LES (SA) is hosting a series of three panel discussions highlighting the growing importance of the intersection between intellectual property law and competition law in South Africa. As economies become more intangible, the importance of intellectual property rights continues to increase, making insight into their competition law implications essential for legal practitioners, businesses, and policymakers. This series aims to provide practical guidance while contributing to the development of South African jurisprudence in this emerging field.

 TALK SERIES, PART 1: The Potential Anti-Competitive Effects of Patent Settlement and Trade Mark Co-Existence Agreements

We will analyse how patent settlements, particularly pay-for-delay agreements, and trade mark co-existence agreements might contravene competition law, outlining the risks and advising legal practitioners and industry professionals on key issues to be aware of.

TALK SERIES, PART 2: Anti-Competitive Clauses in IP Licensing Agreements and Refusal to License (23 July)

TALK SERIES, PART 3: Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) and FRAND terms (17 September)