Protecting your Intellectual Property as an entrepreneur

July 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Seno Namwandi

Intellectual Property (IP) is widely spoken of but not always well understood. The IP ecosystem is complex, broad and has to balance varying interests from creators to financiers to consumers. It is relevant to the songwriter, medical technician, architect, software coder, business owner etc. IP is loosely defined as a legal right granted to a property that arises as a result of intellectual activity or creative input. It is inherently a legal right granted by a government body to exclude unauthorized third party use. Enforcement varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction which can be complicated. However, through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), there are a set of uniform legislations and regulations to govern IP.

Understanding restraints of trade in South Africa

June 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Aleshia van der Ploeg, Founder of VDP Legal Consulting

Many Employees are so eager to be employed, that they simply sign an employment contract without giving a second thought to the contents thereof. Many Employers are including Restraints of Trade in their employment contracts these days in order to protect their proprietary interests.

COVID-19 lock down and the law in South Africa. What it means for your business.

March 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Aleshia van der Ploeg LLB. (RAU), Director VDP Legal Consulting (PTY) Ltd

The current worldwide crisis with Covid-19 and the latest announcement by the President regarding the upcoming 21-day lockdown has ALL South Africans in a spin. Everyone has questions regarding the personal impact, the financial impact and especially the legal impact of the impending lockdown.

Creating a cyber aware workforce

January 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi (Ms), Cyber Law Consultant and MD of Orizur Consulting Enterprise

Have you ever wondered why some businesses are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks than others? In the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) where everything is connected to everything, information has become the most valuable asset for every organization, big or small. It is unfortunate, however, that though cyber threats are growing both in their prevalence and in their disruptive potential, cyber security remains an afterthought for many organisations.

Does your business need a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)?

January 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Aleshia van der Ploeg LLB. (RAU), Director VDP Legal Consulting (PTY) LTD

So what exactly is an NDA? A Non-Disclosure Agreement (“NDA”) is a legal agreement between at least two parties that stipulates that the confidential information that the parties share with one another for certain purposes, may not be disclosed to or must be restricted access to third parties. An NDA creates a confidential relationship between the parties, in order to protect confidential information.

Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletters for Africa's women entrepreneurs.