South Africa Case Law

Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) v Metcash Trading Africa (Pty) Ltd (53304/07)

Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) v Metcash Trading Africa (Pty) Ltd (53304/07) [2009] ZAGPPHC 123; 2009 BIP 457 (GNP) (1 October 2009)

Court

North Gauteng High Court, Pretoria

Case number

53304/07

Judge

Msimeki

The High Court held that Metcash’s “2010 POPS” branding unlawfully exploited the protected 2010 FIFA World Cup event and restrained the conduct.

• Trade Mark Infringement
• Unlawful Competition
• Protected Event Merchandising
• Ambush Marketing
• Merchandise Marks Act
• Constitutional Limitation

Slavin's Packaging (Pty) Ltd v Space Case Products (Pty) Ltd and Another (683/94)

Slavin's Packaging (Pty) Ltd v Space Case Products (Pty) Ltd and Another (683/94) [1996] ZASCA 64 (30 May 1996)

Court

Supreme Court of Appeal

Case number

683/94

Judges

Corbett, Botha, Nestadt, Harms, Plewmann

The court dismissed an appeal against an interdict for trade mark infringement and passing off involving children's pencil boxes sold as Spacey and Space Case.

• Trade Mark Infringement
• Passing Off
• Distinctiveness Of Mark
• Likelihood Of Confusion
• Registered Design
• Merchandise Marks Act

Reckitt & Colman SA (Pty) Ltd v S C Johnson & Son SA (Pty) Ltd (203/90)

Reckitt & Colman SA (Pty) Ltd v S C Johnson & Son SA (Pty) Ltd (203/90) [1991] ZASCA 181; 1993 (2) SA 307 (AD); [1993] 1 All SA 27 (A) (28 November 1991)

Court

Supreme Court of Appeal

Case number

203/90

Judges

Corbett, Nestadt, Vivier, Goldstone, Harms

The court found no reasonable likelihood of confusion or deception between Brasso and Brillo brass polish, as the respective containers were clearly marked with distinct trademarks and design elements. The similarities in container shape and colour were not sufficient to cause confusion, and the survey evidence presented by the appellant was flawed and unreliable. The appellant failed to prove that the respondent used the Brillo trade mark without the owner's assent, as evidence showed the respondent had permission to use the mark. The legend 'Working Hard 75 Years' was ambiguous but not obje…

Source excerpt

• Passing Off
• Trade Mark Infringement
• False Advertising
• Merchandise Marks Act
• Trade Practices Act

Berman Brothers (Pty) Ltd. v Sodastream Ltd. (47/86)

Berman Brothers (Pty) Ltd. v Sodastream Ltd. (47/86) [1986] ZASCA 27; [1986] 2 All SA 252 (A) (24 March 1986)

Court

Supreme Court of Appeal

Case number

47/86

Judges

Corbett, Hoexter, Botha, Nicholas, Nestadt

The appellate court held that refilling and selling Sodastream cylinders bearing the mark could infringe trade mark rights and contravene the Merchandise Marks Act.

• Trade Mark Infringement
• Merchandise Marks Act
• Unauthorized Use Of Mark
• Forged Trade Mark
• False Trade Description
• Interdict