Recommendations and Testimonials

Recommendations

I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with David Bernstein for several years, particularly in the realm of trademark registration and intellectual property across Africa. David is an exceptional professional with unparalleled expertise in intellectual property law. His in-depth knowledge, meticulous attention to detail, and strategic insight make him a trusted leader in this field.

David’s ability to navigate complex trademark issues with clarity and professionalism is truly impressive. He consistently provides practical, effective solutions, demonstrating not only his technical expertise but also his dedication to client success. Beyond his professional acumen, David’s approachable and collaborative nature makes working with him an absolute pleasure.

I wholeheartedly recommend David to anyone seeking a consummate expert in intellectual property. His extensive experience and unwavering professionalism set him apart as one of the best in the industry.

Abdisalan Mohamed Muse

Legal Counsel | International Trade Law Expert | Intellectual Property Attorney | Africa & World, ABISOM IP & Law Firm

Christian Riege

Patent Attorney, CAPRI

Josh Little

IP Lawyer, Marriot Harrison

I have worked with David for over 20 years. The bottom line is David is a consummate professional. He knows his stuff and is my go-to guy for all things trademark related. Look no further!

Ian Davidson

Communications Specialist and Entrepreneur in Training,

David is not only a great trademark attorney, he’s a wonderful guy. We have used de Chalains now for many years and we have always had nothing but great service and great results. I highly recommend David and de Chalains for your trademark needs!

Jefferey B. Sladkus

Managing Partner, The Sladkus Law Group

I have always found David and his staff to be very professional, with excellent advice and quick turnaround times. The firm excels in the management of client portfolios, with clear and precise recommendations and a keen eye for detail. In addition, David and his staff are very friendly and approachable and are always willing to “go the extra mile”. I have no hesitation in recommending the team for all your South African trade mark requirements!

Christian Finn

Director, Trade Marks, Murgitroyd

Our firm has worked with David Bernstein and de Chalains for several decades. They are our “go to” IP counsel for not only South Africa, but neighboring countries. This applies to patents as well as trademarks, including adversary proceedings. David and his colleagues are very responsive, informative and cost effective. I consider Dave a friend as well as a colleague.

Larry Crain

Principal, Greer, Burns & Crain

We have been working with David for a number of years and I can’t recommend him highly enough. He is responsive, diligent and exacting in what he does and I looking forward to working with him for many years to come.

William Miles

Partner, Briffa

I have known David for almost 40 years and have always been impressed with his tenacity. A good man for a crisis he ticks all the boxes. Personable experts are rare in my experience and David Bernstein combines experience with strong people skills. As such, I unreservedly recommend David and his team for trade mark and patent matters in South Africa 🇿🇦 and the rest of Africa.

Johno Harris

Transformational Coach, Interim M.D.

Working with David and the de Chalains team has been a pleasure. They provide quality IP work in an efficient and effective manner, assisting with our clients’ matters across several African jurisdictions.

Blair Barbieri

Trademark attorney,

I’ve worked with David and his team for a number of years and they come highly recommended – great service, communication and expertise and a pleasure to work with

Robert Reading

Director, Government & Content Strategy, IP Group, Clarivate

I have known David for 40 years plus and can vouch for his tenacity, attention to detail and relentless work ethic. He enjoys challenges and thrives in delivering value especially in time critical situations never losing sight of clients long term strategic objectives. Over the last 25 years his firm has done sterling work for a number of top-ticket clients and the awards & accolades de Chalains IP have received, bear testimony to their consistent high quality service always delivered at a fair and reasonable cost. As such, I have no hesitation in recommending David and his firm for trade mark and patent cases in South Africa and surrounding African countries.

Dave Mezher

CEO, HBSUK - Making Healthcare Better

David is probably one of the best in the industry. As a business we always get his undivided attention at all times and his proffesional manner is always appreciated. He is knowledgeable and an outstanding supplier!

Varina Singh

Brand Manager, News Cafe South Africa and Africa

David Bernstein of De Chalains, patent and trade mark attorneys, has for the past 20 years efficiently and effectively attended to all trade mark work which I have from time to time required on behalf of my clients. This has entailed both searches, advice on registrations and the registrations themselves.David is in my opinion a highly knowledgeable and competent attorney in his field and I have no hesitation in recommending him to clients and colleagues alike.

