Ranking tables
Intellectual Property: Patents | Global
South Africa
Rankings overview for Lawyers
- Adelhart KrugerKISCH IP
- Érik Van Der VyverVon Seidels
- Ralph van NiekerkVon Seidels
- Wessel van WykSmit & Van Wyk, Inc.
All Lawyers profiles
Band 1

1 Danie Dohmen
Adams & Adams | Intellectual Property: Patents2026 | Band 1 | 16 Years RankedPretoria-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.
1 Russell Bagnall
Adams & Adams | Intellectual Property: Patents2026 | Band 1 | 16 Years RankedRussell 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.
1 Tim Ball
Webber Wentzel | Intellectual Property: Patents2026 | Band 1 | 16 Years RankedTim Ball has a well-established reputation for his patent work, with a focus on disputes and notable activity in infringement proceedings. Sitting in Cape Town, he acts for clients in a range of industry sectors, including pharmaceuticals and telecoms.
Band 2
Band 3

3 Alexis Apostolidis
Adams & Adams | Intellectual Property: Patents2026 | Band 3 | 3 Years RankedPretoria-based partner Alexis Apostolidis is particularly active in patent litigation for pharmaceutical companies. He boasts additional experience in competition law-related matters.

3 Joanne van Harmelen
Adams & Adams | Intellectual Property: Patents2026 | Band 3 | 3 Years RankedJoanne van Harmelen advises clients from the biotechnology and life sciences industries on patents matters.

3 Jonathan Whittaker
Spoor & Fisher | Intellectual Property: Patents2026 | Band 3 | 11 Years RankedJonathan Whittaker is the Pretoria-based chair of the firm. He has a particularly well-established reputation for his patent work, with extensive litigation experience that is complemented by his advisory practice. He has experience acting for clients in a range of areas, including the mining and manufacturing sectors.
3 Lance Abramson
Spoor & Fisher | Intellectual Property: Patents2026 | Band 3 | 4 Years RankedLance Abramson enjoys a strong reputation for his expertise in advising clients on patent prosecution and patent filings.
3 Pieter Visagie
Adams & Adams | Intellectual Property: Patents2026 | Band 3 | 2 Years RankedPretoria-based Pieter Visagie is an experienced patent lawyer who acts on the drafting of patents and the prosecution of patent applications.
3 Rowan Forster
ENS | Intellectual Property: Patents2026 | Band 3 | 1 Years RankedRowan Forster is equipped to assist clients on patent portfolios. He works on patent-related litigation as well as non-contentious matters such as patent applications.