Aletia Oberholster is a Senior Associate and the Head of the Intellectual Property (IP) Department at Barnard. With over 15 years of comprehensive experience in the field of intellectual property law, she has carved a niche as a specialised trade mark attorney and a expert in transactional IP law. Aletia’s professional journey is marked by a deep engagement in the breadth of IP law, where she has managed diverse intellectual property portfolios both across Africa and on a global scale.

Before her tenure at Barnard, Aletia contributed her expertise to some of the most prestigious boutique IP law firms and played a pivotal role as a leading advisor in the prosecution team of one of South Africa’s foremost global law firms. Her understanding of IP protection rights, especially in the context of commercialisation, is a testament to the mentorship she received from several of South Africa’s seasoned senior IP lawyers.

Aletia’s expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of activities within IP law. She is particularly focused on the strategic management of intellectual property portfolios, conducting clearance searches, overseeing filings, and performing due diligence exercises not just in Africa but globally. Her acumen also extends to advising on, and drafting, license and assignment agreements, as well as navigating security arrangements related to IP rights.

Aletia ensures that each client’s innovations and creations are thoroughly protected and their legal rights are meticulously upheld. She is driven by the dynamic nature of the IP field and is committed to delivering commercially focused strategic solutions that cater to the unique needs of her clients.

Aletia is an associate member of the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL) and holds an LLB degree from the University of South Africa (UNISA).