Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Recent awards & mentions
Timeline
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Vanessa Ferguson

Vanessa Ferguson

Legal - Attorney (Senior)
Cape Town

Summary

An experienced trademark attorney, specialized in IP protection and enforcement, commercial aspects of IP, with a specific focus on anti-counterfeiting and associated enforcement measures.

For 25 years, assisting clients from all industries and areas in respect of both traditional and non-traditional IP protection and enforcement, both in South Africa as well as key African territories, with a strong focus on regional and cross-border enforcement measures and regulatory compliance

Works closely with government bodies and industries in South Africa and Africa and is actively involved in capacity building and training programs for law enforcement, customs and other role players in intellectual property enforcement measures.

Co-author of Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in Africa (published May 2020 by Oxford University Press), the leading textbook on IP enforcement and anti-counterfeiting in Africa. Co-authored the Africa Chapter of the Research Handbook on Cross-Border Enforcement of Intellectual Property (published 2014 by Edward Elgar Publishing Limited).

Currently serves on the International Trademark Association’s (INTA) Anti-Counterfeiting Committee (MEA) and the Online Anti-counterfeiting Guide as Editor for Africa. Vanessa chaired the MEASA Anti-Counterfeit Committee (2014-2015) and co-chaired the INTA Africa and Middle East Conference in Dubai (2018).

Past President of the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL). Currently serves on the Anti-Counterfeiting and Education Committees and is an examiner for the SAIIPL Trade Mark Practitioners Examination (litigation).

Effective law professional with proven track record of successfully representing clients in court, developing legal strategies and drafting and negotiating contracts. Well-versed in principles of intellectual property law, with specialized skills in IP enforcement and anti-counterfeiting measures, litigation and criminal law. Works independently and collaboratively as part of team.

Proficient in drafting legal documents and negotiating settlements. Poised and dedicated professional with proven ability to thrive in busy and stressful environments.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Partner & Department Head of Anti-counterfeiting

Von Seidels Attorneys
Cape Town
03.2021 - Current
  • Establish and build firm's enforcement and anti-counterfeiting department as new area of service offering
  • Creation of work instruction manuals, workflows and automation of processes to ensure ISO compliance and promote efficiencies
  • Establishing of agent, investigator and legal networks in South Africa and key jurisdictions in Africa to support operations and actions
  • Establishing private and public collaboration relationships to support capacity building and joint operations and enforcement actions
  • Growth of department through business development efforts and marketing in order to increase client base for anti-counterfeiting
  • Industry focused operations and actions focused on regulatory compliance and actions supported by regulatory bodies in South Africa and other key African jurisdictions.
  • Expansion of anti-counterfeiting service offering into other territories in Africa
  • Cultivating positive work environment within firm by promoting collaboration among colleagues.
  • Achieved successful client outcomes by identifying and addressing their unique needs and goals.
  • Developed comprehensive case strategies by analyzing relevant laws, regulations, and precedents relating to each matter.
  • Strengthened professional relationships through active participation in industry conferences and events.
  • Negotiated settlements, achieving mutually satisfactory resolutions for clients involved in disputes
  • Collaborated with diverse team of professionals to develop innovative solutions for complex legal issues, including copyright and online enforcement measures in Africa
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams to provide comprehensive legal advice tailored to individual client situations.
  • Streamlined internal processes, fostering improved efficiency and productivity within firm.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and legislative changes impacting clients' businesses or industries.

Sole Practitioner

Ferguson Attorneys
01.2019 - 02.2021
  • From January 2019 until September 2019 co-authored publication 'Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights In Africa' with Marius Schneider, which work was later published by Oxford University Press in March 2020
  • Consulted to Kisch IP and Bredenkamp Attorneys whilst establishing Ferguson Attorneys
  • From October 2019 practiced under firm as Sole Practitioner Ferguson Attorneys.
  • Ferguson Attorneys operated as boutique Intellectual Property specialist firm, with 2 full time employees (1 attorney and 1 administrative assistant), and patent attorney consultant
  • Key area of focus was cross-border protection and enforcement measures, with strong focus on capacity building and development of mechanisms for legal enforcement of IP rights in African territories
  • Ferguson attorneys offered full range of Intellectual property services from IP protection, enforcement strategies, IP management and commercial IP services.
  • Created approachable atmosphere for prospective clients during initial consultations establishing trust and understanding of their legal needs.
  • Expanded professional network through active participation in local bar associations events which contributed valuable referrals.
  • Ferguson attorney clients were onboarded when joined Von Seidels to set up anti-counterfeiting department.

