Profiles

David is the sole proprietor and managing principal of de Chalains® and has been with the firm since its inception having graduated from the University of Natal with degrees in arts and law in 1991. He subsequently obtained his Masters of Law degree in intellectual property law at the University of South Africa. He qualified as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa at a firm specialising in IP matters and has lectured at several institutions in South Africa on intellectual property law and commercial law. David specialises in trade mark and copyright matters generally, including furnishing opinions on the registrability of trade marks, filing and the prosecution of trade marks locally and abroad. David has extensive experience and expertise in the often complicated field of trade mark audits.This is borne out by the numerous successful audits he has conducted for listed corporates with large trade mark portfolios. In addition, he heads up the firm's litigation department, handling trade mark, passing-off, unlawful competition, copyright and related matters. In recent years David has also contributed to the vision and strategy of the firm including the identification and implementation of marketing strategies. He enjoys the challenge of filing and prosecuting unconventional trade mark applications for example sound marks / jingles and olfactory marks (scent marks). David has a particular interest in the protection and enforcement of trade mark portfolios owned by international sports teams and supporter clubs. He also acts for a number of prominent clients in the feminine hygiene, entertainment, education, restaurant, food, wine and whiskey industries. Outside of the office David enjoys travel, reading, cycling, rugby and cricket (not in any particular order). David is married to Heléne.

Julian is a co-founder of de Chalains® having graduated from the University of Stellenbosch with a B.Econ degree. He has over thirty years of experience in the management of trade mark portfolios and trade mark data bases. Prior to joining a large intellectual property law firm Julian spent approximately four years with a major multi-national group of companies based in South Africa. In his thirteen years with a specialist IP law firm Julian headed up the formalities department and administered trade mark renewals, portfolios and data bases of these entities, respectively. As portfolio manager at de Chalains® he specialises in the field of post-registration formalities and, in particular, trade mark and patent renewals, assignments, amendments and registered users. Julian also deals with company and close corporation searches as well as name reservations. He also ensures that the finance, administration and personnel functions are managed effectively and efficiently. Julian is a keen follower of sports, enjoys cycling and is married to Mia. Julian is also a proud father of four!

Kagisho completed his legal studies in 1996 at the University of the North where he graduated with B Iuris and LLB degrees. He joined a general law firm as a candidate attorney and was admitted as an attorney in 2000 after which he practised as a professional assistant. His interest in intellectual property and in particular trade mark matters culminated in him joining the Department of Trade and Industry in 2003 as a trade mark examiner, where he gained invaluable experience in the searching, prosecution and examination of trade marks as well as assisting with post registration formalities. He recently completed an LLM degree in intellectual property at the University of South Africa. After a brief stint with a newly established firm specialising in intellectual property he was appointed as an Associate at de Chalains® in October 2006. Kagisho is currently enrolled with the South African Institute of Intellectual Property for the Trade Marks Practitioners examination. Kagisho is a keen football supporter. He also enjoys running and successfully completed the Comrades Marathon in 2009 and 2010.

Janusz's qualifications include a B.Eng (Chemical) and a B.Proc. He is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa, a patent attorney and a registered professional engineer. Janusz is also a member of several professional, industrial and legal societies. In 2001 Janusz passed the Australian Institute of Patent and Trademark Attorneys patent drafting examination. Before joining the profession, Janusz worked in the chemical, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries for a number of years. Janusz's current activities include patent drafting, litigation, searching, providing opinions on novelty and infringement of patents and designs, and prosecuting local and foreign patent and design applications. Janusz is fluent in English, Afrikaans and Polish and reads Czech. He serves on the EXCO of AIPPI South Africa and is the convenor of the South African Institute of intellectual Property Law Public Affairs committee. Janusz's technical fields of specialization include petrochemical engineering, food and beverage engineering, pharmaceuticals, catalysis, IT and business method related patents while also handling some mechanical and electrical patent applications. In recent years Janusz has also presented numerous workshops on the Consumer Protection Act to premier companies and is considered to be an expert in the field. He also advises leading companies on Food, Pharmaceutical and Consumer law related issues,product liability and regulatory affairs.
 

