CIPC news summary December 2023
CIPC issued various notices during the first half of December. Below is a summary of what you need to know.
1. New identity verification and multifactor authentication for directors’ amendments
On 4 December CIPC implemented an identity verification and multifactor authentication system for director amendments. Automated processes are now available to finalise such transactions, making the process more efficient and secure.
With the new system in place, director amendments and changes to director contact details will no longer involve manual processing.
The system now verifies the issue date of identity cards for filers and directors against the records held by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
OTP (One-Time Password) verification is a crucial part of the multifactor authentication process. Filers and directors affected by changes, such as appointments and resignations, will be required to provide OTPs as an added layer of security.
Filers must ensure that the email addresses and cellphone numbers of directors are correct and up to date before filing a Director Amendment. This ensures that OTPs are sent to the correct individuals for verification.
Only directors are authorized to make amendments, as they will receive OTPs individually, linked to their profiles, which include their contact details such as email addresses and cellphone numbers. Access the CIPC notice for more information here.
2. Registering trade mark rights: a step-by-step guide for SMMEs
A step-by-step trade mark application process for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are detailed in the notice.
Register the customer on CIPC e-services
Deposit R590 for each trademark application into your CIPC customer account. Use the customer code as reference. Banking details can be found here.
Access CIPC IP online
Free trademark e-searching functionality
Once logged in, locate the "Trade Marks" tab on the portal. Click on it to reveal a dropdown menu. From the dropdown menu, select "Apply for Trade Mark". To complete the online application process refer to the guidance issued by CIPC here.
Access the CIPC notice for more information here.
3. New beneficial ownership interface
Starting 11 December companies and close corporations need to make sure their beneficial ownership filing is up to date before they can submit their Annual Returns. If it's not updated, they'll get a warning and a link to update it. With this interface being an assistive compliance process, customers may skip the beneficial ownership filing requirement for now but from April 1, 2024, it's mandatory before filing Annual Returns. Read the media release here.
4. Holiday season office closure
CIPC will be closed to the public from 10h00 on Friday 22 December 2023 up to and including Monday 1 January 2024. Certain offices will open on Tuesday 2 January. Read the notice here.
Sources:
https://www.cipc.co.za/?page_id=2911
https://saiba.academy/registering-trade-mark-rights-a-step-by-step-guide-for-smmes/
