David has two significant roles in the firm. He is the Managing Principal and Head of the firms burgeoning and highly regarded trade mark practice and has been with de Chalains IP® since 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. David qualified as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa at Spoor & Fisher, a well-known firm specialising in IP matters and has lectured at several institutions in South Africa on intellectual property law and commercial law.

He relishes challenges by taking on difficult so called “No Win” cases and prosecuting unconventional trade mark applications through to registration with aplomb. Moreover, David handles a broad spectrum of oppositions and contentious matters and has honed his craft culminating in 25 years worth of hands-on experience in the trade mark arena focused primarily on dispensing considered strategic advice, prosecuting, enforcing and litigating trade mark matters in SA and throughout Africa. Clients value his incisive "laser-sharp" focus and welcome his adroit, prompt attention to their matters with a knack of responding quickly yet thoroughly to complicated queries in a "down to earth" and straight forward manner which is understandable, practical and devoid of "sugar-coating". Quirky and unconventional in a "good way" clients and peers say David is "a rare find" - "highly knowledgeable" and an "efficient practitioner" who "exceeds any and all expectations."

He has also been involved in rebranding programmes, trade mark portfolio reviews and large filing programmes throughout the African continent. This is borne out by the numerous successful audits and due diligences he has conducted for listed corporates with large trade mark portfolios.

David has considerable expertise and a wealth of experience in the protection and enforcement of trade mark portfolios owned by International Sports Teams, Supporters Clubs and Championships for example The British and Irish Lions, Rugby World Cup, The Ineos Grenadiers, Manchester United, The Barmy Army, US Open (tennis), Giant (bicycles), 6 Nations Rugby and the world famous St Andrews Links Golf Course, recognised as “THE HOME OF GOLF”. He also acts for a number of prominent clients in the sports products, protein powders, energy drinks , collagen products, fashion, entertainment, 4x4, video game, horse racing, education, restaurant, food, craft beer, wine and whisky industries.

Among his accolades, David has from 2016 – 2023 been recognized by MIP in it’s Annual World IP survey based on input from clients and other IP Lawyers (Peers) as a leading individual/”IP Star” for trade mark litigation, prosecution strategy and counselling. Moreover from February 2020 - 2023, World Trademark Review WTR 1000, “the defining go-to resource for those seeking legal trade mark expertise which identifies leading lights in 70 jurisdictions” ranked David as one of the world’s recommended/ leading trade mark professionals.

He is also an overseas member of The Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (C.I.T.M.A) based in London which aims to protect the interests of all proprietors of Trade Marks. Outside of the office David enjoys travel, reading, cycling, rugby, cricket, boxing and tennis (not in any particular order). David is married to Heléne and has two boys named Andrew and Daniel.

Reinhold obtained the degrees B. Com (Law) and LLB from the University of Pretoria and was admitted as an Attorney, Notary and Conveyancer in the High Court of South Africa in 1993. He has also completed an Advanced Course in Intellectual Property Management and Innovation at the University of South Africa with distinction.
Before joining de Chalains^®, Reinhold was a senior director in the IP Department of Bowman Gilfillan (now part of Adams & Adams) where he headed up the firm’s foreign trade marks department for 10 years.
Reinhold’s areas of expertise include the registration, protection, administration and commercial exploitation of trade marks and related IP rights nationally and internationally. More specifically, he assists clients with the following:

• Pre-filing clearance searches and advice
• Filing and prosecution of trade mark applications
• Trade mark renewals, assignments and general portfolio management and audits
•  Use-in-trade investigations
• Due diligence investigations and reports
• Trade mark licensing and franchising agreements
• Domain name registrations and the enforcement of rights against abusive domain name registrations
• Copyright protection

Over the last 30 years Reinhold has represented clients ranging from individuals to multi-national corporations across most industry types, including FMCG’s, IT, mining, tobacco, food and hospitality, sport and recreation, gaming, insurance and banking, to name but a few. He also adds considerable value with the administration and day to day running of the firm.  Amonst his accolades, from 2020 - 2023, World Trademark Review (WTR1000), "The defining go-to resource for those seeking legal trademark expertise which identifies leading individuals in 70 jurisdictions" has ranked Reinhold as a recommended legal trademark professional and leading individual for prosecution and strategic advice.

Away from the office Reinhold enjoys reading and cycling.

Jackie joined the firm in 2002 and thereafter successfully obtained her LLB degree at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in December 2009. Moreover she specialises in the full gamut of trade mark matters with a penchant for the preparation, filing and prosecution of trade marks in SADC countries and in the International trade mark arena.

Clients say that working with Jackie is “ like a breathe of fresh air” as she is “highly responsive”, “extremely knowledgeable” and “very professional and that she always goes the extra mile to explain tricky and complicated concepts in a straightforward way that we can actually understand which we found very refreshing and different compared to the other Big IP Firms that seem to charge us so much for even the shortest phone calls!”

