CIPC: Unauthorised use of CIPC name, abbreviation and logo

CIPC: Unauthorised use of CIPC name, abbreviation and logo logo

Unauthorized use constitutes a criminal offense in respect of which a fine is payable. Therefore, the use of any of these elements may only be made with the express written authorization of CIPC. This includes:

  • The use of the words COMPANIES AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMMISSION and/or the abbreviation CIPC, in e-mail addresses, on websites, documentation, marketing material, or any other material; and

  • The use of the CIPC logo on any website, documentation, marketing material, or any other material.

Customers that are using these elements are requested to change their e-mail addresses, and website domain names, and remove all elements from their website, documentation, or other material with immediate effect, failure of which CIPC proceed with legal proceedings to protect its intellectual property.

A similar notice was issued by CIPC in June 2023 – click here to access our previous alert 27 June 2023

Click here to download Notice 3 of 2024:

https://www.cipc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Notice_Unauthorised-Use-of-CIPC-Name-Abbreviation-and-Logo.pdf

Relevance to Auditors, Independent Reviewers & Accountants:

  • The Companies Act is yet another piece of legislation that your clients must comply with, and which you must assess compliance with.  If they don’t comply with the relevant laws and regulations, you have certain reporting obligations in terms of NOCLAR (Non-Compliance with Laws And Regulations) – this could include reporting to management, qualifying your audit opinion, reporting a Reportable Irregularity, etc.

  • As an auditor, independent reviewer and accountant, you also need to monitor your client’s compliance with the Companies Act and all relevant notices/enforcements/practice notes issued by CIPC as the regulator.

  • Where you perform these compliance tasks on behalf of your client, you need to ensure that you comply with all relevant notices/enforcements/practice notes issued by CIPC as the regulator.

Relevance to Your Clients:

  • An entity (company or close corporation) must comply with the Companies Act, and all relevant notices/enforcements/practice notes issued by CIPC as the regulator.

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