Technology Transfer in South Africa

Abstract

TRIPS sets down the minimum standards for the regulation by national governments of the many forms of intellectual property (IP). The concept of technology transfer (TT) is one of the objectives of TRIPS.1 South Africa, as a member of TRIPS, have incorporated the objective of technology transfer into its national laws.

In the South African institutional context, TT from publicly funded research organisations, such as universities, is framed by the Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act 51 of 2008 (The IPR Act).

The stated objective of the IPR Act is that, “IP emanating from publicly financed research and development is identified, protected, utilised and commercialised for the benefit of the people of the Republic, whether it be for social, economic, military or other benefit.”

Keywords: Technology transfer in south Africa, South Africa, TRIPS, TT, IPR Act, social economic, military