Spearheaded by a twelve-strong team of professionals, the 'pragmatic' Adams & Adams continues to handle the full spectrum of IP matters, including filing, prosecuting, searching, recordal, renewing, licensing, franchising, litigation, and plant breeders’ rights. Kelly Thompson routinely handles trademark and copyright litigation for clients across a range of industries, including major multinationals. Danie Dohmen specialises in patent, design, plant breeders’ rights, and IP agreement litigation, while Russell Bagnall advises on pharmaceutical disputes. Steven Yeates manages trademark selection, registration, and enforcement, Janice Galvad represents international clients, while James Davies, Nishan Singh, Wilhelm Prozesky, and Nthabisheng Phaswana oversee patents, designs, and litigation portfolios. Darren Olivier, Vishen Pillay, Joanne van Harmelen, and Thapelo Mmotong are also names of note in the department.
Intellectual property in South Africa
Adams & Adams
Praxisleiter:
Kelly Thompson; Danie Dohmen; Russell Bagnal; Steven Yeates; Janice Galvad; James Davies; Nishan Singh; Wilhelm Prozesky; Nthabisheng Phaswana; Nicky Garnett; Godfrey Budeli; Nolwazi Gcaba
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Darren Olivier; Vishen Pillay; Joanne van Harmelen; Thapelo Mmotong; Sophia Smallbones
Referenzen
‘What makes this practice truly unique is its unwavering commitment to understanding the nuances of our business needs and delivering tailored, strategic legal solutions that go beyond the expected. Their advice is always open and transparent. The partners that I deal with are not just legal experts, they are trusted advisers and always my go-to experts. Their depth of knowledge relating to IP matters including complex commercial matters is unmatched.‘
‘They respond always very quickly, they respond to all our questions and their responses are well founded.‘
‘Nishan Singh responds promptly, his answers are well-researched, his assessments are very credible, and he always addresses our inquiries in a friendly and direct manner.‘
Kernmandanten
Sun International (South Africa) Ltd
Monster Energy Corporation and Reign Beverage Company LLC
Tiktok Information Technologies UK Ltd
Perkins Holdings Limited
A & D Spitz (Pty) Limited
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Lion Corp
Eli Lilly & Company
Lifezone Limited
Freddy Hirsch Group
FirstRand Bank Limited
Astellas Pharma Inc.
Highlight-Mandate
Spoor & Fisher
Headed up by John Foster, Chyreene Truluck, and Mohamed Khader, the IP team at Spoor & Fisher handles all aspects of IP, including trademarks, patents, copyright, designs, anti-counterfeiting, licensing, and litigation across Africa and internationally. Foster has worked on key counterfeit goods matters, Truluck specialises in domestic and international patent prosecution in the biotechnology and life sciences industries, and Khader focuses on anti-counterfeiting, copyright, and trademark litigation. Eben van Wyk routinely handles copyright, unlawful competition, company name disputes, and advertising law, while Dina Biagio is skilled in IP commercial transactions. Hugh Moubray has experience in mining, mechanical, metallurgical, and chemical fields, Carl van Rooyen and Paul Ramara specialise in litigation, and Zama Buthelezi is another key member of the practice.
Praxisleiter:
John Foster; Chyreene Truluck; Mohamed Khader
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Eben van Wyk; Dina Biagio; Hugh Moubray; Carl van Rooyen; Paul Ramara; Zama Buthelezi; Merlene Engelbrecht
Kernmandanten
Anglo Corporate Services South Africa (Pty) Limited
Tiger Food Brands Intellectual Property Holding Company (Pty) Ltd
Distell Ltd
My Light Holdings (Pty) Ltd t/a Shimansky
The United States Polo Association
Brand Quantum International (Pty) Limited
Nelson Mandela University
Deere & Co.
The Comité Interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne (CIVC) of Épernay
De Wetshof Estate
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted for The United States Polo Association and Stable Brands (Pty) Ltd in opposing an urgent application for an interdict based on trade mark infringement which was brought by LA Group (Pty) Ltd (LA Group) to restrain the use of certain trade marks by USPA and its licensee, Stable Brands, in South Africa.
- Acted for Macsteel Service Centres SA (Pty) Ltd in a South African Domain Name Complaint matter where the details of the Registrant were falsified and incomplete, which assisted in proving that the domain name registration was an abusive registration.
