Title: Protecting business methods in South Africa and Zimbabwe

Authors: Caroline B. Ncube

Addresses: Department of Commercial Law, University of Cape Town, Pvt Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa

Abstract: This paper outlines the trade secret and patent protection of business methods in South Africa and Zimbabwe. It begins with an introduction to business methods and proceeds to outline various possible methods of legal protection. It notes that the law in this respect is not yet well developed but there have been indications in case law that the courts are receptive to comprehensive protection of business methods.

Keywords: business methods; trade secret protection; copyright; trademarks; patents; trade secrets; patent protection; South Africa; Zimbabwe; legal protection; case law.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2008.017849

International Journal of Intellectual Property Management, 2008 Vol.2 No.1, pp.1 - 10

Published online: 19 Apr 2008 *

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