Copyright in SA arises automatically on creation of an original work - no registration needed. The Copyright Act 98 of 1978 protects literary, musical, artistic, cinematographic, broadcast, published-edition, and computer-program works. Owners have exclusive rights to reproduce, adapt, publish, broadcast, and perform. Infringement gives rise to interdicts, damages, delivery-up, and account of profits.
When to hire a copyright attorney
- Your work has been copied without permission.
- You need a licence agreement drafted for your IP.
- A dispute has arisen over who owns copyright in commissioned work.
- DMCA-style takedown processes need to be pursued online.
- Fair-use/fair-dealing claims need to be defended.
What to expect
Most copyright matters start with cease-and-desist correspondence. Online matters often resolve via platform takedowns (YouTube, Facebook, Shopify). Litigation follows where platforms or infringers refuse to cooperate. Damages are typically calculated on licence-fee-equivalent or account of profits.
Typical fees
Licence drafting: R5,000-R40,000. Cease-and-desist: R5,000-R25,000. Litigation: R80,000-R500,000+.
Verified attorneys
No attorneys match your filters.
No attorneys have self-selected this specialisation yet.
Browse all Intellectual Property attorneys here →