Werksmans Attorneys’ team of ‘consummate professionals’ works in tandem with the firm’s wider litigation and commercial departments, and is well known for advising on domain name disputes, cross-border transactions, IP portfolio management and the protection of IP rights. Practice head Janine Hollesen specialises in IP law; Donvay Wegierski leads the department’s foreign trade mark division. Dannielle Fiff and Monique le Roux are also praised for their contributions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The intellectual property team is of the highest possible calibre! Not only are they diverse but they work as a collective and ensure your needs as a client are always met by going above and beyond.'

  • 'Very authentic professionals.'
  • ‘Janine Hollesen and Donvay Wegierski have a wealth of knowledge. They are both powerhouses who consistently deliver. They have always been meticulous when providing opinions and advice and even just day to day assistance. It is always a pleasure working with them and their team members because you know you receive quality work on time (if not before agreed deadlines) and from a team that are not only professional but just great people.'

Key clients

  • Monster Energy Company
  • Petredec Holdings Pte. Ltd
  • Acorn Holdings Proprietary Limited
  • Shoprite Checkers Proprietary Limited
  • Beijing Automobile Group Co. Ltd.
  • Pioneer Foods and Ceres Fruit Juices ("Pioneer")
  • Various South African wineries including Boschkloof Wines, Du Toitskloof Wines Klein Constantia Winery (Pty) Limited; Tokara Winery; Groot Constantia
  • Les Grands Chais De France SAS
  • Iwayini Company (Pty) Limited
  • Energy Beverages
  • Reign Beverage Company
  • Garmin Switzerland GMBH ("Garmin")
  • Swartland Winery
  • Quantum Foods Proprietary Limited
  • Various divisions of Pepkor and associated companies
  • Clover S.A Proprietary Limited
  • Spier Wines
  • Ceres Fruit Juices (Pty) Limited (merged with Pepsico Inc)
  • South African Rugby Union
  • Pick n Pay (Pty) Limited
  • Karsten Boerdery
  • Hungry Lion
  • Professional Provident Society (PPS)
  • Santam Limited

Work highlights

  • Assisting Petredec Holdings Pte. Ltd with its global IP portfolio.
  • Assisted the firm's commercial team with conducting an IP due diligence exercise in various jurisdictions for Vivo Energy Investments B.V.
  • Assisted Acorn Holdings with its global IP portfolio.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Janine Hollesen, Donvay Wegierski

Other key lawyers

Dannielle Fiff, Monique le Roux