Profile
Work Department
Position
Partner: Patent Attorney - Branch Office Chairperson
Career
Vishen Pillay is a partner in the patent department of Adams & Adams Attorneys, the largest intellectual property (IP) law firm in South Africa. He has a background in electronic engineering (UKZN) and is an admitted attorney as well as a qualified patent attorney.
Having over 19 years of experience in IP (approximately 15 years of post-qualification experience), Vishen specialises in assisting his clients to protect their inventions in the fields of electronics, software, artificial intelligence, quantum communication and computing, radar, telecommunications, mechanical engineering, electro-mechanical engineering, and bio-medical engineering. In particular, he deals with all matters relating to filing and prosecution of patent and design applications in South Africa and abroad, as well as IP strategy.
Vishen has drafted and successfully prosecuted patent and design applications on behalf of many South African Universities, Science Councils, US Fortune 500, and South African Top 100 companies. He currently serves as one of the members of the Management Committee of Adams & Adams and as well as an advisory board member of the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO).
Languages
Memberships
- American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) – Member and Co-chair of the Africa Committee
- International Federation of Patent Agents (FICPI) – Member
- Legal Practice Council (LPC) – Member
- South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL) – Fellow
- SAIIPL: Patent & Design Law Committee
- Southern African Research & Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) – Member
- Best Lawyers® – Intellectual Property Law: South Africa | 2021 - 2024
- IFLR Patent Expert Guide – Experts for Patents | 2019
- Listed in World Intellectual Property Review – WIPR Leaders: Trade Marks | 2018 – 2024
- Ranked “Highly Recommended” in Prosecution by IAM Patent 1000 | 2021 – 2024
Education
- Admitted Attorney | 2009
- Registered Patent Attorney | 2009
- LLB – University of South Africa | 2008
- BSc Eng (Elec.) – University of Kwazulu-Natal | 2004
Content supplied by Adams & Adams
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They are highly knowledgeable in IP, professional, and always willing to assist. Their billing is fair.’
‘Vishen Pillay has been very helpful in helping us meet tight deadlines. He communicates regularly and is always willing to assist us.’
‘The team is made up of diverse professionals with a client-centric attitude. ’
‘The team is very knowledgeable and has strong communication skills. They will advise up front on how they recommend proceeding in certain matters so that you are not spending money unnecessarily.'
‘The members have great experience in IP matters.'
‘The service is world class. The team is able to provide solutions to complex legal issues and provide practical advice. ’
- 'The quality of the work product is excellent and consistent.’
‘The team at Adams & Adams are resolutely customer-focused: they proactively spend time and energy to enquire about possible problems or needs. Collaboration is their strength, alongside professionalism and reliability.’
Key clients
- Microsoft
- Samsung
- Coca-Cola
- Intel
- Caterpillar
- BMW
- FirstRand Bank Limited – FNB
- Chanel Limited
- Netflix
- Sony
- Robert Bosch GmbH
- Novartis
- Mastercard
- Lacoste