Akkum, Akkum and Associates, LLP

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AKKUM, AKKUM AND ASSOCIATES, LLP LAW OFFICES Home
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"Man, when perfected, is the best of animals, but when separated from law and justice, he is the worst of all."

Aristotle

Our Vision

To build a strong an enduring relationship with our clients through honesty, excellent representation and professionalism.

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Our Team

We have assembled an excellent team of legal professionals with a proven record of success

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Our Services

We provide legal services to our domestic and international clients on a wide range of legal issues.

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About Us

Our VisionAKKUM, AKKUM & ASSOCIATES LLP is a leading Corporate, Commercial and Intellectual Property Limited liability Partnership in Cameroon and active within the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) region. Its fundamental objective has been to provide outstanding legal advice in a dynamic environment. Our practice includes consulting, negotiating, prosecuting and litigating in substantially all areas of the law. Our staff and personnel are highly bilingual in spoken and written English and French languages. As a modern innovative law firm, we have set out our policies and working practices to meet modern international standards, challenges and the needs of our extensive clientele. One of our major concern is to actively build strong partnerships with leading Financial Institutions and Corporate Organizations.Our client relationship has led us to strengthen business activities with Banking, Financial Institutions, Transportation, Telecommunications, Energy, Agriculture, Tobacco and Cigarette production, Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Electronic and processed Food Industries, Capital Markets and general services.AKKUM, AKKUM & Associates LLP is licensed at the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), a member of the International Trademark Association (INTA), International Bar Association (IBA), International Young Lawyers Association (AIJA), and off course, the Cameroon Bar Association.

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Partners

Our Partners

Carlton Fon Akkum | Managing Partner

Carlton is the Managing Partner of the firm with more than ten years of outstanding practice. He studied Law and Economics and has many qualifications. Admitted to the Cameroon Bar Association in 1996, he advices local and international clients in all aspects of corporate transactions and corporate Law as well as venture capital investments. He also has extensive experience in Intellectual Property Law, Mining and Hydro-carbons, Civil Aviation and Labour and Trade Relations. He is currently advising Rodeo Resources and Grynberg Petroleum Company, United States based Corporation, on the Exploration, Exploitation, Development and Marketing of the on-shore Logbaba natural Gas/Condensate Field project in Cameroon. He has advised Ansette World Wide Aviation and G.E. Capital Aviation Ltd., with respect to five (5) Air-Craft Lease Transactions contracted with the Cameroon Airlines. Carlton has also handled other highly complex structured finance transactions. Prior to joining AKKUM, AKKUM & Associates LLP, he constituted one of the two (2) partners in the Nico Halle & Co Law Firm and was the Assistant Managing Partner for several years. Carlton has a well established practice and is proficient in both English and French. E-mail carlton.akkum_akkumlaw.com

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James Atanga Akkum | Partner

James is a Senior Partner with the firm and was admitted to the Cameroon Bar Association in 1984. A graduate from the University of London, James holds a Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Law, Banking and Economics. A pioneer General Manager of the one time reputable Cameroon Bank, he has handled many cases for the State of Cameroon. He heads the Banking, Finance and Litigation Departments of the Firm and has wide experience in advising employment Law aspects of major corporate transactions including redundancies, negotiations with Unions and works councils and alternative dispute resolutions. He has also handled several Commercial and Civil litigation as well as investment and Corporate Counseling. To contact this partner e-mail james.akkum_akkumlaw.com

Tina Nguma | Partner

Tina is a Partner in the firm and heads the Department of Mergers and Acquisitions, Consumer Protection and Environmental Law. She also has a wide experience in Transportation and Telecommunications. Admitted in 1998, she has handled many highly complex transactions in these domains. Before joining AKKUM, AKKUM & Associates LLP, she worked for Nico Halle & Co Law Firm for four (4) years. To contact this partner e-mail tina.nguma_akkumlaw.com
Our Team

