Adams & Adams announces new associate office in Zimbabwe

01 Aug 2017

The news of the establishment of an Adams & Adams Associate Office in Zimbabwe marks a significant milestone in the work of the firm in Africa, by bringing the number of such offices on the continent to 20.

In making the announcement, Partner and Co-Chairperson of the Trade Marks Department, Simon Brown said, “Not only is this a momentous occasion for the firm, but we’re also extremely excited to finally have formal links with our colleagues in our neighbouring state – all as part of the expansion of the Adams & Adams Africa Network.” Brown added, “It’s also no coincidence that the establishment of the new office coincides with the opening of ARIPO’s brand new headquarters in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe.”

Adams & Adams is internationally recognised as the leading IP Law Firm in Africa. And over the decade the firm has, systematically and providently, worked at expanding the network of Associate Offices that operate in conjunction with local partners to enhance the firm’s client offering in Africa. Other countries that have recently joined the unique Adams & Adams Africa Network (AAAN) include Ethiopia, Egypt, Nigeria, Angola, Mozambique and Cameroon which service important jurisdictions and the important regional IP organisations, ARIPO and OAPI.

“Zimbabwe is a country of immense historical, economic and political importance and we still experience significant levels of interest from many of our clients in this jurisdiction,” agrees Partner, Nicky Garnett, who hails from Zimbabwe. “After a period of deflation, Zimbabwe’s economy is experiencing inflationary pressures again and there are fears that hyperinflation may return – but the retail sector is defying the odds. South Africa’s Financial Mail reports that “earlier predictions of a looming collapse of the sector — brought on by an imports-restriction law, a liquidity crunch, competition from informal traders and a fall in consumers’ disposable income — has not materialised, and instead of scaling back, retailers are locked in a fierce contest to either expand their operations or to refurbish existing stores. “The addition of Zimbabwe onto our Network, places Adams & Adams in a unique position in terms of its IP offering on the African continent.”

For further updates, information and queries on copyright law, trade mark, patent and design filings in Zimbawbe, please contact [email protected]

(This article is provided for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. For more information on the topic, please contact the author/s or the relevant provider.)