Adams & Adams > Pretoria, South Africa > Firm Profile

Adams & Adams Offices

Adams & Adams
LYNNWOOD BRIDGE, 4 DAVENTRY STREET,
LYNNWOOD MANOR,
PRETORIA
South Africa
Visit website +27 12 432 6000

Adams & Adams > The Legal 500 Rankings

South Africa > Intellectual property Tier 1

At Adams & Adams, the ‘outstanding‘ trade marks and patents team ‘provides thorough and pragmatic advice on all trade mark prosecution and enforcement matters‘. Firm chairperson Kelly Thompson ‘provides phenomenal support in relation to trade mark opposition and infringement matters across the African continent‘, and Janice Galvad oversees patents and designs matters. Dario Tanziani  leads the patents and designs renewals and recordals side of the practice, and Nicky Garnett is the key contact for the firm’s African patents and designs work. Nolwazi Gcaba heads up the trade mark renewals section; Godfrey Budeli fronts anti-counterfeiting; and Nishan Singh and Steven Yeates are key names for trade mark litigation and prosecution respectively. Consultant Mariëtte du Plessis, Darren Olivier, Dale Healy, Alexis Apostolidis, Russell Bagnall, Sophia Smallbones and Darshan Moodley are star names in the department.

Practice head(s):

Kelly Thompson; Janice Galvad; Steven Yeates; Nishan Singh; Nolwazi Gcaba; Dario Tanziani; Nicky Garnett; Godfrey Budeli

Other key lawyers:

Mariëtte du Plessis; Darren Olivier; Alexis Apostolidis; Russell Bagnall; Dale Healy; Sophia Smallbones; Darshan Moodley

Testimonials

‘Kelly Thompson is extremely responsive and takes a pragmatic and commercially focused approach to all that she does. Her calm and considered style makes working with her a real pleasure.’

‘Adams & Adams’ intellectual property practice is very responsive. Their collaborative approach and their ability to build consensus is unique and refreshing. Clients feel like they are part of a team with Adams & Adams and the relationships created are strong and authentic.’

‘Knowledgeable, communicate well, efficient.’

‘The service received is certainly tailored to our industry, which is ideal.’

‘Collaborative approaches, friendly, professional, easy to work with.’

‘They do a good job responding as an organization. Even if one person is out, others step in.’

‘Steven Yeates does a particularly good job. He is responsive and very knowledgeable. Easy to work with.’

‘The trademark team is very reliable, efficient and cost sensitive. Communication is uncomplicated and always clear and precise.’

Key clients

Samsung

Coca-Cola

Intel Corporation

Caterpillar

BMW

FirstRand Bank

Chanel

Netflix

Sony

Robert Bosch GmbH

Novartis

Mastercard

Lacoste

Work highlights

  • Successfully represented National Brands as owner of the Salticrax trade mark before the Supreme Court of Appeal, in trade mark opposition proceedings against Cape Cookies concerning the latter’s registration of the trade mark SnackCrax.
  • Representing UK-based company Pro:Direct and Pro:Direct Soccer in litigation against a South African entity incorporated as Pro Direct Soccer (Pty) Ltd, which created a website using the client’s name.
  • Acting for Intel in ongoing trade mark infringement proceedings in Uganda.

South Africa > Real estate Tier 3

Adams & Adams‘ real estate and property law practice ‘possesses a wealth of knowledge across various complex real estate transactions‘. The ‘highly skillful and knowledgeable‘ group is very experienced in advising on commercial real estate mandates, and the department is equally strong at advising on conveyancing work; the two teams work in tandem to assist property developers, REITs, property and asset managers, investment companies, and major South African financial institutions with a broad spectrum of matters. Roelof Grové specialises in property law; he co-heads the department with commercial real estate expert Helgard Janse van Rensburg.

Practice head(s):

Roelof Grové; Helgard Janse van Rensburg

Testimonials

‘The service, knowledge and dedication of the team is fantastic.’

‘Helgard Janse van Rensburg is an approachable, kind and professional individual and it is always a pleasure working with him.’

‘Experienced people who stay calm and are not afraid to take on a challenge.’

‘Helgard Janse van Rensburg has an exceptional ability to structure agreements. Very practical and competent – always available.’

‘Diligent, extremely competent, professional, deadline-driven, service focused, well respected in legal and business circles.’

‘The team gives commercial and practical advice.’

