Werksmans Attorneys‘ team’s ’knowledge of IP across all fields in Africa and abroad is exceptional’, and recent work for the group includes assisting sports clients with global IP portfolio management issues, trade mark infringement and opposition proceedings, and cross-border transactions. IP specialist Janine Hollesen heads up the practice, and head of the foreign trademark division Donvay Wegierski counts domain name disputes as a key area of expertise.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Werksman's IP team is an experienced team which offers all of the skills and knowledge to assist with any IP matter. This team always meets all deadlines, is always helpful, and the advice is always on point.'
‘Janine Hollesen and Donvay Wegierski are a phenomenal duo! They provide expert advice and do so in a professional manner but with a personalised touch. They always go above and beyond when working with us, providing the best advice and helping us whenever we're in need on an urgent basis. They are powerful and dynamic.’
‘Their knowledge, way of working, and hands-on approach makes them stand out.’
Key clients
- Monster Energy Company
- Petredec Holdings Pte. Ltd
- Acorn Holdings Proprietary Limited
- Shoprite Checkers Proprietary Limited
- Beijing Automobile Group Co. Ltd.
- Boschkloof Wines
- Du Toitskloof Wines Klein Constantia Winery (Pty) Limited
- Tokara Winery
- Groot Constantia
- Les Grands Chais De France SAS
Work highlights
Acting as counsel to Petredec Holdings Pte regarding its global IP portfolio, including assisting with trade mark enforcement matters.
Represented the South African Rugby Union (SARU) on a trade mark infringement matter, involving alleged infringements of the client's Springbok trade marks by Eskort.
Representing the Reign Beverage Company in trade mark opposition proceedings brought against the client by NPG Records, concerning the client's trade mark application for the Purple Rain energy drink in Botswana, on the grounds that Purple Rain is well known and associated with the late singer Prince.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
Janine Hollesen; Donvay Wegierski