Adams & Adams acts for prominent clients in the financial services, life sciences, healthcare, and technology sectors. Kelly Thompson has extensive experience in handling IP litigation, while Wilhelm Prozesky oversees the patents renewals side of the practice, and co-heads the overseas patents and designs filings team with Janice Galvad. Danie Dohmen handles patent disputes, James Davies leads the patent recordals practice, and Nicky Garnett heads up the firm’s African patents and designs team. Nolwazi Gcaba is often engaged in trade mark renewals and Godfrey Budeli heads up the firm’s anti-counterfeiting team. Steven Yeates and Nishan Singh are key contacts for trade mark prosecution and litigation, while Vishen Pillay and Sophia Smallbones are other key team members.
Intellectual property in South Africa
Adams & Adams
Praxisleiter:
Kelly Thompson; Danie Dohmen; Steven Yeates; Nishan Singh; Nolwazi Gcaba; Godfrey Budeli; Wilhelm Prozesky; Nicky Garnett; James Davies; Janice Galvad
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Alexis Apostolidis; Russell Bagnall; Vishen Pillay; Sophia Smallbones; Darshan Moodley; Gérard du Plessis; Joanne van Harmelen; Mercia Fynn; Nicole Smalberger; Mohamed Jameel Hamid; Darren Olivier
Referenzen
‘They are highly knowledgeable in IP, professional, and always willing to assist. Their billing is fair.’
‘Vishen Pillay has been very helpful in helping us meet tight deadlines. He communicates regularly and is always willing to assist us.’
‘The team is made up of diverse professionals with a client-centric attitude. ’
Kernmandanten
Microsoft
Samsung
Coca-Cola
Intel
Caterpillar
BMW
FirstRand Bank Limited – FNB
Chanel Limited
Netflix
Sony
Robert Bosch GmbH
Novartis
Mastercard
Lacoste
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented FirstRand Bank Limited and FirstRand Limited in trade mark opposition proceedings against First Abu Dhabi Bank.
- Represented Enzalutamide in patent infringement proceedings brought against Eurolab and Dischem.
Spoor & Fisher
At Spoor & Fisher, Marco van der Merwe oversees the trade marks team, Mohamed Khader heads up the anti-counterfeiting team, and Dirk Hanekom fronts the patents team. Eben van Wyk specialises in IP litigation, and has a solid track record in advising on copyright, trade mark, and domain name disputes. Trade mark enforcement issues are prominent in Zama Buthelezi‘s and Merlene Engelbrecht‘s workloads, and John Foster brings experience in handling unlawful competition claims, copyright and trade mark infringement claims, as well as commercial IP transactions. Patent matters are a key area of strength for Dina Biagio and Tyron Grant.
Praxisleiter:
Marco van der Merwe; Dirk Hanekom; Mohamed Khader
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Eben van Wyk; John Foster; Merlene Engelbrecht; Zama Buthelezi; Chyreene Truluck; Tyron Grant; Dina Biagio; Carl van Rooyen; Salomé le Roux
Referenzen
‘The team stands out for its accessibility and prompt responsiveness.’
‘The team offers pragmatic and solution-oriented approaches.’
‘Competitive and transparent fee structures.’
Kernmandanten
Anglo Corporate Services South Africa (Pty) Limited
Tiger Food Brands Intellectual Property Holding Company (Pty) Ltd
Distell Ltd
My Light Holdings (Pty) Ltd
The United States Polo Association
Brand Quantum International (Pty) Limited
Nelson Mandela University (“NMMU”)
Deere & Co.
The Comité Interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne (CIVC) of Épernay
De Wetshof Estate (Wine Estate)
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented Tiger Food Brands Intellectual Property Holding Company (Pty) Ltd (“Tiger Brands”) in a trade mark opposition matter in China.
ENSafrica
Under the leadership of Gaelyn Scott, ENSafrica is noted for its capabilities in transactional IP work. Ilse du Plessis acts for financial services, automotive, insurance, and retail clients, and she co-leads the trade mark prosecution group with Rowan Forster. Foster is a key port of call for agrochemical and pharmaceutical sector entities on patent and trade mark issues, while Janine Thomas specialises in global IP portfolio management. Manisha Bugwandeen-Doorasamy counts trade marks and domain name issues as key areas of strength.
Praxisleiter:
Gaelyn Scott
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Rowan Forster; Ilse du Plessis; Janine Thomas; Manisha Bugwandeen-Doorasamy; Liézal Mostert; Tevin Jones
Referenzen
‘A great team with exceptional knowledge.’
‘ENS Africa is distinguished by its exceptional efficiency and professionalism.’
