Spoor & Fisher one up on prior recognition in IAM Patent 1000 rankings

IAM Patent 1000 Guide

Spoor & Fisher has once again achieved the accolade of Gold Band firm in the 2021 edition of the IAM Patent 1000 Guide, with 10 of the firm’s partners recognised by name for their world-class, private practice patent expertise.

Described as offering “a wall-to-wall patent service throughout Africa and further afield, through a fine-spun web of offices and alliances”, Spoor & Fisher is singled out this year for continually “investing in technology to pursue greater efficiencies” and for a “cross-practice technology team” that deftly pilots new tools and systems.

Mark Kemp and Lance Abramson are hailed as “the main attraction” for innovative nanotechnology companies seeking legal expertise, with Kemp known for delivering “outstanding work on patent prosecution matters” and Abramson for “helping businesses [to] extract maximum value from their assets”.

Also highlighted are David Gilson’s almost three decades of experience when it comes to getting applications through to grant, and Lodewyk Cilliers’ sterling reputation as “a repository of trust for inventors in the mechanical field”.

In the life sciences, David Cochrane and IAM Patent 1000 newcomer Tyron Grant are cited as authorities on plant breeders’ rights in particular and the biological fields in general. Cochrane “is rated highly for his pharmaceutical patent knowledge”, while Grant stands out for his specialisation in biotechnology inventions.

Described as “personable”, Jonathan Whittaker “is a driving force” of the firm’s litigation practice, alongside “the evergreen and bright” Hugh Moubray. The pair often join forces on matters across a multitude of industries and before the Supreme Court of Appeal, where they have won numerous victories during their careers.

Cited as “the big guns in transactions” are Prof. John McKnight and Dina Biagio. McKnight, says this year’s Guide, “is excellent and knows how to challenge his opponents”, while Biagio “is an extremely diligent professional with a…commercial and practical approach that incorporates the strategic vision of the whole company.”

Indeed, the whole company – which celebrated its centenary in 2020 and honours #Spoor101 in 2021 – unites in celebrating this valued recognition by the world’s most extensive guide to leading private practice patent professionals and firms.

Further, given that the IAM Patent 1000 Guide undertakes an exhaustive annual research project, based on depth of knowledge, market presence and level of work, as well as positive peer and client feedback, this accomplishment is highly prized.