CIPC Implements AI Image Search for Trade Marks

Posted 10 September 2025 Written by Acts Online
Category CIPC

Brought to you by SA Accounting Academy: The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has launched a new artificial intelligence-driven functionality for trade mark logo searches and revised the associated fee structure.

In terms of Practice Note 2 of 2025 and a related External Notice issued in August 2025, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) Trade Marks Division has implemented a new trade mark AI image search functionality, effective from 1 September 2025. This system allows users to conduct searches for trade mark logos and images via the IP Online platform.

The AI-driven functionality is designed to facilitate the identification of comparative images for intended trade mark logos. The system is available for two categories of searches:

  • Basic trade mark searches: Provided as a no-cost option for preliminary inquiries.
  • Comprehensive commercial searches: Full commercial trade mark searches used for formal clearance and registration purposes.

Effective 1 September 2025, the fees for commercial trade mark e-searching have been increased. The specific fee adjustments are detailed in the table provided within Practice Note 2 of 2025. Users may access the search functionality and related resources at the following links:

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Utilize the new AI search tool to conduct preliminary logo availability checks for your own professional branding or practice names before committing to formal registration.
  • For your business: Update internal procurement and intellectual property budgets to reflect the increased commercial search fees effective from 1 September 2025.
  • For your clients: Advise clients seeking to register new logos that AI-enhanced searches now provide faster comparative results, but ensure they are aware of the revised CIPC fee schedule for comprehensive commercial searches.

Originally published at https://accountingacademy.co.za/news/read/cipc-new-trade-mark-ai-image-search-functionality

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