ANC moves to stop use of COPE

In the letter, attorneys say they will bring an urgent application in the High Court if the party's name is not changed by Thursday. They demand a retraction of the IEC application to register the new party and a written undertaking to first ask permission from the ANC to 'use a similar name'. COPE leaders are accused of infringing the ANC's trademark and using 'false and misleading advertising' in terms of the Trademark Act. COPE convener Mbhazima Shilowa responded: 'We believe the ANC is abusing the courts. They also brought an urgent application the previous time and that case must still be heard'. He argued that the Elections Act requires mediation by the IEC first before the aggrieved party may litigate. According to a Cape Times report, COPE has registered its name with the companies' register, Cipro, and has applied to the IEC for formal registration as a political party. Its name and logo were published in the Government Gazette on Friday. COPE steering committee said it took legal advice before selecting the name, and is confident it has a right to use it. Full Beeld report Full Cape Times report (subscription needed)

The ANC has also raised its concerns with the IEC, according to spokesperson Carl Niehaus. A Mail & Guardian Online report says the ANC said it would oppose attempts to appropriate its political heritage, on the grounds that the Congress of the People is an ANC event marking the Freedom Charter's adoption in 1955. Full Mail & Guardian Online report