Barnard Incorporated, named the Most Innovative Law Firm in Africa in 2022 by Law.com, proudly unveiled an expansion of its Intellectual Property (IP) Law Department recently. This initiative is part of the firm’s broader strategy to redefine the integration of corporate and commercial law with intellectual property, setting a new standard for IP legal services in South Africa and beyond.
We are thrilled to announce the addition of two eminent IP professionals to our team. Aletia Oberholster, an expert with over 15 years in the field, takes the helm as the head of the department. Her expertise in managing global IP portfolios and her strategic acumen in commercialisation are pivotal to our innovative approach. Aletia’s leadership is expected to transform the way intellectual property is leveraged for business success.
Also joining the team is Dr. Gerard Verhoef, a leading figure in IP and technology transfer. With an illustrious career spanning several decades, Dr. Verhoef has elected to join Barnard, a decision that speaks volumes about our firm’s leadership in pioneering IP law. His extensive experience and academic accomplishments in engineering and law will significantly enhance our capabilities in IP commercialisation and strategic client counselling.
Viteshen Naidoo’s role as Junior Associate, specialising in technology, AI, media, and sports IP law, represents another step in our strategic expansion. Viteshen embodies the innovative spirit of Barnard, pushing the boundaries of traditional IP services.
Our renewed IP department is poised to revolutionise the commercialisation and monetisation of IP assets. Through a mix of corporate strategy and intellectual property management, we aim to create substantial value for our clients’ businesses. Our full spectrum of services now includes enhanced dispute resolution, sophisticated trademark and patent prosecutions, and expert guidance on complex commercial IP transactions.
Our strategic focus on integrating intellectual property with commercial law enables us to offer unique, client-centred solutions. Supported by the International Commercial Law Alliance (ICLA), our global reach ensures that we bring world-class IP services to our clients.
