
Sophia Smallbones
About
Sophia specializes in patent and registered design litigation. She is experienced in a broad range of technologies including life sciences, chemistry, mechanical engineering, mining-related and tech/software-related, and is regularly involved in high-value matters involving cross-border coordination with global importance.
Sophia is frequently involved in and has brought matters before the Court of the Commissioner of Patents for the Republic of South Africa and the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa and she also has experience...
Read More- Patent, Design and Copyright Litigation
- Opinion work, agreements and drafting and prosecution of patent applications
Academic Record
- LLB – University of Cape Town | 2012
- BSc Hons (Chemical Engineering) – University of Cape Town | 2009
Qualifications
- Registered Patent Attorney | 2014
- Admitted Attorney | 2015
Credentials
- Legal Practice Council (LPC) – Member
- Licensing Executives Society (LES) – Member
- South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL) – Fellow
- Southern African Research & Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) – Member

Common Sense Often Makes Good Law” [US Supreme Court Justice William Orville Douglas]: Mu Mecanicos Unidos S.A.S v The Registrar of Patents
The Court of the Commissioner of Patents recently handed down a decision which brings long awaited clarity and relief to the patent profession and applicants in South Africa. The issue before the co...
September 20 2023

Maxe (Pty) Ltd v Artav Stainless Steel CC: Design Registration Infringement - A Refresher of Old Lessons Learned
Maxe (Pty) Ltd instituted action proceedings against Artav Stainless Steel CC for infringement of several of its aesthetic design registrations covering sports bars and nudge bars for vehicles. The ...
November 24 2021

Microsoft vs You First Mobile: Security for Costs Under the South African Patents Act and Compelling Discovery of Foreign Search Reports
You First Mobile (Pty) Ltd instituted an action against Microsoft (Pty) Ltd for infringement of its South African patent. Microsoft in turn brought an interlocutory application against Your First Mo...
November 08 2021