Intellectual property law
Intellectual property legal services
No matter your business, your intellectual property needs protections. We register trademarks, assist with licenses, and guide you through protecting your company’s IP practically and safely.
OUR IP LAWYERS ARE GREAT AT…
Trademarks
Licensing
Copyright
Disputes
Advice
Trademarks
We can guide you through registering trademarks for your name and logo in South Afrca and abroad.
IP Contracts
Our team has ample experience in drafting IP agreements including those relating to restraints of trade, NDAs, or unique structures.
IP Licensing
Our team can put the necessary documents in place to ensure any IP licensing is secure and clear.
IP Advice
Our team are experts in intellectual property law and can guide you through legal consequences of use and applicable protections of IP.
Copyright
Whether film, music, podcasts or other creative endeavours, our team can guide you through even the complexities of copyright
IP Disputes
If your IP is stolen or you inadvertently use IP not belonging to you, Legalese can guide and support you to find resolution.
TRUSTED BY:
WE DO IT DIFFERENT TO TRADITIONAL PRACTICES
UPFRONT FEES
VAT excl. T&C’s apply
AI Policy workshop and Implementation – Bundle
R22 680.00
Agency Agreement
R7 200.00
Band Member Agreement
R9 750.00
Collaboration Agreement
R8 775.00
Dispute advice
From R1 800.00
Distribution Agreement
R10 800.00
Gallery Agreement
R9 900.00
Influencer Agreement
R8 100.00
IP Assignment Agreement
R4 500.00
Legal Consultation
R1 800.00
Letter of Demand
R7 200.00
License Agreement
R9 000.00
Model/Actor Release
R7 200.00
Music Use Licensing (DJs)
R10 800.00
Music Use Licensing (Venues)
R8 100.00
Non-Disclosure Agreement
R3 600.00
Photographic Release
R6 300.00
Production Agreement
R8 100.00
Release form
R7 200.00
Royalty Split Agreement
R4 500.00
Usage Agreement
R9 000.00
TAILOR-MADE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW SERVICES
Upfront
fees
We quote before we start working, ensuring that you never get an invoice which you were not expecting. By committing to a fee, we align ourselves with our clients, so we’re both incentivised to work efficiently and correctly. Our belief is that legal fees should be affordable and transparent and we’re leading a movement bringing this ethic to the legal practice.
Quick turnaround
time
Lawyers are traditionally sluggish. We’re a breathe of fresh air. Our systematic approach to our work means we deliver work quickly and never ghost our clients while they wait. Imagine a lawyer who understands customer service, uses technology to communicate and gets work to you within 7 – 10 days (or sooner if needed). Now open your eyes.
Humans,
not lawyers
We built Legalese to address the problems with traditional law firms. We’re not suits, we’re not billable hours. We’re here to ensure you have a lawyer by your side while you build your business. Our lawyers are handpicked not just for their smarts but for their understanding of business and the entrepreneurial journey. In that way, we’re humans, not lawyers.
We understand
you and law
It doesn’t help to have a lawyer who always says ‘no’. Our lawyers think creatively and design solutions which stick to the rules, but get the job done. We bring to the table our knowledge of your industry and our team’s years of experience, to ensure that we’re forward thinking, yet grounded in law. Its why we call ourselves a creative legal agency.
A new way of doing law
We do law differently. We’re bringing law to businesses in a way that works for you: easy, accessible, and affordable. We recognise that there is a new way that businesses operate, and that requires a new approach to delivering legal services. We are a customer-centric service provider, focused on delivering services the way you want to receive them. What does this mean practically? We aim to not just solve a single legal need, but instead manage a range of legal risks in an affordable way by leveraging tech solutions such as contract lifecycle management, fast turnaround times, digital signatures, signatory management, obligation management and clear workflows.
Chat to us to understand how we can work with you.
Questions for an IP lawyer
What is Legalese?
