Automotive, Transportation and Material Handling
The automotive, transportation and materials handling sector is digitising at a rapid pace, and protecting intellectual property (IP) is key in this technology-driven industry.
At the same time, counterfeiting is rife and Africa is home to an extensive network of informal markets where counterfeit vehicle parts, batteries and engine oil are readily available.
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers rely on Spoor & Fisher to help them to protect and enforce their trade mark, design and patent rights – from registering new trade marks, designs and patents through to negotiating and drafting agreements including licensing, manufacturing and knowledge transfer agreements.
Patent attorneys with specialist mechanical and electronic engineering degrees make up our dedicated Mechanical and Electronics teams. Their in-depth understanding of technologies relates to internal combustion, electric and hybrid vehicles; autonomous vehicles; railway vehicles; braking systems; energy management systems; power trains; suspension systems; monitoring systems; navigation systems; control systems; and conveying systems.
Our Anti-Counterfeiting team supports clients in tackling counterfeiting issues across the continent. Our network of skilled agents, specialist investigating firms, customs officials and police across Africa support these efforts by offering border control strategies, search and seizure operations, marketplace enforcement, and prosecution.
Meet the Team
Dina Biagio
Partner, Spoor & Fisher South Africa
Lodewyk Cilliers
Partner, Chairperson of Executive Committee, Spoor & Fisher South Africa
Jennifer Colantoni
Director, Spoor & Fisher Jersey
Mohamed Khader
Partner, Spoor & Fisher South Africa
Duncan Maguire
Director, Spoor & Fisher Jersey
Danie Pienaar
Partner, Spoor & Fisher South Africa
Shamin Raghunandan
Partner, Spoor & Fisher South Africa
Paul Ramara
Partner, Spoor & Fisher South Africa
Kay Rickelman
Foreign Counsel, Spoor & Fisher South Africa
Tshepo Shabangu
Partner, Spoor & Fisher South Africa
Marco van der Merwe
Partner, Spoor & Fisher South Africa
Herman van Schalkwyk
Partner, Spoor & Fisher South Africa
Charles Webster
Partner, Spoor & Fisher South Africa
Jarred West
Partner, Spoor & Fisher South Africa
Jonathan Whittaker
Chairperson of, Spoor & Fisher South Africa
Louw Steyn
Partner, Spoor & Fisher South Africa
Jeanine Coetzer
Senior Associate, Spoor & Fisher South Africa
Megan Dinnie
Associate, Spoor & Fisher Jersey
Chris Smith
Associate, Spoor & Fisher Jersey
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