‘ENS Africa’s combination of professionalism, innovative practices, and a genuine commitment to client satisfaction makes them a leader in the legal field.’
Kernmandanten
4Communities (PTY) Ltd
ABSA Bank
Agricultural Research Council
Airports Company South Africa
Altron TMT Proprietary Limited
American Chamber of Commerce
Amic Trading (Pty) Ltd
Amplify5 Limited
Anchor Group
Athenium (Pty) Ltd
Athlete’s Foot
Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc
BakeMark USA, LLC
Bank of Communications Co., Ltd
Betway
Bidvest
Bio-Lab, Inc
BITMAIN TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
Bloomberg
BRF S/A
Buhler Versatile Inc
Capta Wealth (Pty) Ltd
Central University of Technology (CUT)
Ceva Animal
Christian Laboutin
Cipla
Cirque du Soleil
Conde Nast / Advance Legal
Cordier South Africa
Cricket South Africa
Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co
Daniella Shevel LLC
De Beers UK Limited
Desert Cool (Pty) Ltd t/a 4X4 Mega World
Diablo Holdings Pty Ltd
Diageo Ireland
Dorco
Dr Popo Molefe
Dr Reddy’s
Dr Reshma Badal
Elephant Gin GmbH
Entain Operations Limited
Eqstra
EOH
Eskom
EXPLORIUS 2022 (PTY) LTD
FAREVA S.A.
Ferrero Group / Soremartec
Forever New
Free Market Foundation
Fundamentum Dev Co (Pty) Ltd
G4S Depositor
Globalsix (Pty) Ltd
Goldkeys International (Pty) Ltd
Grangers International Ltd
Greenlight Planet
Grindrod
Hilton Hotels
Hollard
Hollywood Bets
Hotel Cipriani S.P.A
House of Padel (Pty) Ltd
IMZ COLOMBIA, S.A.S
Investec
Investment Consulting & Trustee Services UK
Italtile
Jaymon Investments LLC
Karuna Yasvantrai Sukha
Kerry Group
Kganya Brands
Kirby Opco
Klips SA (Pty) Ltd / Klips FL Ltd
Klipspringer Pty Ltd
Korridor Holdings
L’escale Royale Investissementss
Lactalis
Le Shark Apparel Limited
Life Healthcare
Lift Airlines
Liquid Rubber SA
Luxity (Pty) Ltd
M. DIAS BRANCO
Mankind Pharma Limited
Marubeni-Itochu Steel Inc.
Mediclinic
Melbro Wholesale (Pty) Ltd
Merck KGaA
Miss South Africa (Pty) Ltd
MTN Dubai Limited
MTN Group
MYSORE DEEP PERFUMERY HOUSE
Nedbank
Nestle
Netcare
Nextec Shared Services (Pty) Ltd
Ninety One
Omnia
Overgaauw Wine Estate (Pty) Ltd
Peak Realm SA PTY LTD
Qingdao Doublestar Tire Industrial
Ram Couriers
Renegade Spirits Ireland Ltd
Rhodes University
Sanlam Insurance
Sappi
Sarine Technologies Ltd
Schlumberger Limited
Servest
Sistema
Smurfit Kappa Services Limited
South African Airways
South African Reserve Bank
Sportingbet Limited
Starz Entertainment, LLC
Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Summit Entertainment, LLC
Sunbromate (Pty) Ltd
Telkom
Tendai Mtawarira
Teva Pharmaceuticals
The Foschini Group
Tiger Food Brands Intellectual Property Holding Company
Tongaat Hulett Limited
Trans-care Trucking PTY LTD
Tsogo Sun
TURBOLFUID ENGINEERING (PTY)LTD
Unilever
UPL group
UPRINT South Africa PTY LTD
Vanamor
Verisk Analytics, Inc
Versofy
VF Corporation
Vredehoek Plumbing Proprietary Limited
Weir Minerals
Woolworths
Xero Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Schlumberger concerning the trade mark aspects of its global rebrand.
- Assisting Greenlight Planet with trade mark filings across multiple jurisdictions in Africa, as well as the management of a trade mark portfolio.
Von Seidels
At Von Seidels, the intellectual property practice is jointly led by patent expert Erik Van Der Vyver and Claire Smedley, who leads the firm’s trade mark team. Simonne Moodie has a solid track record in handling trade mark applications, copyright litigation, and domain name issues, while Gunther Roland is versed in patent disputes. Vanessa Ferguson specialises in anti-counterfeiting matters and Christine Strutt acts for clients in the digital media, e-commerce, and financial services sectors on copyright matters. Hugo Prinsloo is a key contact for enforcement issues.
