Adams & Adams – recognised leader in intellectual property law in Africa

ADAMS & ADAMS is a leading African law firm that specialises in intellectual property (IP), corporate and commercial services. The firm is internationally recognised for its work in South Africa and across the African continent, and prides itself on its valuable client relationships and highly regarded expertise of more than 200 professionals.

With offices in four major centres in South Africa, as well as associate offices across the continent, the firm serves as the gateway into Africa for IP clients – providing support in any of the jurisdictions on the continent and surrounding islands.

Recognised for excellence in global legal practice, Adams & Adams is consistently ranked as a Tier-1 IP firm by industry bodies worldwide and is acknowledged by renowned peer-review indices. These include Legal 500, Chambers Global Directory, Managing Intellectual Property, Who’s Who Legal, IAM Patent 1000, World Trademark Review, and Best Lawyers.

As a firm strongly committed to promoting diversity and inclusion – both within the workplace and in IP across the continent – Adams & Adams continues to advance empowerment opportunities and its transformative goals.

Kelly Thompson is the first female chairperson of the firm in its 115-year history. Thompson, an experienced trade mark litigation attorney, is one of 28 women who make up 48.28% of the firm’s partners.

In 2021, Adams & Adams was the only law firm globally to have a female lawyer recognised in all three categories of the internationally reputable World Intellectual Property Review (WIPR) Diversity 2021 publication. This includes Nishi Chetty, who was acknowledged as one of 20 Diversity Champions for her efforts in promoting the diversity and inclusion agenda in IP law. Recently joining the firm’s female partner complement is Udi Pillay, who was promoted from senior associate to partner in the trade marks department.

Pillay holds an LLB degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and was admitted as an attorney in 2006 before starting her career as a junior attorney at Adams & Adams in 2007. Pillay is a member of the Legal Practice Council and a fellow of the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL). Specialising in trade mark searches/clearance, filing of trade mark applications, prosecution and maintenance of trade marks (in South Africa and abroad), assignments, recordals and renewals, Pillay assists clients from small start-up businesses to large corporations in various fields of business and countries.

With her skills and experience, Pillay grows the expertise at the firm’s Durban office, working alongside other partners Nishi Chetty, Vishen Pillay and Amina Suliman.

Demonstrating excellence in their respective IP fields and delivering the best results for their clients, the Adams & Adams Durban office is ready to assist any business in incorporating the protection and commercialisation of IP into their strategy and operations.

Contact Nishi Chetty, Vishen Pillay, Amina Suliman and Udi Pillay to learn more about how the firm can be of assistance to you and your business. Email dbn@adams.africa or call 031 536 3740.

UDI PILLAY

NISHI CHETTY

VISHEN PILLAY

AMINA SULIMAN