User

Qualifications

BS (cum laude) with distinction in Psychology, University of Illinois 1981; Juris Doctor, University of Illinois 1984. Licensed Attorney, State of Illinois, USA. Federal District Court, Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit.

Experience

31 years (SA and USA)

Fields of practice

Domestic and international trade mark registration, searches and clearance, international trade mark litigation. She specialises in portfolio management and oversees the needs of many large international companies with regard to their trademark matters in Africa and abroad. As the firm’s foreign trade marks counsel, Kay also specialises in obtaining and enforcing trade mark protection in foreign countries.

Industry associations

Associate member of the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law.

Professional activities

INTA Board of Directors 2009-2011 term
INTA Planning Committee 2009-2010
Chair of INTA Bulletin Committee 2008-2009; and Vice Chair 2007,2008
INTA Bulletin Sub-committee on Law and Practice in Africa and the Middle East – Chair, 2003-2006
INTA Leadership Development Committee 2010-2014
University of Illinois Alumni Association: Board of Directors 2008-2014
University of Illinois Alumni Association Audit Committee 2008-2014
South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law International Treaties Committee

Market Recognition

Listed on the WTR 1000 as The World's Leading Trade Mark Professional in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. 
Listed in the Who's Who Legal Trademark edition of the International Who's Who of Business Lawyers for 2010-2014 and in 2014 recognized as one of the five most highly regarded individuals in the Middle East and Africa.  - See more at: http://www.spoor.com/home/People-_Kay_Rickelman-265.html#sthash.m8s0MdyG.dpuf