- Acted for Tiger Food Brands Intellectual Property Holding Company (Pty) Ltd in a trade mark opposition matter in China which involved the issue of bad faith filings in China.
ENSafrica
The 'exceptionally practical' practice at ENSafrica excels in patents and registered designs, as well as IP-related commercial, transactional, and advisory work. Practice head Gaelyn Scott is notably skilled in enforcement and litigation across trademarks, copyright, franchising, and licensing. Ilse du Plessis specialises in trademarks, copyright, and transactional IP for local and international clients, Rowan Forster focuses on clients in the chemical, agrochemical, and pharmaceutical sectors, and Manisha Bugwandeen-Doorasamy has represented clients across the energy, telecoms, finance, clothing, and construction sectors. Janine Thomas is adept in commercial IP.
Praxisleiter:
Gaelyn Scott
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Ilse du Plessis; Rowan Forster; Manisha Bugwandeen-Doorasamy; Janine Thomas
Referenzen
‘Responsiveness and efficiency is second to none.’
‘Gaelyn Scott and Ilse du Plessis are both experienced, trustworthy, super-efficient and always available. They are a pleasure to work with.’
‘Ultimately, as a client, you want to leave any engagement with outside counsel knowing that you have a trusted, safe „pair of hands“ working on your matter. ENS has always left me with this feeling.’
Kernmandanten
South African Rugby Union
Tevo Pty Ltd
AF Brands (Pty) Ltd
Italtile
Ore & Metal Company Limited
Nedbank Limited
Altron Ltd
Ninety One plc
Ninety One Limited
RapidDeploy
MTN Group Management
Kerry Group
In-N-Out Burgers
Victorinox
Hyundai
Forever New
Zydus
Linde
Derrick Corporation
Teva Pharmaceuticals
United Phospherous Ltd
Schlumberger Ltd
Nestle
Weir Group
MTN
Bloomberg LP
Cricket South Africa
Woolworths
Sappi Ltd
Hollard Insurance
South African Reserve Bank
South African Airways
Tiger Brands
Bidvest Group
Cipla
ABSA Bank
Dr Reddy’s
Hilton Hotels
Investec Bank
Highlight-Mandate
- Defending Nedbank Limited in a R300m copyright claim.
- Defending major retailer, Pick ‘n Pay, against a claim by Crocs Inc for trademark, patent, and registered design infringement.
- Advised on the acquisition by Pepkor Holdings Ltd of the business relating to the Boardmans, Legit, Swagga, Style and Beaver Canoe brands from Retailability for R1.7bn
Von Seidels
Co-led by Erik van der Vyver and Claire Smedley, Von Seidels's IP department is 'excellent in problem solving', particularly in relation to trademarks, copyright, anti-counterfeiting, and commercial IP matters. Smedley guides high-profile clients through brand IP filing and prosecution matters, while Christine Strutt works on portfolios for large multinational corporations and Andre J Mare focuses on commercial and transactional IP matters. Hugo Prinsloo is a skilled IP litigator, Rowan Joseph works on pharmaceutical matters, and Llewellyn du Toit, Simonne Moodie, and Cronje Jackson are also key practitioners in the group.
Praxisleiter:
Erik van der Vyver; Claire Smedley
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Simonne Moodie; Christine Strutt; Andre J Mare; Hugo Prinsloo; Rowan Joseph; Llewellyn du Toit; Cronje Jackson
Referenzen
‘Fantastic group of individuals who also come together as a team when required to provide top notch advice and services. Whether meeting them in the context of specific work matters or outside of work in social settings, they are a cohesive bunch of really nice people, who are a pleasure to work with.‘
‚Von Seidels has really harnessed something special, and the experience you get when you engage them is consistent across the practice.’
‘I would particularly mention Christine Strutt, Claire Smedley, Simonne Moodie, and Erik van der Vyver. They are all stand our attorneys who deliver commercial and practical advice and are all a pleasure to work with.‘
Kernmandanten
Allcopy Publishers
Eurolab
Austell Pharmaceuticals
University of Cape Town
University of the Free State
Stellenbosch University
Nelson Mandela University
Shoprite Checkers
Entersekt
IOT.nxt
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Allcopy Publishers (Mind Action Series) on obtaining a compulsory copyright licence; the Copyright Tribunal hearing took place 25 February 2025 and in a first-of-its-kind judgment handed down on 7 March 2025, the compulsory copyright licence was granted.