Alastair Hay

Senior Consultant, Cox Yeats Attorneys

I’ve worked with David for a number of years in multiple firms – he has been my “go to” lawyer in Africa for as long as I can remember. Sharp, commercial and a really great person, he ticks all the boxes. If you are looking for someone, David’s your guy – he’s easy to work with and cost effective. I can’t recommend him highly enough

Aaron Wood

Intellectual Property Specialist and Mediator, Ranked Tier 1 (Chambers & Partners); Winner of MIP Impact Case of the Year 2021; MIP "IP Star"; listed in WTR1000 (Silver), “Outstanding” in WIPR Trademarks 2024

I have worked with David for several years and have found his knowledge and expertise on trademark law invaluable. David is unfailingly organized and efficient; a real pleasure to work with. I recommend David for any intellectual property matter in South Africa.

Laura Smith

Trademark Attorney

David is very pleasant to work with. Above all his tremendous expertise in IP related matters in South Africa and neighboring jurisdictions builds confidence from the very first contact. Moreover, his fine sense of humor often creates a layed back yet focused working atmosphere .

Phillipp Knoop, Ph. D.

Partner, VKK Patent Attorneys

David – Recommended as a good person to look after your IP interests in SA!

John Glengarry

Consultant, Patent and Trade Mark Attorney, Notary Public in the Intellectual Property team, Buddle Findlay

Thanks to David and the de Chalains team for consistently providing quality legal services, back up and support in the field of trade marks, to clients of Shepstone & Wylie, for over 15 years.

David Warmback MBE

Partner, Corporate and Commercial Department, Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys

I have had the pleasure of working with David Bernstein for many years. Without hesitation I have complete certainty in his exceptional skills in the field of intellectual property law and in particular trademarks and patents. I have referred a number of matters to him and he has always executed my instructions and provided an exemplary service. He embodies a distinctive blend of character, competence and interpretational skills and is a valuable asset to his firm

Millie Shantall-Lurie

Attorney specialising in all aspects of Company Law and Notary Public

I have worked with David for 25 years and it’s always a pleasure to work with a dedicated lateral thinking colleague. He has built up an enviable client portfolio in these 25 years and this alone would speak to his excellence and expertise, but his EQ is just as important. David is a real Mensch!

2019 SAAFoST President’s Award; IPStars 2022; IAM Patent 1000 in 2023;

Janus L.

Director Hahn & Hahn Inc which operates in association with Cedar White Bradley SAL (offshore), a member of CWB Group Holdings - IP services

David helped my client with his review of a trademark license agreement for South Africa, an anti-counterfeiting matter and filing and prosecuting several South African trademark applications. David achieved my client’s goals and resolved their problems successfully, promptly, efficiently and effectively. David is an expert on South African IP law and I would highly recommend consulting David Bernstein and de ChalainsIP for any South African trademark or intellectual property matters. Alex Butterman

Alexander Butterman

Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig PLLC, Partner and Trademark Group Leader

Working with David and his team for the past 20 years (more or less) has been a fantastic experience. He is not only friendly and helpful and remembers all of his clients even though there’s years that go by without contact, he is a highly skilled and dedicated professional whose expertise in intellectual property registrations helped our national franchise company register its first trademark. Ever since, we have had a long-standing professional relationship …. David and his team have handled all our trade mark matters over the years.What stands out most for me about David is his incredible efficiency and how proactive he is. He’ll call you up and provide advice without you asking and he and his team’s communication and turnaround time from receiving an instruction to the time it is concluded is exceptional! There is only one intellectual property attorney that I would recommend, and that is David Bernstein of de Chalains.

Monique Sharland

Founder and CEO, Business Accounting Network

I have worked with David for over 15 years. He is my “go to” trademark attorney in South Africa. He is very responsive, a practical and smart attorney, and has fair rates. I really have enjoyed working with David on all of my trademark needs in South Africa. I highly recommend David!

