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
- Legal 500 – Leading Associate: Intellectual Property | 2025 – 2026
- Listed as “Leading Associate” in Intellectual Property | 2025
- IAM Patent 1000 – Individuals: Prosecution | 2025 (Next Generation)
South African patent ruling in favour of Astellas Pharma
On 13 July 2026, the South African patent court ruled in favour of Astellas Pharma, the Japan-headquartered pharmaceutical company represented by intellectual property law firm Adams & Adams (Russ...
August 05 2026
Adams & Adams is a proud contributor to the chambers Life Sciences and Pharma IP litigation chapter
Life Sciences and Pharma IP Litigation 2025
March 04 2025
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