Praxisleiter:
Erik van der Vyver; Claire Smedley
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Simonne Moodie; Gunther Roland; Vanessa Ferguson; Christine Strutt; Hugo Prinsloo; Sibongile Dee; Cronje Jackson
Referenzen
‘They are very practical and flexible. They are very knowledgeable in technical matters.’
‘The team is very strategic, responsive, and focused on getting good results.’
‘Gunther Roland is outstanding to work with, particularly in high-pressure situations. He is very calm, comes up with innovative solutions to complex issues, and is always thinking one step ahead.’
Kernmandanten
Stellenbosch University
Villa Crop Protection
Shoprite Checkers
Specsavers B.V.
Entersekt International
IOT.nxt
The Jane Goodall Institute Global
University of Cape Town
University of the Free State
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented Shoprite Checkers in a high-profile case brought against Pick n Pay.
Webber Wentzel
Headed by Peter Grealy, Webber Wentzel‘s key team members include Leanne Mostert, who is versed transactional IP matters and Bernadette Versfeld who handles trade marks, patents, copyrights, and designs. Tim Ball is a strong choice for pharmaceutical clients on patent litigation, while Carla Dennehy handles the monetisation of IP and data assets.
Praxisleiter:
Peter Grealy
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Leanne Mostert; Bernadette Versfeld; Tim Ball; Carla Dennehy
Kernmandanten
Sanlam
Heineken International B.V
Ethos AI Fund
LA Group Investment Pty Ltd
Remgro Management Services
Akzo Nobel N.V
WMG Management Europe Limited
MTN
Multichoice
Haribo GmbH/ Rigo Trading
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Heineken on the IP aspects of its proposed acquisition of South African wine and spirits maker Distell Group Holdings Limited, valued at ZAR 40.1 billion.
- Acted as IP counsel to MultiChoice Group Limited (MultiChoice) on the establishment of a joint venture with NBCUniversal Media, LLC (NBCUniversal), and Sky UK Limited (Sky).
Eversheds Sutherland SA Inc
Eversheds Sutherland SA Inc‘s intellectual property team is well versed in patents, trade mark, and copyright mandates, the firm is also a key port of call for telecoms, technology, mining, consumer goods, and logistics clients. Sara-Jane Pluke heads up the practice, and Scott Saunders is a key contact for anti-counterfeiting work.
Praxisleiter:
Sara-Jane Pluke
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Scott Saunders
Referenzen
‘The professionals and support staff were friendly, patient, and exceptionally efficient.’
‘Scott Saunders is able to simultaneously advise on commercial matters, litigation, and intellectual property law, specifically anti-counterfeiting and prosecution. This makes the advice he gives holistic and well-rounded. He genuinely cares about his clients.’
‘All individuals were very professional.’
Kernmandanten
Activo Health (Pty) Ltd
The Sauce Kitchen (Pty) Ltd
Turkish Airlines
Vox Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd
Adcorp Holdings Limited
Wedgewood Nougat (Pty) Ltd
Kommunity Group Projects (Pty) Ltd
Bliss Brands (Pty) Ltd
Dimension Data (Pty) Ltd
RCL Group Services Pty Ltd
Assembled Investments (Pty) Ltd
Pinnacle Rewards Online (Pty) Ltd
Pinnacle Protection Enterprises (Pty) Ltd
Gondolier Automotive Technologies (Pty) Ltd
Andersen Tax LLC
Pharma Dynamics (Pty) Ltd
Grandmark International (Pty) Ltd
Johnson Outdoors Inc.
Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
Animated Brands, LLC
Discover Financial Services
Dymatize Enterprises, LLC
Post Foods, LLC
Premier Nutrition Company, LLC
Trinseo Europe GmbH
Vanguard Trademark Holdings USA
Univar Inc. and Univar USA Inc.
ACMPC California 7, LLP
Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
Yogi Tea GmbH
Kymeta Corporation
Recreational Equipment, Inc.
ACM Management Company, LLC
Next Step Productions LLC
Fortress Iron, LP
CNA International, Inc.
Black Rapid Inc
Synack, Inc.
Dutch Bros., LLC
The Ford Foundation
African Asset Finance Company Inc
Expedition Travel Advisor, Inc
Open Farm Inc.
Channel Factory, LLC
The University of Reading
Footasylum Limited
Performanta Limited
J.D. Williams & Company Limited
African Trucks Parts & Wheels CC
OOBA (Pty) Ltd
Autboys Holdings (Pty) ltd
Mweb (Pty) Ltd
NetCommerce Ltd (Netflorist)
McCoy’s Glass Wholesalers (Pty) Ltd
Merchants SA (Pty) Ltd
ICE IP Limited
iTile (Pty) Ltd
NEXT Biosciences (Pty) Ltd
Nanodyn Systems (Pty) Ltd
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented Bliss Brands in longrunning litigation concerning whether the Advertising Regulatory Board had the authority to take regulatory action against a company that is not a member of the organisation, meaning, in this case, the client.