Erica W. Stump

President & Owner, Erica W. Stump, PA

I would never hesitate in recommending David for many reasons. Apart from being comfortingly knowledgeable and efficient he communicates articulately so as to ensure that you understand each step of the process. And to top it all, he is a thorough gentleman

Alan Beall

Partner, Beall Chaplin & Hathorn

David and his team has supported our firm and clients diligently over the course of many years. I cannot recommend them enough! We have always received outstanding professional guidance and legal advice. They are all hands on, clear in their communications and transparent about costs.

Nicolene Schoeman - Louw

Legal Solutions Navigator to Entrepreneurs, Enabling Business Growth, Protection, and Scalability through Expert Legal Advice and Guidance

Having worked with David for a number of years I can say with much degree of certainty he is smart, switched on knowledgable and a pleasure to work with. He’s my go to for all things IP Africa.David is a straight shooter and his approach is according to your circumstances and needs, he doesn’t just take a one size fits all approach! I highly recommend David and his team at de Chalains.

Aman G.

Co-Founder | Strategy Manager | Chief Doer, Amlex-IP | Helping IP departments reassess, realign and reset for growth

I have known David for close to 35 years and have always been impressed with his attention to detail and work ethic. A good lawyer with specialised knowledge is important to have in your corner, especially when the chips are down. Commercially savvy strategic advice at a reasonable cost is a rare find, and David and his team tick all the boxes.

Rodney Hooper

Corporate advisory (lithium & other EV battery metals). Lithium-ionRocks! & Rock Stock Channel co-host

I’ve had the pleasure of working with David and his team for over 10 years. Responsive, with practical and cost-effective advice – and a great sense of humour – David is everything you look for in a foreign associate and I can’t recommend him enough

Mark Corran

Solicitor at Artington Legal | Legal Adviser at The Institute of Directors | Consultant Solicitor at Asenda Law & Barnes Law

I have worked with David at my current and former firm, over a number of years. David and his team are always responsive, friendly and detailed, and – importantly for our clients – transparent with pricing.Advice is clear, commercial and pragmatic.I’d not hesitate to recommend David for assistance in his territory.

Ben Prangell

Co-founder and Director, Asenda Law (Solicitor)

David has represented us for the past 5 years. His advice and guidance have proved to be the perfect match of law and business, protecting out IP assets and ensuring that we spend in the correct areas to do so.If you are looking for the right person to look after you, and your assets, this is him.

Rodney Russell

Trailfun

David and his team have been an excellent choice for us since we met more than 20 years ago. He is always available and open to cooperate in all IP aspects in Africa. We always count on David and DeChalains for IP matters specially South Africa.

Natalia Ruiz Gallegos

Senior Associate IP Department, Garrigues

I’ve been working with David for many years and have always been very satisfied with his work and team. Very responsive, very helpful assistance and very reasonnable price. A “must go” in South Africa !

Bruno Ralbaut

Partner, Conseil en Propriété Industrielle chez Cabinet DEGRET

I have had the pleasure of working with David for over two decades, he is always very responsive and effective in handling trademark matters before CIPC. I have total confidence in David and de Chalains and know that my clients matters will receive next level service.

Kimberley A. Cunningham

Registered Canadian Trademark Agent, Bennett Jones LLP

I have known David Bernstein for over 30 years in business and would highly recommend him to anyone needing his specialised and professional services. He is highly professional, efficient and at the top of his game. You will battle to find a better person and professional to deal with. Many of my associates and friends in a variety of different fields have used Dave and comes highly recommended.Keep it up. Clinton grobbelaar

Clinton Grobbelaar

Physiotherapist, Kings Park Sports Medicine Centre

David and his team have always provided excellent service at affordable rates. David is hands-on and he and his team are always willing to help and find solutions. I have enjoyed working with him in the past, both as a fellow professional and as a client.

Alan Keet

Regional Head - Middle East and Africa

David’s professional approach and in depth commercial awareness across sectors means that he and his team are our “go to” agents in South Africa and across the continent. Highly recommended.

Phillip Partington

Leading Nationwide Intellectual Property Lawyer

David and his team with some 25 years in IP law, are your go to guys for direct, frank and well researched opinions without legal jargon, and which expert advice does not break the bank. Approachable and always willing to go the extra mile or 10 to let you make informed decisions on how to protect your IP, and in what classes cost effectively, and highly efficiently. l am a demanding client as a lawyer, and was bowled over by the professional and personal hands on service with 100% results from his firm. Highly recommend, and l wouldnt use anyone else to advise and implement my IP requirements.