Jackie also enjoys handling contentious matters dealing with copyright, franchising, counterfeit products, passing off and unlawful competition matters. She registered for her candidacy in July 2008 and was admitted on 12 November 2012 as an Attorney of the High Court. 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). In March 2020 she was promoted to the position of Senior Associate.

Jackie is a keen Blue Bulls and Springboks supporter and enjoys reading, mountain biking and the outdoors.

Rina commenced studies at the North West University (previously known as Potchefstroom University) culminating in her obtaining the degrees B Com and B Com Honours respectively. In 1995 she successfully read for her M Com degree in Strategic Business Management at the same university. Rina started her professional career at Markinor, a market research firm. During the course of her career Rina was appointed in various financial positions at different firms gaining a broad spectrum of experience. Before joining de Chalains Rina was the Financial Accountant at PT Operational Services, who is responsible for operations and routine road maintenance along the Bakwena toll routes.

As Head of Accounts at de Chalains Rina is responsible for the effective management of financial matters such as general accounting, payroll, the trust account and general office administration. In addition Rina is also involved with the efficient handling of patent formalities.

Rina is happily married to André and has two children Francois and Lizamé. Away from the office Rina enjoys reading, entertaining and sports such as athletics, cross country and rugby.

Mike du Toit ( Bcom LLB, 1981- 1985 University of Pretoria), is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa, a qualified Trade mark Practitioner and senior adjudicator of domain name disputes in terms of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2002 ( ECT Act) and regulations. He served on the council of the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL) for several years, is a past President of SAIIPL and was chairman of their ADR committee that implemented the domain name dispute resolution platform for the resolution of domain name disputes in terms of the ECT Act and Regulations.

Mike has almost 40 years extensive experience in the protection and enforcement of clients’ rights, not only in South Africa, but across the African continent and the rest of the world. He is a Former director and Head of the Trade Mark enforcement department of Bowman Gilfillan attorneys and Former partner of John & Kernick attorneys, which was a niche IP boutique firm that merged with Bowman Gilfillan. Mike was also instrumental in establishing and heading up an Intellectual Property Department at Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs.( ENS). Furthermore he has litigated extensively in the High Court of South Africa, in front of the Registrar of Trade Marks, Registrar of Companies and the Advertising Standards Authority. Mike has also advised a number of South African and international companies on strategic intellectual property issues ranging from licensing, clearance searches, due diligences, mergers and acquisitions. He was also voted by EXPERT GUIDES- a publication of the world’s finest lawyers chosen by their peers as a leading Trade mark Practitioner in South Africa.

Outside of the office Mike enjoys mountain biking, wine, golf and scuba diving.

Alan John, “AJ” (2001 Bsc Industrial Chemistry, University of Stellenbosch, 2002 Bsc Honours Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 2004 MSc, Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 2013 LLB, University of South Africa) is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa and a Registered patent attorney.

Prior to enrolling for his LLB, AJ cut his teeth by obtaining hands- on experience working in the chemical industry as a Polymer Scientist.

In addition to the drafting and filing of patent and design applications, AJ also enjoys drafting validity opinions and novelty searches. He also has extensive international chemical prosecution experience and a passion for polymer science.

Outside of the office, AJ spends as much time as possible with his young daughters and has a love for deep sea fishing.

Lizél entered the IP arena in 1990 at Adams and Adams and thereafter spent 15 years at Spoor & Fisher.

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 blue-chip clients as well as the handling of staff related matters.

Lizél joined de Chalains® in 2006 and concentrates on renewals and assignment work as a highly competent Senior Paralegal in the firm's formalities department.

Her hobbies are running, sewing, baking and the outdoor life. Lizél is married to André with two children named Reynardt and Zelda.

Tatum joined the firm in 2012.  She obtained her Legal Secretary diploma at Bryntirion Computer College and commenced her Intellectual Property ( IP) career in 2005 at Adams & Adams a large firm that specialises in IP matters. Prior to joining de Chalains Tatum obtained valuable knowledge and experience whilst in the employ of the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) / TMO from 2006.  Numbering and billing of TM1 forms, opening new files, capturing and proofreading TM1’s, allocating numbers, capturing of GPA’s and responding to official actions were some of her duties at the registry.

Tatum has 20 years diverse experience as a trade mark paralegal providing support to three IP Attorneys and currently specialising in the filing and prosecution of trade marks in South Africa. Excellent planning and organizational skills together with proven resourcefulness and initiative enables Tatum to attend to the successful management of numerous tasks simultaneously. Tatum is a team member experienced in handling a wide range of trade mark matters and is an asset to de Chalains^®.

Her hobbies are reading, camping and swimming. Tatum is married to Shayne with two children named Shayron and Shanton.