- Acting for Vox Telecommunications and Braintree by Vox in trade mark opposition proceedings brought against PayPal Inc.
KISCH IP
KISCH IP’s recent workload encompasses infringement proceedings and trade mark litigation. Lindy Lowne-Hughes leads on patent renewals, Julia Stephens heads up the trade mark group, while At van Rooy is highly regarded for his expertise in patent and copyright litigation. Tammi Pretorius is a key port of call for her experience in trade mark enforcement and protection matters, while Kobus du Raan and Adelhart Krüger are key contacts for contentious and non-contentious patents work.
Praxisleiter:
Julia Stephens; Lindy Lowne-Hughes
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Andrew Papadopoulos; Adelhart Krüger; Tammi Pretorius; At van Rooy; Kobus du Raan
Referenzen
‘Agility and quality work.’
‘Very courteous and helpful.’
‘We have been very happy with the quality of work and advice we receive from all of the KISCH team.’
Moore Attorneys
IP boutique firm Moore Attorneys is co-headed by Shannen Koekemoer, Kyle Dalton, and firm founder Shane Moore. Dalton often represents banking, education, logistics, and manufacturing clients on a broad range of IP disputes, and managing partner Moore is well versed in handling IP commercialisation mandates for sports, fashion, and food and beverage sector entities. Patent prosecution matters form a key pillar of Keegan Hyde‘s workload.
Praxisleiter:
Shane Moore; Kyle Dalton; Shannen Koekemoer
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Keegan Hyde
Kernmandanten
Telesure Investment Holdings
Bridgestone South Africa
Hirt & Carter Group
Arena Holdings
PG Group
KAP Limited
Mondi Limited
Afrisam South Africa
DP World
West Pack Lifestyle
Cell C Limited
MiWay Insurance Limited
Exclusive Books Group (Pty) Ltd
iKhokha (Pty) Ltd
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented Amrod Corporate Solutions on proceedings before the High Court of South Africa concerning the cancellation of third-party trade mark registrations.
Werksmans Attorneys
Werksmans Attorneys‘ team’s ‘knowledge of IP across all fields in Africa and abroad is exceptional’, and recent work for the group includes assisting sports clients with global IP portfolio management issues, trade mark infringement and opposition proceedings, and cross-border transactions. IP specialist Janine Hollesen heads up the practice, and head of the foreign trademark division Donvay Wegierski counts domain name disputes as a key area of expertise.
Praxisleiter:
Janine Hollesen; Donvay Wegierski
Referenzen
‘Werksman’s IP team is an experienced team which offers all of the skills and knowledge to assist with any IP matter. This team always meets all deadlines, is always helpful, and the advice is always on point.’
‘Janine Hollesen and Donvay Wegierski are a phenomenal duo! They provide expert advice and do so in a professional manner but with a personalised touch. They always go above and beyond when working with us, providing the best advice and helping us whenever we’re in need on an urgent basis. They are powerful and dynamic.’
‘Their knowledge, way of working, and hands-on approach makes them stand out.’
Kernmandanten
Monster Energy Company
Petredec Holdings Pte. Ltd
Acorn Holdings Proprietary Limited
Shoprite Checkers Proprietary Limited
Beijing Automobile Group Co. Ltd.
Boschkloof Wines
Du Toitskloof Wines Klein Constantia Winery (Pty) Limited
Tokara Winery
Groot Constantia
Les Grands Chais De France SAS
Iwayini Company (Pty) Limited
Energy Beverages
Reign Beverage Company
Garmin Switzerland GMBH
Swartland Winery
Quantum Foods Proprietary Limited
Clover S.A Proprietary Limited
Spier Wines
South African Rugby Union
Pick n Pay (Pty) Limited
Karsten Boerdery
Hungry Lion
Professional Provident Society (PPS)
Santam Limited
Capitec Bank
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting as counsel to Petredec Holdings Pte regarding its global IP portfolio, including assisting with trade mark enforcement matters.
- Represented the South African Rugby Union (SARU) on a trade mark infringement matter, involving alleged infringements of the client’s Springbok trade marks by Eskort.
- Representing the Reign Beverage Company in trade mark opposition proceedings brought against the client by NPG Records, concerning the client’s trade mark application for the Purple Rain energy drink in Botswana, on the grounds that Purple Rain is well known and associated with the late singer Prince.