Department profile
Werksmans Attorneys

Intellectual Property

Global Guide 2026 : South Africa


Werksmans Attorneys

Rankings

About

Provided by Werksmans Attorneys

The Werksmans Intellectual Property (IP) IP team acts for multinationals, large local companies, international sports enterprises and individuals.

The team often work across borders. We have both a dedicated South African IP practice and a foreign practice.

The team is skilled in assessing the size, content and value of clients’ IP portfolios, following up with strategic development guidelines and portfolio management. Where clients’ IP rights are threatened, our lawyers conduct litigation, be it in the form of interdicts, injunctions or claims for damages. Team members are also experienced in conducting domain name dispute proceedings.

They also expertly negotiate and prepare agreements on the IP aspects of commercial transactions, such as those involving licensees and franchisees.

Our expansive list of services includes the registration of IP rights both locally and internationally; the purchase, transfer and licensing of all IP rights (including copyrights, trade marks and patents); and IP strategic planning and portfolio management. We also assist with restraints of trade; e-commerce and IT law; litigation and dispute resolution in relation to a diversity of IP issues; and due diligence investigations. Other services include franchising; domain name protection, administration and disputes; anti-counterfeiting advice and actions; licensing and technology transfers; and matters relating to lotteries and gaming through media advertising.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Intellectual Property - South Africa

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

Werksmans has an established practice that is valued for its longstanding expertise in a range of IP matters, with recognised experience in trade mark prosecution and enforcement. The firm is well regarded for its particular strengths and activity in IP-related litigation, with an impressive track record of acting for leading food and drink manufacturers, retailers and distributors, pharmaceutical companies and media players, among others. Additionally, the team is sought out for its advice on domain name acquisitions and disputes, as well as anti-counterfeiting issues.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Werksmans Attorneys acted for Rubro Holdings on trade mark opposition proceedings in the EU.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They firm has a good variety of partners and associates available.

    Intellectual Property respondentGlobal
  • Werksmans Attorneys' passion for the craft means the firm goes above and beyond. I truly adore dealing with the firm as its lawyers are very client centred.

    Intellectual Property respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Donvay Wegierski
    Band 3Donvay Wegierski

    Donvay Wegierski

    Donvay Wegierski is sought out by clients for her advice on trade mark filing, prosecution and opposition in South Africa and across the continent. The Stellenbosch-based attorney is also active on anti-counterfeiting matters.

    • Donvay Wegierski is such a pleasure to work with. She is always friendly and offers the best advice, I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for her expertise.

      Intellectual Property respondentGlobal
    • She is very aware and thorough.

      Intellectual Property respondentGlobal
  • Band 3Janine Hollesen
    Band 3Janine Hollesen

    Janine Hollesen

    Head of practice Janine Hollesen is based in Stellenbosch and is engaged by notable domestic and international companies for her counsel on trade mark opposition and infringement.

    • Janine Hollesen is an exceptional individual who would go all the way in terms of advice and making sure that we are satisfied with the level of service. Her advice is crisp and to the point.

      Intellectual Property respondentGlobal
    • If I had to describe her in one work it is thorough; she is knowledgeable and aware of everything that has to do with our trade marks.

      Intellectual Property respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at Werksmans Attorneys (2)

South Africa

Members

Provided by Werksmans Attorneys

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