Just to be clear, while Legalese is run by lawyers, it is not a law firm. Legalese is a creative legal agency designed specifically to service the creative and small business sector. By not registering as a law firm, Legalese is able to steer clear of the regulations and requirements of traditional law firms as well as many of the expenses involved.
What is IP law?
Intellectual Property (IP) law encompasses legal protections for creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce. It includes patents for inventions, trademarks for brand recognition, copyrights for protectable works, and trade secrets to protect confidential business information. The aim is to encourage innovation and creativity by granting exclusive rights to creators and inventors for a specified period. Legal frameworks vary globally, and enforcement involves legal actions to safeguard these intangible assets.
Why do I need an IP lawyer?
Engaging an Intellectual Property (IP) lawyer is crucial to safeguard your intellectual assets and navigate the complex legal landscape. An IP lawyer can:
1. **Asset Protection:** Ensure your inventions, creative works, and brand identifiers are legally protected through patents, copyrights, and trademarks.
2. **Legal Compliance:** Help you understand and comply with IP laws, preventing unintentional infringement and legal disputes.
3. **Registration Process:** Assist in the filing and registration processes for patents, trademarks, and copyrights, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to timelines.
4. **Enforcement:** Take legal action against infringers to protect your IP rights, including issuing cease-and-desist letters or pursuing litigation if necessary.
5. **Contracts and Licensing:** Draft and review contracts related to IP, such as licensing agreements, to define terms and conditions for the use of your intellectual property.
6. **Due Diligence:** Conduct thorough searches to assess the availability of trademarks and to identify potential conflicts before registration.
In the dynamic world of intellectual property, having a skilled IP lawyer is an invaluable asset to ensure your creations are legally protected and your business interests are secure.
How experienced are your team?
Legalese boasts a highly seasoned team with extensive expertise in diverse legal domains. Everyone is an admitted attorney and we all hail from well-known and reputable medium to large-size firms.
Is Legalese for startups or large corporates?
No matter your business size or needs, we can offer you practical legal advice, tools, and guidance. We offer user-friendly legal products and packages designed specifically for businesses at any stage of their growth journey.
Why do businesses need lawyers?
If you’re running a fly-by-night business or a project in your spare time, then you don’t want to waste your money on legal fees. However if you have a vision, if you are putting your money on the line and are taking your work seriously, then ensuring your legal affairs are in order is imperative.
Why not just use any lawyers?
Traditionally, lawyers are expensive, intimidating and litigious. They charge per minute, have a financial interest in taking your matter to court and while they understand the law and look great in a three-piece suit, for the most part, they do not understand you or your industry.
What Is a Fractional Legal Officer And When Does Your Business Actually Need One?
Most growing businesses don’t need a full-time legal department. But they absolutely need a legal strategy. A Fractional Legal Officer is a flexible support model that can provide ongoing legal
Reactive vs Proactive Legal: What’s Actually Costing Your Business More?
Many businesses only use legal services reactively. A contract dispute appears. An employee threatens to take them to the CCMA. A supplier fails to deliver. Someone accuses you of using
In-House vs Fractional Legal: What Makes Financial Sense in 2026?
Hiring in-house legal counsel sounds impressive. Many growing businesses see it as a milestone — a sign that the company has reached a certain level of maturity. But for most
The Legal System Your Growing Business Is Missing
As businesses grow, complexity increases. More employees. More contracts. More partnerships. More compliance obligations. More legal risk. But most companies never install a structured legal system to manage that growth.
The Legal Checklist Every Scaling Business Should Review in 2026
As businesses scale, legal complexity increases. New employees join the company. More contracts are signed. Partnerships and supplier relationships expand. Regulatory obligations grow. But many growing companies never pause to
Trademark Pitfalls: Common Mistakes South African Entrepreneurs Make and How to Avoid Them
In South Africa’s fast-paced and competitive business landscape, securing your brand through proper trademark practices is not optional; it’s essential. Yet many entrepreneurs, often unintentionally, fall into avoidable trademark traps