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

News of Avanci hiring a senior vice president and the EPO teaming up with a French AI startup were also among the top talking points
Explosm, the independent Texas studio behind the hit webcomic Cyanide & Happiness, partnered with Temu’s IP protection team to combat counterfeiters infringing on its brand
The latest in a dispute over juicing machines, and a shakeup in judicial compositions were also among the top developments
Patent partner Robert Hollingshead explains why the firm remains committed to Japan despite several US firms exiting the Japanese and greater Asia market
Emma Green, partner at Bird & Bird, shares why the Iceland v Iceland dispute could prompt businesses and lawyers to think differently about brand enforcement
Attain IP, developed by two UK patent lawyers, will meet ‘forensic’ needs of patent attorneys by showing a verifiable reasoning chain, according to its co-founders
The High Court of Australia has allowed a fashion designer to retain her registered ‘Katie Perry’ trademark for clothing
Sim & San secured the win for Dr. Reddy’s, which will allow the pharma company to manufacture and export semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic
Lucas Amodio joins our ‘Five minutes with’ series to discuss artificial intelligence systems and patent law
The Americas research cycle has commenced, so don't miss the opportunity to submit your work
Gift this article