Our Team

Our Associates | Staff Attorneys

FLAURENT ZALEHO, is an Associate in the firm and holds a Bachelors Degree in Law and Masters Degree in Business Law. ZALEHO specializes in M. & A. transactions, Private Equity and Venture Capital Investments. He also has experience in advising on Telecommunications related transactions, Privatization and Liquidations, Labour and Trade relations as well as Civil, Criminal and Insurance related matters. E-mail flaurent.zaleho_akkumlaw.comRITZ CHI A., studied Law and Banking at the University of Malta and is an Associate in the Private Equity Team of the Corporate Finance Department. He holds a Degree of Bachelor of Commerce and a Masters in Finance and Banking. He has worked with many renown Financial Institutions at home and abroad and advises on joint Venture transactions, Corporate restructuring and other Corporate Finance services and International Business transactions. He also works for the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA). E-mail ritz.chi_akkumlaw.comDAMARIS ATEH A, is a tax Associate with a sound background training from E.N.A.M., the Government Institution charged with training Magistrates and Senior Tax Inspectors in Cameroon. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Law and a post Graduate qualification in Banking, Finance and Tax Law. Damaris has a solid track-record for high quality and sound Tax Advice and Tax Planning. She advises clients on the most tax-effective structuring of transactions, the most appropriate tax structures for the establishment of new businesses, amongst others and has extensive experience in negotiating and contesting Tax Disputes. As a Government Tax Revenue Officer, she has extensive expertise in all Cameroon tax questions. E-mail damaris.ateh_akkumlaw.com

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Our Paralegals | Support staff

SIYA YVONNE ETUKENI, Senior Legal Secretary. Holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Buea and a Diploma in Business Economics and Commerce, Accounting in Business Management, Business Bookkeeping and Accounts from the Cambridge International College and a Diploma in Computer Sciences from the Mac Darwin Institute of Computer Management. Firms Accountant. E-mail siya.etukeni_akkumlaw.comJOYCE ULEH, Junior legal Secretary of the Firm. Library Science, Key Board Operator, Internet Management, soft ware and Data safety. Holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature from the Anglo Saxon University of Buea, with a Diploma in Linguistics and Theatre Arts. Also has a Certificate in Computer Sciences from the Association for Communication and Environment (_dcome) Buea. E-mail joyce.uleh_akkumlaw.com

Technical | Support Staff

GAIUS NGONG, is our telecommunication expert and handles all telecommunication- related matters of the firm. With a solid and sound back ground knowledge, the firm has been able to advise and/or represent many operators and/or carriers in the telecommunication sector. E-mail gaius.ngong_akkumlaw.comFELIX MOFOR, The Firms Clerk. Manages the logistics of the Firm. Has an Advance Level Certificate from the Cameroon General Certificate of Education Board (GCE). E-mail felix.mofor_akkumlaw.com
Practice

