Spearheaded by a twelve-strong team of professionals, the 'pragmatic' Adams & Adams continues to handle the full spectrum of IP matters, including filing, prosecuting, searching, recordal, renewing, licensing, franchising, litigation, and plant breeders’ rights. Kelly Thompson routinely handles trademark and copyright litigation for clients across a range of industries, including major multinationals. Danie Dohmen specialises in patent, design, plant breeders’ rights, and IP agreement litigation, while Russell Bagnall advises on pharmaceutical disputes. Steven Yeates manages trademark selection, registration, and enforcement, Janice Galvad represents international clients, while James Davies, Nishan Singh, Wilhelm Prozesky, and Nthabisheng Phaswana oversee patents, designs, and litigation portfolios. Darren Olivier, Vishen Pillay, Joanne van Harmelen, and Thapelo Mmotong are also names of note in the department.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ...they care...they love our brands as much as we do...they are passionate and committed. One such person who lives these qualities is Jan-Harm Swanepoel. I am a commercial person with only a superficial appreciation for the law - Jan-Harm is extremely knowledgeable and experienced. He brings this depth and commitment to every discussion.
- The A&A team is not a supplier to us; they are partners in the greater brand protection fight and trademark management. They are extremely responsive, which is a critical success factor when managing the protection of the brand against unscrupulous people who choose to steal the equity of the brand, resulting in devastating impacts within communities. They are also extremely knowledgeable and balance this with bravery. They are happy to explore ways of delivering better results by challenging the law while remaining within the constraints that the law sometimes presents. They are also great partners in trademark protection, advising us on ways that they believe our protection could perhaps be exploited and providing solutions to better secure the equity of the brands.
- ‘They respond always very quickly, they respond to all our questions and their responses are well founded.'
- ‘Nishan Singh responds promptly, his answers are well-researched, his assessments are very credible, and he always addresses our inquiries in a friendly and direct manner.'
- ‘Darren Olivier is the unique mix of a partner who has expensive local and European IP knowledge, commercial acumen, strong client care skills, and cares about his team and their growth.’
- ‘Top professionals, highly experienced and knowledgeable in the IP field.'
- ‘They are competent, highly skilled and their constant desire to up-skill themselves ensures that they continue to be up to date with the ever changing skills and respond to our technological needs.'
- ‘What makes this practice truly unique is its unwavering commitment to understanding the nuances of our business needs and delivering tailored, strategic legal solutions that go beyond the expected. Their advice is always open and transparent. The partners that I deal with are not just legal experts, they are trusted advisers and always my go-to experts. Their depth of knowledge relating to IP matters including complex commercial matters is unmatched.'
Key clients
- Sun International (South Africa) Ltd
- Monster Energy Corporation and Reign Beverage Company LLC
- Tiktok Information Technologies UK Ltd
- Perkins Holdings Limited
- A & D Spitz (Pty) Limited
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Lion Corp
- Eli Lilly & Company
- Lifezone Limited
- Freddy Hirsch Group
- FirstRand Bank Limited
- Astellas Pharma Inc.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Thapelo Mmotong
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Kelly Thompson; Danie Dohmen; Russell Bagnal; Steven Yeates; Janice Galvad; James Davies; Nishan Singh; Wilhelm Prozesky; Nthabisheng Phaswana; Nicky Garnett; Godfrey Budeli; Nolwazi Gcaba
Other key lawyers
Darren Olivier; Vishen Pillay; Joanne van Harmelen; Thapelo Mmotong; Sophia Smallbones