The Competition Appeal Court yesterday dismissed a bid by five of the largest milk processors to have a case of price-fixing against them thrown out. 18 Nov 2008
Three Asian electronics firms have agreed to plead guilty and pay US$585 million in fines for conspiring to drive up the prices of LCD screens used in computers, TVs, cellphones and other electronic devices. 14 Nov 2008
Virtual worlds provide not only a new universe in which brave explorers stake their claims, but also a new legal landscape in which the colonists are often at odds with the natives from the "old world." How do real-world laws apply? How do traditional concepts of intellectual property - patents, copyrights, and trademarks - apply in a virtual world? Can virtual worlds contract around intellectual property rights by forcing users to license their intellectual property, or forego such claims altogether? 13 Nov 2008
The National Credit Act (NCA) has, to a large degree, protected consumers from the credit crunch now facing the nation. At the same time it is weeding out bad apples in the micro lending industry, in this case a micro-lender in the Northern Cape who charged up to 240% interest on short term loans. 12 Nov 2008
In light of the increasing levels of malnutrition coupled with food insecurity and high food prices, a standard for processed cereal-based foods for malnourished infants and young children has been proposed. 4 Nov 2008
Although the National Ports Act commenced almost two years ago, the full effects of it are yet to be felt. The act contemplates some drastic changes to the regulation of port facilities and port services, one of the most notable being the requirement that all port facilities and port services be licensed or registered by the National Ports Authority (TNPA) in terms of the procedures laid out in the Act and its rules and guidelines. 28 Oct 2008
CAPE TOWN: Pharmacists and the health department have agreed to postpone until February today's court case over how much money pharmacists can charge for dispensing medicines. 27 Oct 2008
The Department of Health has called for the seizure and disposal of the White Rabbit sweets which failed the test for melamine. 27 Oct 2008
The National Assembly on Tuesday, 21 October 2008, stamped its approval on the Competitions Amendment Bill aimed at combating the uncompetitive behaviour of businesses which undermine competition. 23 Oct 2008
After rigorous testing of 107 milk brands and milk-based products sold in South Africa, the Department of Health has announced that Mars products such as M&Ms are safe for consumption and can continue to be sold across South Africa. 23 Oct 2008
The Consumer Protection Bill 2008, which will introduce principles of consumer protection and serve as a governing statement on consumer protection matters in South Africa, will go before a selected Parliamentary committee today, Thursday 16 October. 16 Oct 2008
The Department of Trade and Industry will on Thursday, 16 October, table the Companies Bill 2008, in Parliament before the Select Committee on Economic and Foreign Affairs for ratification and adoption. 15 Oct 2008
The time is not ripe for the deregulation of the South African petroleum industry, according to fuel retailers. Sector body wants a 'defererred' approach rather than 'overnight' change which could harm small players. 14 Oct 2008
Consumers will now see five key nutritional values displayed clearly on the front of Kellogg's cereal boxes, courtesy of the user-friendly, front-of-pack (FoP) Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs) labelling tool the cereal brand is piloting in South Africa. 6 Oct 2008
The courts have been grappling recently with the question of whether patent and trademark law both require the same test before a judge grants a permanent injunction. Under the eBay ruling, judges in patent infringement cases must apply a four-factor test. Are the rules the same for trademark cases? 3 Oct 2008
Not infrequently the courts are called upon to decide cases where people slip, fall and injure themselves, often quite badly. Sometimes these accidents occur on pavements, sometimes in commercial or residential buildings and most often, it would seem, in shops. Moreover, from the cases which come before the courts for decision, the most dangerous place in any shop or supermarket appears to be the fresh produce section where various forms of vegetable matter or bits of fruit may fall and provide a trap for the unwary shopper. What must shop-owners do to protect themselves against claims which can be very substantial depending upon the nature of the injury suffered by the customer? 1 Oct 2008
The Department of Health has called for any product of Chinese origin that may contain milk or dairy products to be detained until the department is able to run tests on certain products. 26 Sep 2008
Dire warnings by some business organisations over the cost and legal implications of the Consumer Protection Bill may be an overreaction, said a legal expert. 23 Sep 2008
The Department of Trade and Industry finally handed down a ruling for mandatory labelling of genetically modified foods on Tuesday, 16 September. 19 Sep 2008
The SABC is challenging South African businesses to show their commitment to good corporate governance by renewing their business TV licences before the end of September 2008. 17 Sep 2008
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