On 17 October 2013 the comment period for the Draft National Policy on Intellectual Property ended. According to DTI Minister Rob Davies, “[t]he majority of the comments are positive and are commending the South African Government in taking this major step in coordinating its efforts in the IP sphere both nationally and internationally”. UCT’s IP Unit, together with colleagues affiliated with the University of KwaZulu-Natal, also submitted comments to the Department of Trade and Industry (click here). In a media statement earlier this months, the DTI has announced that a conference on the policy will be held in November to address the main issues brought up during the public consultation process.  Dates and venue will be communicated as soon as all logistical arrangements are finalised.