‘Very well versed in property-related matters, with substantial experience in navigating sensitive transactions.’

‘The attorneys have in-depth experience within the real estate sector.’

Key clients

Moolman Group

Feenstra Group

Benchmark Group

Lynx Real Estate

Attacq Limited

Atterbury Group

Fairvest Investments

Mile Investments

Setso Property Fund

Nedbank Limited

Investec Bank Limited

FirstRand Bank Limited

Standard Bank of South Africa

Work highlights

  • Advised Lynx Real Estate Holdings on its the acquisition of the “East Rand Value Mall” from Acucap Investments (Pty) Ltd.

South Africa > Construction Tier 4

With experience in litigation and contractual matters in the construction industry, Grégor Wolter heads Adams & Adams’ construction practice. Wolter is ‘very knowledgeable and experienced‘ in advising construction companies on contract terminations, enforcement of contractual rights or terms; Thando Manentsa is another key name for contentious work in the department. Demi Pretorius and the ‘efficient‘ Magdalene Haripersad are also singled out for their contributions.

Practice head(s):

Grégor Wolter

Other key lawyers:

Thando Manentsa; Demi Pretorius; Magdalene Haripersad

Testimonials

‘Grégor Wolter is involved in each step of the process. He interacts well with clients, yet always has a firm grip on the case.’

‘The director and his team are very knowledgeable about construction contracts. Their service is prompt, and their support to experts is swift.’

‘Grégor Wolter forms very good interpersonal relationships and is knowledgeable on construction contract disputes.’

‘Experienced people who stay calm and are not afraid to take on a challenge.’

‘Grégor Wolter explores all possible angles, and Magdalene Haripersad is always available and keen to assist.’

‘The professionalism and competence of the team is a breath of fresh air. No stone was left unturned.’

‘Access to and availability of people I have had engagements with have been exceptional.’

Key clients

AL Mphago Civil Construction CC

Primat Construction (Pty) Ltd

The City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality

Turnover Trading (Pty) Ltd

Get Connected (Pty) Ltd

Intastor Controlled Environment (Pty) Ltd, currently in the Imvula Group of Companies

AVBOB Mutual Assurance Society

Eris Property Group

Tollink Proprietary Limited

Efkon South Africa (Pty) Ltd, a previous subsidiary of Efkon GmbH

King Air Industria (Pty) Ltd

True Orbit (Pty) Ltd

Mile Investments 225 Proprietary Limited

Feenstra Group Proprietary Limited

Bokone Group of Companies (Pty) Ltd

Lynx Real Estate Developments (Pty) Ltd

Bidvest Properties (Pty) Ltd

SRSQS Quantity Surveyors (Pty) Ltd

Rodlin Designs (Pty) Ltd

South Africa > Dispute resolution Tier 4

At Adams & Adams, the dispute resolution team ‘not only provides clients with sound legal advice, but also practical advice‘ on a range of contentious matters. Practice head Jac Marais has notable strength in advising on competition, company and constitutional law litigation, and Grégor Wolter specialises in commercial dispute resolution. Demi Pretorius fields experience in handling contractual disputes, and Thando Manentsa is active in commercial litigation. Cohen Grootboom and Kelly Mzobe are also singled out for their contributions.

Practice head(s):

Jac Marais

Other key lawyers:

Grégor Wolter; Demi Pretorius; Thando Manentsa; Cohen Grootboom; Kelly Mzobe

Testimonials

‘Excellent communication, keeping clients involved every step of the way.’

‘Grégor Wolter: respectful, calm, professional.’

‘Grégor understands the business and gives practical advice.’

Key clients

The Technology Innovation Agency

The Landbank

Helen Suzman Foundation

The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (“EWSETA”)

Vodacom (Pty) Ltd

LA Group (Pty) Ltd

Premier FMCG (Pty) Ltd

Lombardy Development (Pty) Ltd

The City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality

Claims Funding Europe

Intercape Ferreira Mainliner (Pty) Ltd

Work highlights

  • Representing long-distance bus operator company Intercape Ferreira Mainliner in proceedings brought against governmental agencies.
  • Advised Vodacom on a dispute concerning a tender valued at over R1 billion; the tender was successfully reviewed.

South Africa > Competition

Litigation expert Jac Marais heads the competition practice at Adams & Adams, which has been kept busy advising on interim relief applications and the competition law aspects of large mergers.

