Intellectual Property

Janine Hollesen

Head of Intellectual Property

Intellectual property (IP) is a significant contributor to enterprise value and economic growth, and the Werksmans Intellectual Property team knows how essential it is for every business to act decisively to safeguard this valuable, albeit intangible, corporate asset.

Our lawyers apply best-practice thinking to a wide range of IP and related issues, generating distinctive and commercially minded solutions. Acting for multinationals, large local companies, international sports enterprises and individuals, we cross borders in Africa and internationally to register and protect clients’ trademarks, patents, designs, copyright, domain names and plant breeders’ rights.

An expansive list of Intellectual Property services

The team is skilled in assessing the size, content and value of clients’ IP portfolios, following up with strategic development guidelines and portfolio management. In keeping with current technological advancements, clients enjoy free and direct internet access to the IP portfolios managed on their behalf. Where clients’ IP rights are threatened, our lawyers conduct litigation, be it in the form of interdicts, injunctions or claims for damages. Team members are also experienced in conducting domain name dispute proceedings. We expertly negotiate and prepare agreements on the IP aspects of commercial transactions, such as those involving licensees and franchisees. Our expansive list of services includes the registration of IP rights both locally and internationally, the purchase, transfer and licensing of all IP rights (including copyrights, trade marks and patents), and IP strategic planning and portfolio management. Additionally, we assist with restraints of trade, e-commerce and IT law, litigation and dispute resolution in relation to a diversity of IP issues, and due diligence investigations.