Andrew Arnott

Director, Arnott & Associates Attorneys and Conveyancers

David is a real pleasure to work with. I have worked with him on various patent and design matters in South Africa. He is friendly, approachable, knowledgeable, experienced, but importantly he cares about clients and colleagues. He has helped establish a firm that is successful and very well regarded and that continues to provide excellent IP advice and services to clients. I would recommend working with David in any capacity.

Jason Drew

IP Advisor | South African registered patent attorney and lawyer | Australian registered trade marks attorney, Plant & Food Research

Brett South (Chartered Management Accountant)During the 20 years I spent as Financial Manager and Company Secretary at Hilton College I worked with David, of de Chalains Attorneys, as our trademark attorney and came to know him as an alumnus of Hilton College, I found, on the professional front, an invested and proactive practitioner in caring for our intellectual property. David would, often without our prompting, draw potential conflicts to our attention following which we would discuss these before making a decision; David’s advice was always pragmatic and thorough. On instructing him to act, I always found his practice to be very efficient in lodging applications. This promptness and proactiveness also extended to renewals of existing registrations – I did not have to diarise renewal dates. On a personal front, I have always found David to be extremely easy to engage with, both personally and professionally, which really resulted in a form of virtual partnership over our affairs. I have no hesitation in recommending him to anybody seeking intellectual property advice.

Brett South

Financial Professional | Company Secretary | Compliance Manager

David is a senior practitioner who combines his extensive knowledge with a keen strategic view of each situation. Highly recommended and extremely personable.

Bill McFarlane

Patent & Trade Marks Attorney and Adjunct Lecturer, Madderns Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys

We were fortunate to secure the services of de Chalains to complete our Corporate Trademark requirements. David was our key contact and from the outset he immediately understood our complex needs and ensured a smooth and hassle free submission. We certainly recommend David and his team 👏

Warren Barr

Wellness Facilitator

I have had the privilege of working with and knowing David since 1990. David worked with me in the Judge Advocate General (Navy) in our early days where he served with distinction. After his Service, he specialized earning a reputation for delivering a professional and uniquely bespoke service to his clients. David has proved himself to be an asset to his clients and it is without hesitation that I recommend his expertise.

Dean Gillespie

Director, Krino International Consultancy Group (PTY) LTD

David and his team are pragmatic and charge predictably and get things done without a fuss, and he’s a nice guy. What else do you need?

Ilya Kazi

Founder , IK-IP Ltd

I have worked with David for many years and have always found him a pleasure to deal with. David understands clients need commercial and timely advice, delivered cost effectively, and never fails to provide this. He is genuinely interested in a clients success and I highly recommend his trademark services

Margaret Briffa

Intellectual Property Lawyer and Founder, Briffa

I have known David for more than twenty years, and I have always been impressed with his professionalism and responsiveness. I recommend him and his firm’s services without hesitation.

Ed Chalfie

Global Trademark Lawyer | Attorney, Chalfie Law LLC

Great and practical advice. perfect to work with

Petra Kotsch

Partner bei Mayr Kotsch

David is always very efficient in answering inquiries and always helpful to work out solutions. He is also very pleasant to work with. Highly recommend David for South Africa IP matters and African IP matters in general.

Stephen Yang

Managing Partner, IP March

David and his firm de Chalains have provided our business with not just professional and technical advice over the years, but David has given us proactive advice on risks and dangers that he has seen that we may face to our brand and related value. I wouldn’t look anywhere else for advice and assistance in his/their areas of expertise.

Wayne Witherspoon

Founder and CEO, RNR

David is superb lawyer and a super guy. Would definitely recommend working with him!

Christopher Niehaus

Founder/Managing Director, Hampstead Advisory - M&A advisory

I’ve worked with David for many years and highly recommend David and the team at De Chalains for IP work in Africa. David provides us with great commercial advice, getting straight to the point and solving problems at a really attractive price point.

Matt Sammon

Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, Sonder & Clay

A good listener who understands the client’s needs, and open minded to bring with suggestions and solutions.

Yiling Liu

Chief of Trademark Section, TSAI, LEE & CHEN