Adams & Adams > Firm Profile

Who we are: Established in 1908, Adams & Adams is an internationally recognised and leading African law firm that specialises in providing intellectual property, corporate and commercial services. With primary office locations in South Africa [Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban] and branches and associate offices in a number of African countries, our firm’s leadership position as the largest intellectual property law practice in Africa, and one of South Africa’s foremost corporate, property and commercial law firms is reflected in the ground-breaking work we do and the valuable client relationships we have with many of the world’s largest corporations and organisations, as well as small to medium-sized companies.

The partnership (62 partners) and professional staffing environment at Adams & Adams is characterised by diversity, ingenuity, professionalism, as well as stability. The breadth of our practice areas, and impressive level of legal knowledge and expertise allows clients the opportunity to rely on our firm as a comprehensive resource for the most challenging and complex legal needs. We are pioneers in the areas of legislative advancement and knowledge, which allows our Partners to provide exemplary legal representation with efficiency and mastery.

Our Intellectual Property law practices work with clients around the globe and across many industries to protect, enforce and commercialise their intellectual property. The group offers clients a full range of legal services relating to the acquisition, enforcement and commercialisation of intellectual property rights.

Additionally, the general commercial legal service practices of Adams & Adams boast competent and powerful teams that are purposed to represent clients in expertise areas such as commercial and contract law, commercial litigation, real estate, public procurement, banking and finance, mergers and acquisitions, franchising, competition, personal injury, arbitration and dispute resolution, among others.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Patent Janice Galvad Janice.Galvad@adams.africa +27 12 432 6260
Trade Mark Litigation Nishan Singh Nishan.Singh@adams.africa +27 12 432 6151
Trade Mark Prosecution Steven Yeates Steven.Yeates@adams.africa +27 21 419 5729
Commercial Helgard Janse van Rensburg Helgard.vanRensburg@adams.africa +27 12 432 6061
Property Roelof Grove Roelof.Grove@adams.africa +27 12 432 6329
Commercial Litigation Jac Marias Jac.Marais@adams.africa +27 12 432 6356
Commercial Litigation Thando Manentsa Thando.Manentsa@adams.africa +27 12 436 6616
Commercial Litigation Grégor Wolter Gregor.Wolter@adams.africa +27 12 432 6108

Meet The Team(s)

Lawyer Profiles

Photo Name Position Profile
Alexis Apostolidis photo Alexis Apostolidis Partner | Patent Attorney View Profile
Russell Bagnall photo Russell Bagnall Partner | Patent Attorney View Profile
Simon Brown photo Simon Brown Partner | Trade Mark Attorney View Profile
Godfrey Budeli photo Godfrey Budeli Partner | Trade Mark Attorney View Profile
Bilkis Daby photo Bilkis Daby Partner | Trade Mark Attorney & Diversity Chair View Profile
Danie Dohmen photo Danie Dohmen Partner | Patent Attorney View Profile
Janice Galvad photo Janice Galvad Partner | Chairperson – Patents View Profile
Nicky Garnett photo Nicky Garnett Partner – Head of Patents Africa View Profile
Nolwazi Gcaba photo Nolwazi Gcaba Partner | Trade Mark Attorney View Profile
Cohen Grootboom photo Cohen Grootboom Senior Associate | Attorney View Profile
Roelof Grové photo Mr Roelof Grové Partner: Attorney | Notary | Conveyancer View Profile
Aliza Hay (née Wilmans) photo Aliza Hay (née Wilmans) Associate | Litigation Attorney View Profile
Helgard Janse van Rensburg photo Helgard Janse van Rensburg Partner | Commercial Attorney View Profile
Nicolette Koch photo Nicolette Koch Partner | Attorney View Profile
Thando Manentsa photo Thando Manentsa Partner | Commercial Attorney View Profile
Jac Marais photo Jac Marais Partner | Chairperson – Litigation View Profile
Megan Moerdijk photo Megan Moerdijk Partner | Trade Mark Attorney View Profile
Donald Mokgehle photo Donald Mokgehle Partner: Attorney | Notary | Conveyancer View Profile
Nthabisheng Phaswana photo Nthabisheng Phaswana Partner | Attorney View Profile
Jenny Pienaar photo Jenny Pienaar Partner | Trade Mark Attorney View Profile
Demi Pretorius photo Demi Pretorius Partner | Attorney View Profile
Wilhelm Prozesky photo Wilhelm Prozesky Partner | Patent Attorney View Profile
Lucy Signorelli photo Lucy Signorelli Partner | Trade mark Attorney View Profile
Nishan Singh photo Nishan Singh Partner |  Chair – Trade Mark Litigation View Profile
Dario Tanziani photo Dario Tanziani Partner | Patent Attorney View Profile
Kelly Thompson photo Kelly Thompson Partner: Firm Chairperson View Profile
Louis Van der Walt photo Louis Van der Walt Partner | Patent Attorney View Profile
Grégor Wolter photo Grégor Wolter Partner | Commercial Litigation Attorney View Profile
Gérard du Plessis photo Gérard du Plessis Partner | Trade Mark Attorney View Profile

