Podcast – Colour marks, shape marks, and non-traditional trademarks in Africa

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2026

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Podcast – Colour marks, shape marks, and non-traditional trademarks in Africa

Sponsored by

Adams & Adams logo.jpg
900x505-article@2x.png

Lauren Ross and Melissa Morris of Adams & Adams discuss the strategic opportunities and challenges in protecting non-traditional trademarks across the continent’s diverse legal and regulatory landscape

It is becoming increasingly important to think beyond logos and brand names when considering the strategic potential of trademarks. A podcast sponsored by Adams & Adams explains why marks such as colours, shapes, and sounds can be powerful assets and explores how their protection and enforcement is handled in Africa.

Adams & Adams partner Lauren Ross and senior associate Melissa Morris share their insights into the continent’s legal landscape with Phil Myers, the commercial editor of Managing IP. The podcast addresses the following key points, among others:

  • Why non-traditional marks are of growing significance in terms of brand distinction globally;

  • How key African countries and multinational organisations handle the issue;

  • The main challenges in the enforcement of such marks; and

  • Best practices for law firms and clients in managing non-traditional marks.

Listen in as Lauren and Melissa explain the vital role of law firms as brands consider how to differentiate themselves in digital spaces – and how African frameworks are evolving to adapt to the new landscape.

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

Colm Murphy says he is keen to help clients navigate cross-border IP challenges in Europe
With 2025 behind us, US practitioners sit down with Managing IP to discuss the major IP moments from the year and what to expect in 2026
Large-scale transatlantic mergers will give US entities a strong foothold at the UPC, and could spark further fragmentation of European patent practices
This year’s most-read stories covered uncertainty at the USPTO, a potential boycott of a major international IP conference, rankings releases, and a contempt of court proceeding
The parties have agreed on a court-guided settlement covering Pantech’s entire SEP portfolio, marking a global first
The introduction of Canada’s patent term adjustment has left practitioners sceptical about its value, with high fees and limited eligibility meaning SMEs could lose out
With the US privacy landscape more fragmented and active than ever and federal legislation stalled, lawyers at Sheppard Mullin explain how states are taking bold steps to define their own regimes
Viji Krishnan of Corsearch unpicks the results of a survey that reveals almost 80% of trademark practitioners believe in a hybrid AI model for trademark clearance and searches
News of Via Licensing Alliance selling its HEVC/VCC pools and a $1.5 million win for Davis Polk were also among the top talking points
The winner of a high-profile bidding war for Warner Bros Discovery may gain a strategic advantage far greater than mere subscriber growth - IP licensing leverage
Gift this article