings and 14,392 non-resident filings in 2024/25. They sum to 42,219, one above the total in Figure 9. The figures disagree by more in 2021/22. The article keeps the independently reported columns. Source 1

Calendar-year comparisons require aligned periods

The plan uses South African financial years. A filing count measures applications received in that year. Certificate and renewal counts measure different actions. Comparing the outcomes of a single cohort requires application-level records. Source 1

Sources

• Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan, figures 9, 10 and 12
• Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, trade mark maintenance and renewal