Adams & Adams back as Loeries' sponsor, adds Student Portfolio Day

"The Loerie Awards are synonymous with the celebration of creativity and are seen to be one of the world's most prestigious and highly-regarded platforms for the brand communication industry. For this reason, it is important that the awards are supported to continue to showcase the best creative minds of our time," says Märiette du Plessis, senior partner at Adams & Adams.

The firm has been championing the cause of the creative industry for over a century by offering protection for the full spectrum of intellectual property (IP) rights - including brands, designs, copyright and patents. The firm also has a specialist team offering advice on all aspects of advertising law.

"Creativity is fundamental to all economies, without the protection of the creative, economic growth is constrained. Ultimately, it is individuals who constantly challenge themselves and revisit their perspectives who shape and mould the society in which we live. These creatives should be able to protect their pioneering work and enjoy the monetary benefits thereof."

Young Creatives Award

Du Plessis says the firm's involvement with the Adams & Adams Young Creatives Award, which recognises outstanding achievement across the broad spectrum of advertising by talented individuals (27 and younger), is two-fold.

"It is a call to action for South Africa's emerging talent to get acquainted with their IP rights and ultimately the protection of their work and financial success in the long-term. It is also part of our commitment to provide a springboard for creating opportunities for a new talent pool."

The two 2013 Young Creatives winners - copywriters Kate Desmarais of Ogilvy Mather Cape Town and Natalie Rose of TBWA Hunt Lascaris - attended the 2014 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, courtesy of Adams & Adams.

Student Portfolio Day

Entering the job market for the first time, particularly in a challenging economy can be a daunting experience. Du Plessis says the Adams & Adams Student Portfolio Day is an extension of the firm's initiatives that are aimed at creating opportunities for new change-makers.

"The day will provide students seeking employment with the opportunity to network with prospective employers in a space that is an incentive for creativity - boosting morale and encouraging them to celebrate their self-expression. Of course, we will take the opportunity to provide them with the information they need to go about protecting their work.

"The firm is committed to protecting and growing local talent and to educating those in the advertising industry on their creative rights. We look forward to growing our relationship with the Loeries in the years to come," concludes Du Plessis.

Adams & Adams is also the legal counsel and associate sponsor of Design Indaba. In a new initiative launched this year, the firm also became the sponsor of the Design Indaba Expo 2014 Innovation Award.