Senior Director & Head of Anti-counterfeiting

Kisch IP
06.2000 - 12.2018
  • Started in capacity as Associate in 2000, promoted to Salaried Director in 2002 and appointed as Equity Director in 2004
  • Management of practice covering IP protection and enforcement strategies in Africa, management of IP portfolios, trade mark prosecution (South Africa) and IP litigation (trade mark, copyright, domain name disputes), advertising, regulatory compliance, and commercial aspects of IP (contracts, licensing, assignment and transfer of ownership)
  • Head of anti-counterfeiting department and management of border and market actions and enforcement measures in South Africa and key territories in Africa, including cross-border enforcement measures from South Africa with neighboring territories of Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique, and operations and actions in key African jurisdictions including Mauritius, Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon, Tanzania, Angola, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Morocco, Uganda, Ethiopia
  • Implemented cost-saving measures through effective resource allocation and budget management
  • Created agile working environment, enabling rapid response to changing business needs without sacrificing quality or performance standards.
  • Reduced employee turnover rates by creating positive work environment with clear expectations and support systems in place.
  • Developed strong relationships with key industry partners, fostering collaboration and mutual growth opportunities, with local and international partners including INTA, SAIIPL, CIPC, WIPO, USPTO.
  • Development and building of on-going education within firm and development of staff and capabilities.
  • Responsible for marketing department of firm, working with marketing specialists in building and focusing on business development, including revitalization of brand to KISCH IP
  • Navigated complex regulatory environments to ensure compliance with local laws, standards, and regulations relevant to business domain
  • Drove revenue growth through successful market expansion strategies, identifying untapped markets and capitalizing on emerging trends
  • Developed organizational capabilities through leadership development programs designed for current leaders as well as high-potential individuals identified within workforce

Education

B.Juirs LL.B - Law

University of Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Univ)
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
04.2001 -

South Afrian Trade Mark Practitioner - Intellectual Property Law

South African Institute of Intellectual Property
Pretoria
04.2001 -

Domain Name Adjudicator - Intellectual Property Law- Domain Name Disputes

South African Institute of Intellectual Property
Pretoria, South Africa
04.2001 -

Admission As Attorney of The High Court - Law

Legal Practice Council
Gauteng
04.2001 -

Management Advancement Programme (certificate) - Business Management

University of Witswatersrand
Johannesburg
04.2001 -

Skills

Strategic Planning

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Recent awards & mentions

2021 - 2023 Managing Intellectual Property Notable Practitioner / IP Star, South Africa

2022 – 2024 Chambers Global: Recommended Individual, South Africa

2022-24 World Trademark Review WTR 1000: Recommended Individual, South Africa

2023 Top 10 influential South African IP lawyers list in Business Today

2022 -2024 Best Lawyers IP Law, South Africa

2022 – 2024 – Legal 500 IP Law, South Africa

Timeline

Partner & Department Head of Anti-counterfeiting

Von Seidels Attorneys
03.2021 - Current

Sole Practitioner

Ferguson Attorneys
01.2019 - 02.2021

B.Juirs LL.B - Law

University of Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Univ)
04.2001 -

South Afrian Trade Mark Practitioner - Intellectual Property Law

South African Institute of Intellectual Property
04.2001 -

Domain Name Adjudicator - Intellectual Property Law- Domain Name Disputes

South African Institute of Intellectual Property
04.2001 -

Admission As Attorney of The High Court - Law

Legal Practice Council
04.2001 -

Management Advancement Programme (certificate) - Business Management

University of Witswatersrand
04.2001 -

Senior Director & Head of Anti-counterfeiting

Kisch IP
06.2000 - 12.2018

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Vanessa FergusonLegal - Attorney (Senior)