Thomas is a registered patent attorney with experience in patents and registered designs, as well as regulatory compliance and policy related to Intellectual Property. He graduated with an MSc in Plant Biotechnology from the University of Pretoria before pursuing a law degree from UNISA and becoming a patent attorney. He has a strong technical background […]

Dr. Joanne van Harmelen is a qualified attorney with over 15 years of experience in the legal profession. She specialises in patent filing and prosecution in the biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and chemicals sectors as well as advising clients on related regulatory and IP commercial matters. Joanne’s approach to advising clients is to consider holistically the commercial […]

Gizela is an associate in the Patent Department of Adams & Adams. She was awarded an LLB from UNISA in 2018 and was admitted as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa in 2023. Gizela assists in the management of foreign clients’ patent and design portfolios in South Africa within the Patent Overseas […]

Marilé is an associate in the Patents Department at Adams & Adams. She holds a MSc in Microbiology from the University of Stellenbosch and an LLB degree from UNISA. Marilé is an admitted attorney of the South African High Court and a qualified patent attorney. Marilé is part of the Africa Patent Section and sits […]

James is a patent attorney with an electronic and computer background, and with a genuine interest in these things and all things technological. James works in the patent department, mainly assisting local clients in filing and prosecution patent and design applications in South Africa and indeed all over the world.

Alexis Apostolidis is a partner in the patent litigation practice of Adams & Adams and heads the competition law department of the firm. He is well versed in all aspects of patent law and specialises in opinion work and patent litigation in the life sciences, agrochemical, petrochemical, IT and consumer goods sectors. He has successfully litigated on behalf of originator pharmaceutical companies, OEM German car manufacturers, banks and television content providers. Alexis’ practice also extends to litigation concerning design registrations, the commercialisation and licensing of IP and regulatory matters in the life sciences sector. He advises and represents clients in litigious work in a number of African countries.

Thapelo is an admitted attorney as well as a registered patent attorney in the Johannesburg office of Adams & Adams. He has a BSc Eng (Metallurgy & Materials Engineering) degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, and a LLB from UNISA.

Nicky Garnett is the Head of the Africa Patents of the Patent Department, a position she has held since 2008. Nicky is originally from Zimbabwe and moved to South Africa in 2008.

Ms Marsicano is a patent attorney who specialises in domestic and international patent and design matters.

Johnny is a patent partner in the Johannesburg office of Adams & Adams. He has a BSc Eng (Electrical) from Wits University, and an LLB from UNISA.