In 2008, the government introduced important intellectual property (IP) legislation. The Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act 51 of 2008 which only came into force in August 2010 governs the ownership and exploitation of IP which flows from publicly financed research and development (R&D).

In essence, the act provides that IP that is created in South African universities and research institutions should remain in South Africa, and that it should be used for the benefit of South Africans.

Source: The Times Insert