Jean-Pierre is the founder of the firm. He graduated from the University of Natal with a B.Sc (Chemical Engineering) degree and later obtained a B.Proc degree from the University of South Africa. Thereafter he acquired a Higher Diploma in Company Law from the University of the Witwatersrand. He subsequently qualified as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa and then as a patent attorney. Moreover he was previously a partner at a large well respected firm, specialising in intellectual property. Jean is a fellow of the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law, is on the editorial board of the internationally acclaimed Managing Intellectual Property magazine and is on the South African Council of the Licensing Executive Society. Over the last fifteen years Jean has practised in the fields of trade mark, patent, copyright and company law. In more recent years he has specialised in the valuation and commercial assessment of intellectual property, technology and other intangible assets and is considered to be a leading expert in this field. Jean retired from practice in 2002 although he remains a consultant of the firm. He is a fervent supporter of the Sharks and the Springboks (in that order).

LORAINE WILSON

Loraine entered the IP arena in 1976. Her initial duties, whilst in the employ of a large and respected IP firm in South Africa included patent formality work and, in particular, renewals. Some years later she progressed to trade mark matters (in addition to patents, exclusively in Malawi and Zambia). Loraine brought her extensive experience in IP matters to de Chalains® and has been with the firm since inception. Currently she handles a variety of IP matters and specialises in patent formality work. She also makes a valuable contribution heading up the accounts department of the firm. During her spare time (when she is not at the office) Loraine enjoys reading and playing bowls.

Jackie joined the firm in 2002. Before joining de Chalains, she worked for a large printing company. Such experience and in particular her knowledge of pantone colour codes assists her to successfully prepare colour applications with appropriate endorsements. Jackie successfully obtained her LLB degree at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in December 2009. Moreover she specialises in trade mark matters such as the preparation, filing and prosecution in SADC countries and in the International trade mark arena. Jackie also deals with copyright, franchising, counterfeit products, passing off and unlawful competition matters. She registered for her candidacy in July 2008 and plans to qualify as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa specialising in trade mark matters. Jackie is currently a member of the Law Society of the Northern Provinces (LSNP) and a student member of the South African Institute of Intellectual Property (SAIIPL). Jackie is a keen Blue Bulls and Springboks supporter and enjoys reading and the outdoors. 

Lizél joined the firm in November 2006. Her career has been with two premier South African IP law firms. Prior to joining de Chalains®, Lizél spent the last 15 years at a well respected IP law firm. Her initial responsibilities entailed handling trade mark renewals, assignments, registered users, changes of name, address, address for service and all formal amendments. Seven years later, Lizél was promoted to Section Head of the Changes Department. In addition her responsibilities included dealing and meeting directly with clients as well as handling of staff related matters. Currently she handles a variety of IP matters which includes filing of trade mark applications, prosecution thereof, patent renewals as well as formality work in respect of trade mark matters.

MONICA VALENTE

Monica joined the firm in July 2008. Previously she gained invaluable experience with two premier South African Intellectual Property(IP) law firms. More recently and prior to her joining de Chalains she spent the last 19 years at a well respected and large firm specializing in IP matters. Her initial responsibilities entailed handling the registration of companies and close corporations and reporting on company searches. Thereafter Monica progressed to the commercial department. In this position she was tasked with the preparation of various contracts and attending to the prosecution of trade marks. Monica’s abilities were recognized culminating in her promotion to Section Head of the Trade mark Applications Department. Currently she handles a variety of IP matters which includes the filing of trade mark applications and the prosecution thereof as well as formality work in respect of trade mark matters.

GEELBOOI (DO DO) PHIRI

Geelbooi attended Bantori College in Pretoria (2000) where he underwent his secretarial diploma and computer skills training. After successfully completing his diploma in March 2001 he joined SD Carpets Fitters CC. He worked there as a receptionist until February 2003 before joining Rayton Traffic Department as an Administrative Clerk. He joined de Chalains in March 2008 and is an asset to the firm, diligently handling all administrative matters and is always keen to tackle new and challenging tasks.