Staff Figures

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Languages

English
Afrikaans
Zulu
German
Italian
Portuguese
French
siSwati
Dutch
Venda
Xhosa
Sotho
Chinese

Memberships

The International Trade Mark Association (INTA)
Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI)
ADVOC Network
American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)
European Communities Trade Mark Association (ECTA)
Global Advertising Lawyers Alliance (GALA)
International Federation of Intellectual Property Attorneys (FICPI)
Licensing Executive Society (LES)
American Bar Association (ABA)
International Bar Association (IBA)

Other

Adams & Adams has associate offices in the following African Countries: : Angola; Botswana; Burundi; Cape Verde; Cameroon (OAPI); Egypt; Ethiopia; Ghana; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; Libya; Mauritius; Mozambique (ARIPO); Namibia; Nigeria; Sierra Leone; São Tomé and Príncipe; Swaziland; Tanzania (including Zanzibar); The Gambia; Zimbabwe.

Diversity/Community


Adams & Adams is committed to being a responsible corporate citizen – both in the way that our practices are managed internally and in how we deliver client service – delivering positive impact for our colleagues, clients, profession, environment and our local community.

We are proud to be a platinum sponsor of South Africa’s King IV Report, a corporate governance code that sets out the philosophy, principles, practices and outcomes which serve as the benchmark for good corporate governance in South Africa – a lodestar to improving the impact that business can have in society.

This is underpinned by our work culture and our firm-wide values of teamwork and respect, integrity and fairness, understanding and commitment which is held core to everything that we do. We take our corporate responsibility seriously and strongly believe in behaving in a socially responsible approach and giving something back where possible to our people and our local communities.


CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

Our responsible business programme covers four areas:

  • Children & Youth Welfare
  • Collaborative CSI Projects
  • Career Development & Pro Bono
  • Environment and Procurement

Our work in facilitating the welfare of children in need is dominated by our vital involvement in the Bana Ba Kgosi Feeding Scheme and Creche located not far from our Head Office in Pretoria, but we are greatly involved in many other programs aimed at looking after our country’s future generations. Adams & Adams have collaborated with Sizani Foods to provide nutritious meals to the Bana Ba Kgosi feeding Initiative. We are proud to support the feeding initiative. 700 children are now able to attend school, due to receiving a meal every day, filling their tummies with the food and nutrients their mind and bodies require.

Adams & Adams is the 2018 winner of the ManagingIP Global Award for Corporate Social Responsibility and Innovation in Africa.

PRO BONO WORK:
Our professionals are engaged with several pro-bono matters, particularly in the advancement of the preservation of heritage and culture. Our professionals recognise that they have the power and the assets to be able to improve the lives of fellow South Africans and a social obligation to assist deserving citizens by means of education support and pro-bono work.

DIVERSITY:

The firm has an active Diversity Committee which has as its objective the identification and elimination of any discriminatory practices and so ensuring an equal opportunity working environment along race and gender lines. We also have a Staff Consultative Forum which addresses diversity and opportunity within the firm. The firm has been actively engaged in progressing black owned Enterprise Development entities to supplier status and thereafter in the ongoing development and progression of these suppliers within the firm.

Press Releases

Launch of .Africa domain extension

9th May 2017

Further to previous updates regarding the .africa domain extension, the launch dates of the various phases have been finalised as follows:


The effectiveness of International (MADRID) Registrations in Africa

9th May 2017

The international trade mark registration system (known as the Madrid system) is administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) based in Geneva, Switzerland.  It is considered to be a one-stop solution for the registration and management of trade marks worldwide.  Brand owners from Madrid member countries can file one application, in one language and pay one set of fees to protect a trade mark in up to 114 countries (comprising 80% of world trade – and growing). How effective is Madrid in Africa?