Can intellectual property legislation adequately protect the South African craft industry?

Abstract

This article examines the legal protection available to works of craft in South Africa. Current protection in terms of intellectual property legislation is measured by determining whether three different enterprises enjoy protection, and then assessing whether this protection is adequate. The conclusion is reached that, while current protection is insufficient, additional protection cannot be sought in the field of intellectual property law.

Hierdie artikel ondersoek die regsbeskerming wat in Suid-Afrika vir handwerke beskikbaar is. Die huidige beskerming wat ingevolge intellektuele eiendomsreg beskikbaar is, word gemeet aan die hand van drie bestaande handwerkondernemings, en daar word dan bepaal of hierdie beskerming voldoende is. Die gevolgtrekking is dat, alhoewel bestaande beskerming onvoldoende is, daar nie bykomstige beskerming in die gebied van die intellektuele eiendomsreg verwag kan word nie.