Department profile
Webber Wentzel

Intellectual Property

Global Guide 2026 : South Africa

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Webber Wentzel

Rankings

About

Provided by Webber Wentzel

Our strategy:

  • to understand our client's IP assets through our management of these assets;​
  • to expertly and strategically assist clients with the monetisation of these assets which is best done by a full service firm; 
  • to offer our clients a 'one point of contact' service where our clients' portfolios are managed by one partner; and
  • our collaborative approach with Linklaters and various local firms in Africa enable us to provide a seamless cross-border service offering. 

Types of work:

  • our experience extends to, among other things, licensing, distribution, technology transfer, investment agreements, research and collaboration, franchising, global joint ventures, transfers of IP through business and asset sales and related exchange control issues;
  • trade mark oppositions, infringement and unlawful competition/passing off actions relating to trade marks, copyright, patents and registered designs, as well as domain name disputes, anti-counterfeiting, company name disputes and advertising standards authority matters; and
  • we manage a substantial number of portfolios (including trademarks, copyright, registered designs, patents and domain names all over the world) for local, multi-national and international blue chip clients who operate across all major sectors.

Contacts: Leanne Mostert, Partner ([email protected]) and Bernadette Versfeld, Partner ([email protected]).

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Intellectual Property - South Africa

Band 2

What the Team is Known For
Webber Wentzel is praised for its enviable ability to handle significant commercial matters in the IP space. The practice benefits from its prestigious national standing, with an exceptional portfolio of clients on its books. The firm acts for significant local and international clients in a number of sectors including financial services, media, consumer goods and technology. It offers experience advising on the IP ramifications of significant commercial transactions, with further strengths in trade mark filing and prosecution. Its lawyers demonstrate additional proficiency in trade mark infringement cases, including passing off.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Webber Wentzel advised CFAO Healthcare on a comprehensive review of the IP portfolio of Opella in the context of its acquisition by the client.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The firm's distinguishing strengths are its strong commercial perspective and practical advice, as well as the ability to bring in subject matter experts from other areas of the firm.

    Intellectual Property respondentGlobal

  • The firm works closely with the regulator, understanding the tension between law, tax and accounting, and applies a business mindset and pragmatic approach to solve complex problems.

    Intellectual Property respondentGlobal

  • Webber Wentzel has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of both the legal intricacies and the strategic value of intellectual property in a dynamic and evolving landscape.

    Intellectual Property respondentGlobal

  • The team makes a huge effort to understand our business and our position in the local ecosystem, and clearly understands all instructions and requests before reverting with the requested deliverables.

    Intellectual Property respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Bernadette Versfeld
    Bernadette Versfeld

    Bernadette Versfeld

    Bernadette Versfeld is a respected lawyer in South Africa who runs a practice which covers trade mark prosecution and enforcement, as well as commercial IP.

    • Bernadette Versfeld is an absolute pleasure to work with. Her expertise in her field is unparalleled, her efficiency and level of service is remarkable. I just feel safe in her hands.

      Intellectual Property respondentGlobal

    • Bernadette has been key to guiding our business in relation to brand strategy and enforcement for many years. Her knowledge is remarkable.

      Intellectual Property respondentGlobal
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  • Leanne Mostert
    Leanne Mostert

    Leanne Mostert

    Cape Town-based head of department Leanne Mostert operates a notable practice in this field, providing advice on IP commercialisation and the IP considerations associated with corporate transactions and restructuring.

    • She is an exceptional commercial IP lawyer, who is very responsive and able to deliver actionable and pragmatic advice in complex arrangements.

      Intellectual Property respondentGlobal

    • Leanne Mostert is client-centric in her approach, collaborative and understands her audience well.

      Intellectual Property respondentGlobal

    • She has guided us through complex matters with clarity, confidence and care, ensuring a seamless process both legally and strategically.

      Intellectual Property respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at Webber Wentzel (2)

South Africa

Members

Provided by Webber Wentzel

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