Practice Areas

At Adams & Adams we believe in rendering exceptional services through industry-leading expertise and the highest levels of professionalism. We provide a comprehensive array of legal services to ensure we make a difference that is truly felt.

Intellectual property

Adams & Adams is a leading full-service Intellectual Property law firm operating across the African continent. Our trade mark, copyright, design, and patent departments provide clients with a comprehensive suite of legal services. These services encompass the acquisition, protection, enforcement, and commercialisation of intellectual property rights. Additionally, we offer expertise in the licensing of trade marks, patents, designs, and plant breeders' rights, ensuring a full range of legal solutions across various technical fields.

Corporate & Commercial

Adams & Adams is a rapidly growing leader in corporate and commercial law, serving businesses across Africa and globally.

Our commercial attorneys provide exceptional legal counsel to a broad array of public and private companies, private equity firms, financial institutions, government entities, and individuals.

Dispute Resolution

Our Dispute Resolution team, boasts competent and powerful teams that are purposed to represent clients in specialised areas such as anti-corruption and bribery, constitutional and administrative law, banking and finance, construction law, family law and personal injury law. The attorneys in these practices are recognised for their high level of expertise coupled with efficient and cost-effective handling of legal issues, always keeping clients’ business needs at the forefront of strategic input.

Competition Law & Anti-trust

Our Competition team continues to broaden its reach into diverse industries and economic sectors, including public transport, online payment platforms, and various agricultural sectors. We remain a prominent presence in the Property Development sector and are widely recognised by other law firms as the 'go-to' team for competition issues.

Real Estate & Property Law

With our depth of expertise, comprehensive service offerings, commitment to quality and innovation, extensive geographic reach and client-centric philosophy, Adams & Adams’ Real Estate and Property Law division stands out as a powerhouse in the South African property market.

Our Real Estate and Property Law practice uniquely benefits from collaboration with experts across various legal disciplines within the firm. Whether facing property-related disputes or seeking guidance on corporate matters, our clients have access to a broad spectrum of legal support whenever needed.

Insurance Law

Our Insurance Law team provides a comprehensive range of insurance law services, including specialised legal assistance for the financial sector. The team is highly respected in their field, with an outstanding track record. With their deep knowledge and understanding of the insurance industry, they are well-equipped to handle complex insurance disputes of any kind. Our Insurance Law team serves a wide array of industry stakeholders, including insurance companies, claims management firms, intermediaries, insured businesses, and individuals.

Family & Private Law

At Adams & Adams, our dedicated Family Law team is committed to advocating for your family both inside and outside the courtroom. We handle all family matters with sensitivity and care, ensuring the best possible resolution for everyone involved. With our extensive experience, expertise, and discretion, we provide the right services to achieve the best outcomes, no matter your needs.

Adams Forensics

Adams & Adams Forensics specialises in the prevention, detection, and investigation of commercial crimes, as well as providing investigative and financial expertise in commercial disputes. They aim to objectively integrate the roles of accounting, legal, and investigative skills in both public and private sector settings. Our team comprises highly qualified and experienced professionals, each carefully selected for their expert skill sets.

Value Added Services

At Adams & Adams, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive suite of value-added services designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Beyond traditional legal counsel, we provide strategic advisory, risk management, and compliance support to help businesses navigate complex regulatory landscapes. Our team of experts also delivers tailored training programs, thought leadership, and industry insights, ensuring our clients stay ahead in an ever-evolving legal environment. By integrating innovative solutions and a client-centric approach, we add significant value to every partnership, empowering our clients to achieve their goals with confidence.

News

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Respecting the Lens, Part 2: Why "I Didn't Know I Needed Permission" Is Not a Copyright Defence

Last year, in our article Respecting the Lens: Copyright Infringement and the Rights of Photographers in South Africa, we addressed a common misconception encountered in copyright enforcement matters:...

August 28 2026

Copyright Daniëlle van Deventer Darren Olivier Intellectual Property Lita Miti-Qamata Mandla Ngidi Maureen Kiugu (née Makoko)

The Trade Mark That Refused to Die: Deadwood or Zombie?

The Case of Altron Ltd v Tracker (Pty) Ltd Pretoria High Court, 2026 A trade mark unused for almost ten years might ordinarily be destined for removal. Yet in Altron v Tracker, residual reputation hel...

August 27 2026

Amina Suliman Branding Intellectual Property Trade Marks

US Federal Court Orders Reformation of CGL Policy to Restore Exclusion Mistakenly Omitted on Renewal: Implications for the Rectification of Insurance Policies

In General Casualty Co. of Wisconsin v. Reed Hein & Associates, LLC, the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington held that a commercial general liability (“CGL”) po...

August 25 2026

INSURANCE Insurance Law Jean-Paul Rudd

Testimonials

Our clients appreciate our meticulous approach, personalised service and successful outcomes.

Read what they have to say about our commitment to every enterprise we undertake.

The firm has a wide area of expertise and it does not hesitate to call on specialists of other areas to assist and contribute to the success of a matter.

Chambers Global, 2024

The Adams & Adams team are experts in the field. We rely on their advice and we trust them. We are very pleased with their expertise and knowledge.

Chambers Global, 2024

Professional, dedicated and possess unrivalled knowledge and experience.

World Trade Mark Review, 2020

The firm is super-versatile and can call upon experts from a variety of specialities to provide a comprehensive view of the actions being taken. Its presence across the African continent is a massive plus for those who need counsel outside of South Africa too.

World Trade Mark Review, 2022

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About Us

About Adams

We are Africa’s largest intellectual property law firm with an award winning commercial, real estate and dispute resolution law practice. We are a gateway to African markets, with a network of over 200 legal professionals working in four major cities in South Africa and 23 associate offices across Africa. Our ethos is not just practising law ‘by the book’ but rather a firm which ‘writes the book’. This ensures we stay ahead of the field to provide the best legal services and help our clients realise the potential of their African enterprise.

Our Heritage

Harry Adams started his practice in Pretoria in 1908. By 1916 he was assisting the SA government in drafting new intellectual property law and had published a booklet on intellectual property laws in SA which brought international attention to his practice. The following year, Harry was joined by his younger brother EV Adams and so Adams & Adams was born. EV Adams practised conveyancing and general law and this laid the foundation for Adams & Adams success as an intellectual property and commercial law firm. Through the years Adams & Adams has continued the ground breaking and innovative spirit of the two brothers, no matter what the challenge.

Corporate Social Investment

At Adams & Adams, we prioritise responsible business practices, both in our internal management and in the delivery of client service. Our goal is to make a positive impact on our colleagues, clients, the profession, and the local community.

How can we help you?

We have offices in four major cities in South Africa: Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Additionally, we have another 23 associate offices in the rest of Africa.
Please contact your nearest office for any legal enquiry or assistance.