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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘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.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
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.
Kelly Thompson, Janice Galvad, Steven Yeates, Nishan Singh, Nolwazi Gcaba, Dario Tanziani, Nicky Garnett, Godfrey Budeli