Intellectual Property

Mariëtte du Plessis is an accomplished Pretoria-based IP practitioner with notable experience in trade mark opposition, copyright registration and contentious matters relating to issues such as passing off. She continues to support Adams & Adams' IP team in the role of consultant.

Russell Bagnall enjoys a distinguished reputation for his patent litigation work, handling top-tier cases in South Africa, with further experience assisting with prosecution and registration. He is based in Pretoria.

"I am very impressed with Russell Bagnall's knowledge and expertise."

Pretoria-based Danie Dohmen operates a practice primarily focused on patents and designs. He handles both contentious and non-contentious matters, including representation in instances of infringement, with IP commercialisation being another area of particular strength.

Gérard du Plessis is a senior partner who specialises in contentious IP mandates, including representing multinationals in trade mark litigation.

Firm chairperson and Pretoria-based Kelly Thompson maintains her high standing in the area of trade mark litigation, representing clients in opposition and enforcement proceedings. She acts for a number of notable domestic and international clients.

"Kelly Thompson is extremely responsive and takes a pragmatic and commercially focused approach. Her calm and considered style makes working with her a real pleasure."

"Kelly Thompson provides phenomenal support in relation to trade mark opposition and infringement matters across the African continent."

Pretoria-based partner Alexis Apostolidis breaks into the rankings due to his particular activity in patent litigation for pharmaceutical companies. He boasts additional experience in competition law-related matters.

"Alexis Apostolidis is very good at what he does and is knowledgeable about litigation of patents infringement."

Darren Olivier is well recognised in the space for his work on IP commercialisation and portfolio management. He is often instructed to advise top-tier clients in the technology industry.

Joanne van Harmelen advises clients from the biotechnology and life sciences industries in patents matters. She left ENSafrica to join Adams & Adams in 2024.

"Joanne van Harmelen is very knowledgeable and committed. She deals with complex issues and is fast, attentive to details and on top of things."

Cape Town-based Steven Yeates is experienced in providing counsel to clients on trade mark searching, registration and enforcement, and assists with the management of IP portfolios across a number of African jurisdictions.

"Steven Yeates stands out for his many years of experience."

Jenny Pienaar is based in Pretoria and provides her clients with wide-ranging trade mark expertise, encompassing registration, enforcement and protection. She is additionally respected for her contentious copyright work.

"Jenny Pienaar is a seasoned lawyer who can quickly assimilate your needs and make legal jargon easy and friendly."

Simon Brown is based in Pretoria and possesses expertise which extends across a broad array of trade mark-related issues, such as filing and prosecution.

"Simon Brown is very experienced and knowledgeable of prosecution, both local and foreign."