Spoor & Fisher has been recognised as a Band 1 firm in South Africa by Chambers & Partners in their 2019 rankings.
The Chambers Global Guide ranks top lawyers and law firms in over 190 countries across the world. The ratings are based on direct feedback from clients; information submitted by each law firm as well as an in-depth review of public filings on transactions that each firm has worked on.
In honouring Spoor & Fisher, the publication surmised that the firm is a distinguished practice with renowned proficiency across a variety of IP-related commercial concerns throughout South Africa and the rest of the continent. It also highlighted the firm’s proficiency in acting for clients in areas including trade mark and patent prosecution and enforcement and noted its expertise in anti-counterfeiting.
One client attested to their satisfaction with the group’s service, saying: “I’ve found them to be very helpful,” and: “I can call anytime for a quick question, they’re very available and have great expertise.” Another source noted the firm’s standing: “Spoor & Fisher are a top-tier firm in South Africa. They come up with good solutions and challenge you as a client and the opinion of legal counsel.”
The publication also ranked Carl van Rooyen, Charles Webster, Eben van Wyk and Herman Blignaut for their expertise in IP-related matters and recommended Jonathan Whittaker and Hugh Moubray for their particular experience in patent litigation.
More about our ranked attorneys:
Sources are quick to praise Charles Webster as a “fantastic litigator” and a “brilliant attorney,” with one interviewee denoting him as “Mr Trade Marks” He has a considerable reputation for his expertise in trade mark and copyright disputes, particularly infringement, with further experience concerning unlawful competition.
Experienced litigator Carl van Rooyen is highlighted by sources as a “great guy who has good relationships with clients,” with further praise for being “very practical and business-oriented.” He is noted for his handling of a “number of big, high-profile cases” with expertise touching on trade marks, copyright and unlawful competition.
Cape Town-based Eben van Wyk is acknowledged for his experience in a broad range of IP matters. He has a well-established name as a litigator with knowledge of trade mark portfolio management, registration and opposition, as well as advertising law.
Herman Blignaut is well known in the market as an experienced copyright and trade mark litigator. He represented Jaguar Land Rover in its opposition to the registration of the trade mark Landwind by Jiangling Motor Holding.
Commentators highlight Hugh Moubray as one of the “leading attorneys” in the field of patent litigation and note that he is “held in high regard” by the market. He is renowned for his practice concerning patent infringement and opposition, with activity in the consumer goods, pharmaceutical, defence and mining sectors.
Jonathan Whittaker is a well-respected patent attorney with a strong position in the market. Interviewees emphasise that “he’s very well known and one of the most respected litigators in the South African scene.” He is active representing defendants and patentees in IP disputes and is based in Pretoria.
English 
Chinese 
Japanese