- Represented pharmaceutical company, Eurolab, in legal proceedings concerning an oncology product, enzalutamide; following market rumours of a launch of Eurolab’s generic enzalutamide product used in the treatment of prostate cancer, Astellas brought an application for an interim interdict against Eurolab, and distributors Dis-Chem.
- Represented Austell Pharmaceuticals in patent proceedings concerning its generic anticoagulant product, rivaroxaban.
Eversheds Sutherland SA Inc
Due to the team's adeptness at handling trademarks, patents, designs, copyright, commercial IP, anti-counterfeiting, and regulatory matters, Eversheds Sutherland SA Inc is lauded for its 'brilliant IP knowledge'. Practice head Sara-Jane Pluke has represented clients in landmark IP litigation, including major automotive and manufacturing companies. Scott Saunders is skilled in IP enforcement and prosecution, and Emmanuel Okeke and Fathima Ismail further bolster the team’s strengths.
Praxisleiter:
Sara-Jane Pluke
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Scott Saunders; Emmanuel Okeke; Fathima Ismail
Referenzen
‘Brilliant IP knowledge.‘
‘Sara-Jane Pluke is quick to respond in a professional and helpful way.‘
‘Having previously recommended clients to ES, I believe that the value which Sara-Jane Pluke brings to any matter, on behalf of any client, is unmatched in the South African context. Her deep legal knowledge and integrity are exemplary and in my personally held view, are a highly significant asset to any potential client in any matter that they may wish SJ to represent them in.’
Kernmandanten
Corteva Agriscience LLC
Doms Industries
The South African Institution of Civil Engineering
Bee Tee Projects CC
Slayer Energy (Pty) Ltd
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd
Oristograph (Pty) Ltd
Bliss Brands (Pty) Ltd
NTT Ltd
RCL Foods Limited
Waterford Partnership
Pinnacle Rewards (Pty) Ltd
Wedgewood Nougat (Pty) Ltd
Gondolier Automotive Technologies (Pty) Ltd
Andersen Tax LLC
Kommunity Group Projects (Pty) Ltd
Pharma Dynamics (Pty) Ltd
The LEGO Group
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented Bliss Brands (Pty) Ltd against Colgate-Palmolive (Pty) Ltd in the Gauteng Division of the High Court, including two urgent applications that were granted leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
- Assisted a client with opposing a trademark application and initiated an opposition proceeding against the applicant of the offending trade mark application, Kolco (Pty) Ltd.
- Represented the LEGO® Group in a case against My China Discount Store (Pty) Ltd regarding a high-profile intellectual property dispute involving allegedly counterfeit LEGO® products sold by My China.
Moore Attorneys
Moore Attorneys's IP team provides 'targeted advice' to clients across a range of industries, from pharmaceuticals and mining to media, finance, and gaming. Co-leader Shane Moore focuses on commercialisation in the fashion, luxury, sports, media, and food and beverage sectors, as well as trade mark and copyright law. Co-leader Kyle Dalton is skilled in the enforcement and restructuring of IP rights, and co-leader Shannen Koekemoer is also a key contact for trademark-related mandates. Keegan Hyde is skilled in patent prosecution.
Praxisleiter:
Shane Moore; Kyle Dalton; Shannen Koekemoer
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Keegan Hyde
Referenzen
‘The team is professional, and their work ethic is superb. they produce quality work.’
‘Shannen Koekemoer and Kyle Dalton have a great work ethic and provide clients with updates timely.‘
‘Moore attorneys are responsive and professional. The attorneys can provide targeted advice and assistance and process the billings in an efficient way.‘
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
- Acted for Pick n Pay Retailers in defending passing-off proceedings against it by Shoprite Checkers and in appealing the same to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
- Advised Miway Insurance on the clearance of various advertising campaigns in South Africa, with a view to mitigating claims and the associated risks on the part of competing insurance companies.
- Acted for AfriSam in defending a passing-off claim by a vexatious competitor before the Western Cape High Court.
Webber Wentzel
Led by Peter Grealy, Webber Wentzel is praised for its 'technical insight', routinely handling IP matters, including protection, enforcement, commercial agreements, portfolio management, and disputes. Leanne Mostert advises on IP strategy, management, agreements, and M&A matters, while Bernadette Versfeld is recognised for her expertise in IP litigation, prosecution, and transactional work. Tim Ball represents pharmaceutical companies in patent-related matters, and Carla Dennehy is skilled in the monetisation of IP and data assets.
