Gold in Intellectual Asset Magazine (IAM) Patent 1000 rankings

Spoor & Fisher has once again achieved the top accolade of Gold Band firm in the 2022 edition of the IAM Patent 1000 Guide, with 10 of the firm’s partners being singled out for their world-class, patent expertise.

Described as, “A powerful and trusted partner in South Africa and the African continent”, Spoor & Fisher was noted for standing out among its competitors for the breadth of its expertise and the depth of its bench. The firm’s “top-notch practitioners,” were praised for being in sync and drawing on the firm’s full-service set up, to counsel companies of all shapes and sizes across the contentious/non-contentious divide.

IAM recognised specific partners for embodying this holistic approach, such as Mark Kemp, who was described as, “a prompt, fair and super-qualified attorney that understands exactly what it takes to succeed.”

Working alongside Kemp in the life sciences, David Cochrane and Tyron Grant were mentioned for their expertise: “ A quick thinker with heaps of expertise in the pharmaceutical industry, Cochrane knows how to play all the angles to come up with persuasive applications, while Grant is an outstanding communicator who provides sound and immensely valuable strategic advice to biotech companies.”

Outside the life sciences, Lodewyk Cilliers, David Gilson and Lance Abramson were seen as names to note. “Cilliers brings insight gained from his time as a mechanical engineer in nuclear energy to his thriving prosecution practice, while Abramson comes in for praise as a real standout at the top of his game.”

Turning to litigation, peers and foreign associates recognised the strength of the group and its involvement in some of the most prominent cases to come through the country. “A remarkable practitioner, Jonathan Whittaker readily irons out the creases of complex IP disputes, including those involving infringements in the specialised plant variety industry.”

Hugh Moubray was hailed as a “highly dedicated and intelligent litigator with a keen eye for detail”. While on the transactions front, John McKnight and Dina Biagio were identified as “the stars shepherding IP-rich deals to a successful close.”