Protecting your business idea is crucial for the success of any business, particularly a new one. On 3 September, intellectual property firm KISCH IP will partner with TuksNovation at the University of Pretoria to present a masterclass on intellectual property (IP) for budding entrepreneurs and start-ups.

The masterclass will be an overview of IP and its value, including trademarks, copyright, patents and designs, exchange control considerations and off-shoring. KISCH IP has been offering support to TuksNovation’s start-ups since March in the form of services such as IP due diligences, training, education and research.

KISCH IP has decades of experience in assisting companies of all sizes – from entrepreneurs to large corporates in all sectors – to protect, enforce and commercialise their IP. “In South Africa there has never been a more ideal time for entrepreneurs to take their ideas to market,” says Ursula Baravalle, Director and patent attorney at KISCH IP. “We have always had a strong interest in assisting start-ups in protecting what is theirs, and in educating them on what needs to be done to secure this protection. Perhaps due to not knowing or being intimidated by cost, entrepreneurs often do not consult with an IP lawyer – which is why we welcome opportunities such as this one with TuksNovation to share our expertise.”

TuksNovation is a technology business incubator founded by UP in partnership with the Small Enterprise Development Agency that provides specialised product and business development support to start-ups. “We provide this support to entrepreneurs throughout their start-up growth by helping to validate their idea, develop technology and craft their business model for the relevant market,” explains Anéa Burke le Roux, Centre Manager of TuksNovation. “With training being an important part of this process, this masterclass is a perfect example of how start-ups can benefit from what we offer. By sharing expertise, in this case on intellectual property, we give start-ups the necessary knowledge and how-to.”

Five attorneys from KISCH IP will offer a virtual presentation on 3 September 2020, from 14:00 to 18:00.

For more information on the masterclass, please email TuksNovation at [email protected], call +27 (0)12 420 3003 or go to www.tuksnovation.co.za.