South Africa’s diverse economy, political landscape and strategic role in Africa creates a unique business and regulatory environment.

Every two weeks, the Dentons South Africa Newsletter will keep you abreast of issues that affect doing business in South Africa, across the African continent and around the world, in a collection of articles, legal updates, alerts, and guides.

World Trademark Review 1000 recognises Alan Jeftha and Muhammad Patel

Alan Jeftha, Senior Partner, and Muhammad Patel, Senior Associate, at Dentons in South Africa, have been recognised by the World Trademark Review 1000.

After an exhaustive qualitative research process over a four-month period, the selection is done, and feedback is published. The WTR 1000 is the global directory that identifies the leading trademark practitioners and firms from around the globe, offering the definitive ‘go-to’ guide for those seeking legal trademark expertise.

“Dentons has become a one-stop shop for regional and global brand protection and has boots on the ground in 12 African countries and an extensive worldwide office network. The South African contingent has made a significant contribution to the transformation of the country’s business landscape for nearly a decade, taking an integrated approach to litigation, counselling and transactions that secures the best results for clients. IP practice head Alan Jeftha defends rights holders with vigour, zeal, and dedication. He is the ideal fit for companies faced with branding and commercial challenges, having spent over 20 years as a specialist on the South African Standing Advisory Committee on Intellectual Property. Jeftha regularly joins forces with Muhammad Patel to represent major retail, gaming and food and beverage players. “An instrumental ally”, Patel is “an informed expert who provides the best service possible”.

For more information on the publication and rankings click here.

South Africa Proposed Allocation of High Demand Spectrum

The long-awaited spectrum auction is around the corner and with so much information and speculation around, this article provides all you need to know and understand, in one place.

Spectrum refers to the radio frequencies on which data and information are transmitted. The release of more spectrum by ICASA means a better-quality service for consumers, with fewer dropped calls and faster download speeds. It is also a part of government’s economic recovery plan to grow the economy, promote private sector investments and create jobs.

Kerron Edmunson, Senior Consultant for Dentons in South Africa prepared a helicopter view and look at prospects of entering the South African electronic communications market as a new licensee, and continuing to operate as a small licensee, given spectrum developments. We also look at the pro’s and con’s of operating in the ‘new normal’ and with 5G and a substantial market share. What should your business plan consider, what risks might investors need to know about and how should you take on the challenges of the uncertain and sometimes random regulatory regime?

Download the full review here.

Recognising International Women's Day 2022

At Dentons, inclusion and diversity are not just ancillary values. They are foundational to who we are. Inclusion and diversity are essential to the success and strength of our people, our Firm and the delivery of justice through our profession.

As attacks by Russian military in Ukraine continue, our thoughts remain with the innocent civilians whose lives have been transformed by the invasion and who are living with ongoing threats to their safety and security and to the health and well being of their friends and loved ones. We are also conscious of the particular impact on women and children who face unique risks during armed conflicts and who are reported to make up the majority of the now more than 1 million people who have fled Ukraine since their country was attacked.

In this moment, and always, we remain resolute in our commitment to inclusion and diversity as core to who we are as a Firm, how we engage with one another and in our relationships with our clients. Our commitment to inclusion and diversity is essential to the success of our people, our Firm strategy and the quality of the work that we do for our clients. We strive to ensure that Dentons is a place where colleagues in every role, position and location feel valued and heard as full and integral participants in the life and business of the Firm.

Today, and every day, we want to acknowledge all of our colleagues and clients who are committed to practicing inclusion and diversity in their roles, fostering it in their teams, and driving this core part of who we are at Dentons.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is an opportunity to #BreakTheBias of what a traditional leader looks like, and to acknowledge the strength, courage and leadership of our women around the globe – their dynamism, tenacity, fearlessness and passion in everything they do. They are inspiring, esteemed professionals leading in their respective fields directing projects, energizing teams and exceeding client expectations.

View our #BreakTheBias video here.

Mandating Vaccinations and Return to Work – A Global Overview: recording

Dentons hosted a global employment webinar on Mandating Vaccinations and Return to Work.

If you did not manage to attend the webinar or if you would like to revisit the discussion, you can watch the recording here.

Dentons shortlisted in Legal Innovation Awards 2022 by Law.com

Dentons is shortlisted in multiple categories in Law.com’s Legal Innovation Awards. The categories include: Future of Legal Services Innovation – Mid-Sized Private Practice and Client Management Innovation for Dentons Helix, International Law Firm Innovation for the launch of Dentons Global Advisors, Knowledge Management Innovation for Dentons’ Opportunity Tracker, and Outstanding Training Innovation for launching the “Innovation Training” scheme for all new UK trainees.

Read more about the shortlists here.