Praxisleiter:
Peter Grealy
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Leanne Mostert; Bernadette Versfeld; Tim Ball; Carla Dennehy
Referenzen
‚I find them market leading through their client centricity and relationship building, the technical insight and providing a practical answer to a client solution, and their speed of response.’
‘The individual that I work with is experienced partner, Leanne Mostert.‘
‘Extraordinary experience and efficiency.‘
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising MultiChoice Group Limited on the mandatory offer by Groupe Canal+ S.A to acquire the remaining shares in MultiChoice not already owned by Canal+, at an offer price of ZAR 125 per ordinary share in MultiChoice; the transaction value is more than ZAR30bn, valuing MultiChoice at more than ZAR50bn.
- Advised on Sanlam and the dual listed company consisting of Ninety One plc and Ninety One Limited entering into an agreement for the establishment of a long-term relationship in terms of which (among other arrangements) Sanlam appoints Ninety One as its primary active asset manager for single-managed local and global products and Ninety One acquires all the issued shares in Sanlam Investment Management Proprietary Limited.
- Advised AB Electrolux on the disposal of its South African interests through the sale of all the issued shares and loan claims of Electrolux SA Proprietary Limited to Haier Europe Appliances Holding B.V. in respect of the operations and production of the water heaters, for an enterprise value of approximately ZAR2.45bn.
Werksmans Attorneys
Werksmans Attorneys’s 'dynamic' IP team routinely manages portfolios, conducts due diligence, and handles domain name and cross-border disputes. Co-leader Janine Hollesen specialises in trademarks and related enforcement and litigation, counterfeit goods, domain disputes, and commercial IP in relation to M&A transactions. Co-leader of the group Donvay Wegierski handles trademark portfolio management, prosecutions, disputes, and counterfeit matters, as well as post-Brexit implications, while Dannielle Fiff supports on a range of IP matters, notably trademark clearance searches.
Praxisleiter:
Janine Hollesen; Donvay Wegierski
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Danielle Fiff
Referenzen
‘This team is a powerhouse and the complete package! They are knowledgeable, they always offer the best, most sound IP advice locally and internationally and we thoroughly enjoy working with this team of wonderful lawyers. They are always available and ensure we receive the best advice on a timely basis, but more than that, they have what so many firms lack – that personal human touch – and we will always work with them.‘
‚This dynamic and lovely team is spearheaded by Janine Hollesen and Donvay Wegierski, and what makes them so incredibly powerful is that they are a team; you can tell they work so well together because they support and respect one another and that support and respect is extended to you. You are not just a number, you actually matter.‘
‘The team are great to work with – friendly, engaging and knowledgeable. They are also on top of managing various matters with them at the same time.’
Kernmandanten
Monster Energy Company
Petredec Holdings Pte. Ltd
Acorn Holdings Proprietary Limited
Shoprite Checkers Proprietary Limited
Beijing Automobile Group Co. Ltd.
Pioneer Foods
Ceres Fruit Juices
Boschkloof Wines
Du Toitskloof Wines Klein Constantia Winery (Pty) Limited
Tokara Winery
Groot Constantia
Rickety Bridge Wine Estate
Les Grands Chais De France SAS
Iwayini Company (Pty) Limited
Energy Beverages
Reign Beverage Company
Garmin Switzerland GMBH
Swartland Winery
Quantum Foods Proprietary Limited
Pepkor Trading (Pty) Limited
Clover S.A Proprietary Limited
Spier Wines
South African Rugby Union
Pick n Pay (Pty) Limited
Karsten Boerdery
Professional Provident Society
Santam Limited
Capitec Bank
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting for of Petredec Holdings Pte. Ltd, a world leader in LPG shipping and trading, in portfolio management across numerous jurisdictions including various Africa territories, EU, UK, Singapore, Caribbean, and North America.
- Acting for South African Ruby Union, who is the proprietor of the well-known SPRINGBOK and SPRINGBOKS trade marks, in trademark searches, prosecution, maintenance, enforcement, litigation, and social media takedowns.
- Acting for Monster Energy Company and subsidiary companies in various African countries in trademark clearance searches, prosecution, enforcement, and litigation, including on behalf of Reign Beverage Company in defending two trade mark oppositions, in Botswana and Malawi in relation to its application for Purple Rain.