• Develop and implement on behalf of Sol Plaatje University, policies, guidelines and process for the disclosure, protection, management and commercialization of intellectual property.
• Create awareness of intellectual property and the benefits of commercialization.
• The Identification, Protection, Development, Commercialization of intellectual property emanating from publicly funded research.
• Receive disclosures of potential intellectual property.
• Analyze the disclosure for any commercial potential, the likely success of such commercialization, the existence and form of the IP, the stage of development and the appropriate form for protecting those rights.

Intellectual property refers to the creation of the mind that is capable of being protected by law against any unauthorized use. This includes creations such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols and images.  Intellectual property is legally protected through the following:

• Patents Registration

Patents enable the creator or owner the exclusive rights over an invention, which is capable of being used or applied in trade and industry or agriculture.

Download the Patents Act document here.

• Copyrights

Copyright protects creators literary, artistic and scientific works. 

Download the Copyrights Act document here. 

• Designs Registration

A design is about the shape and features that appeal to the eye. A distinction can be made between two types of designs, aesthetic or functional. Designs registration can be attained from the CIPC.

Download the Designs Act here.

• Trademarks

A Trademark is a brand name, slogan or logo which distinguishers the goods or services of one entity from those of other entities.

Download the Trademarks Act here. 

• Plant Breeder’s rights

A plant breeders’ right is a form of intellectual property right granted to breeders of new plant varieties for protection of their varieties against exploitation without their permission.

Download the Plant Breeders Act here. 

• Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development (IPRPFRD) Act.
• National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO) Guideline
• SPU Policy on Intellectual Property
• SPU IP Disclosure Form
• SPU Intellectual Property Guide

Ms Monica Boland

Manager: Innovation and Technology Transfer

Email address: [email protected]

Tel: 053 491 0558

Mr Kobamelo Phillips

Senior Administrator:  Innovation and Technology Transfer

Email address: [email protected]

Tel: 053 491 0654