Leading Intellectual Property (IP) law firm Spoor & Fisher today announced that trade mark attorney Charl Potgieter has joined its anti-counterfeiting practice as partner. Charl will be based in Spoor & Fisher’s Pretoria office.
 
Charl is regarded as one of the leading experts in Africa on devising and implementing anti-counterfeiting strategies, having acted for a number of multi-nationals on the African continent. Spoor & Fisher’s anti-counterfeiting team now consists of 11 lawyers supported by a team of investigators, paralegals, administrative and secretarial staff.
 
“We have built up one of the largest and most established anti-counterfeiting teams operating across the African continent. The addition of Charl acting on the ground in Africa will further strengthen our resources,” said Paul Ramara, Partner, Spoor & Fisher.
 
“Charl’s skill set and experience in in-market operations both in South Africa and other  African countries will complement the team and we are pleased to welcome him to the firm,” said Mohamed Khader, Partner, Spoor & Fisher.
 
A vast majority of Sub-Saharan African countries remain vulnerable to the sale of counterfeit goods as most of the commercial activity takes place in unregulated markets.
 
“I am thrilled to be joining Spoor & Fisher and look forward to the opportunity of working with an outstanding group of IP lawyers across the firm’s offices. It allows me to further broaden my experience and guide clients in an ever evolving legal landscape,” Charl says.
 
He joins Spoor & Fisher from Adams & Adams where he spent 10 years, 3 as a partner.