Our Practice

Intelectual Property
Corporate
Banking
Aviation
Litigation

Intelectual Property INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTIONOur Intellectual Property Practice Group provides legal services designed to protect clients Patents, Trademarks, Trade names, Copyrights, Industrial designs, Utility models and Trade secrets. In brief, our IP practice group handles the processing, registration and protection of all Intellectual Property related matters and all post-registration procedures (various types of I.P disputes and litigation inclusive).Cameroon is a member state of the African Intellectual Property Organization, called by its French acronym (Organization Africaine de la Propriété Intelletuelle, OAPI), charged with Intellectual Property related matters in 16 West and Central African Countries, to wit, Benin, Burkina-Faso, Central African Republic, Congo, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Tchad, Togo and Cameroon. The Head Quarters of the Organization is based in Cameroon with the added advantage that all applications lodged therein are covered for the entire region. Only OAPI accredited firms are authorized to represent IP clients before the region and AKKUM, AKKUM & Associates LLP was accredited through OAPI Licence N°000018/OAPI/DG/DPG/SCAJ. With a high reputation for expediency, expeditiousness and cost-effectiveness, the firm provides the following IP related services before the OAPI region. i) TRADE MARKSOur services comprise the following; Preparing Filing and Prosecuting Trade Mark applications for registration;Filing for the renewal of Trade Marks; Trade mark searches; Applications for review opposition and cancellation; Litigation on all aspects of Trade Marks including infringement proceedings, opposition, passing-off, unlawful competition and anti-counterfeiting procedures; Preparing and recording modifications, assignments, renewal and trade mark licensing, contracts concerning registered trademarks. ii) PATENTS/INDUSTRIAL DESIGNSThe Patent Department deals with all matters relating to Patents and Industrial designs, Copyrights and unlawful competition. It takes active part in the development of technological sector in Cameroon. In this respect, we have a wealth of experience in;Drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications; Searching of novelty, legal status; Request reexamination and invalidation; Record assignments and licensing contracts; Litigation, including infringement and revocation proceedings; Institute legal proceedings against decisions of reexamination or declaration of invalidation of patents; Technological transfer, including negotiating and drafting of licenses. iii) COPYRIGHTSBoth the Patent and Trade Mark Departments have extensive expertise in the area of copyrights and can provide services in regard to copyright protection, copyright disputes and litigation, drafting of assignment and licenced agreements, International copyright matters, copyright protection of computer software, etc. iv) LITIGATIONWe provide professional advice on all infringements of our clients IP rights and initiate infringement litigation and Administrative claims when negotiations for mediation and other amicable approaches fail.Apart from the OAPI jurisdiction, we work in collaboration with colleagues/IP firms in other jurisdictions, like ARIPO, to satisfy clients needs.v) LEGAL CONSULTATIONWe help companies and corporations design and develop strategic planning in their own Intellectual Property Protection and serve as appointed corporate legal consultants for Intellectual Property matters. We also deal with legal issues arising from the use of Intellectual Property on the Internet, the registration of domain names and the resolution of domain name-related disputes.
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Corporate CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES, CORPORATE DETECTIVEAkkum Law Attorneys provides corporate and commercial legal services to its clients. This also includes coporate detective services to ensure our clients get the best in Cameroon's difficult legal terrain. More details in each of these areas are listed below. Please use the scroll bar to read more.CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL SERVICESThe firms Commercial and Corporate law division enjoys a local and international reputation for the quality of its work. Some of its specialized services are:Establishment of business entities (creation of companies, corporations and partnerships); Drafting and reviewing of business agreements; Investment of foreign and domestic businesses; Obtaining investment permits; Negotiating and drafting of join venture, collaboration, licensing and franchising agreements; Foreign trade and promotion representative office; Advise on the structuring of transactions and the most appropriate entity for transactions; Advise on mergers, acquisitions and take-over bids; Advise on stock exchange related transactions; Drafting of documents, such as sale agreements, leases, licensing agreements; supply agreements, shareholders agreements, insurance policies and other similar commercial contracts. CORPORATE DETECTIVEAKKUM, AKKUM & ASSOCIATES LLP renders risks analyses and monitoring services to its clients. The need for preventive risk planning measures is no doubt inevitable particularly where foreign investment is concerned. In this respect we are specialized in;Detecting fraudulent declarations to foreign corporations, Companies, Organizations; Detecting fraudulent absconders and fraudulent insurance policies; Conducting Independent search on Transparency reports on Banks, Companies, Insurance Companies etc.; Providing flexible and comprehensive investigative services to legal professionals, Industries and the public in all Legal matters; Investigating Criminal Corporate responsibilities. All these reports are guaranteed absolute confidentiality, reliability, neutrality and total independence.
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Banking BANKING AND INVESTMENT LAWObtaining banking licenses and providing banking related legal and investment services is one of our strongest areas of specialty. More details of each of these areas are listed below. Please use the scroll bar to read more. BANKINGOur expertise in this Sector include;Advising on aspects of banking and insurance legislation; Preparing Loan documentation; Establishing of representative offices of foreign institutions; Advising on international development projects; Preparing of contracts and documentation relating to financial transactions; Obtaining banking licenses for our clients and other authorizations and permits related thereto.INVESTMENTCameroon has a liberal investment code with a lot of incentives and guarantees to both nationals and foreigners. Income from an investment, for example, may be paid to a foreign investor, and the proceeds of any sale of assets in Cameroon transferred abroad by a non-resident seller. The political and social factors are quite conducive.Labour related aspects are also very favourable to the investor as employers and employees are free to negotiate wages /salaryFurthermore, the move away from the state control of some industries (privatization) plus the tough economic climate has forced companies to be more competitive than ever before.Except for certain basic foodstuffs and petroleum products, there is no price control system operating in Cameroon. In the Labour field, there are collective and statutory agreements regulating minimum wage levelsForeign persons are free to conclude representations, agency, distribution and franchising agreements with local persons. These are common methods for overseas organizations to promote and sell their products in Cameroon. No stringent formalities are required for the conclusion of such agreements.Most contracts tend to be subject to Cameroon law, but there is no bar to any foreign law serving as the governing law as long as there is some nexus between that law and the contract. Parties are free to agree on what court will have jurisdiction, or alternatively, agree that any disputes will be referred to arbitration.Cameroon is a party to the Convention on Agency in the international sale of goods and this treaty provides a uniform approach to agency- Principal relationships with third parties in another treaty country.The most common procedure of undertaking a direct investment in Cameroon is to float a Company. This may be wholly owned or held jointly with other local or foreign shareholders. Incorporation proceedings in Cameroon are relatively straightforward.Cameroon is a signatory to the Treaty on the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa, known by its French acronym OHADA, comprising Fourteen (14) African Countries. The objective of the treaty is to harmonize Business laws in the contracting states by the elaboration and adoption of simple modern common rules adapted to their economies, by setting up appropriate judicial procedures, and by encouraging arbitration for the settlement of contractual disputes.
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Aviation CIVIL AVIATION, ADMIRALTY AND SHIPPINGIn addition to the many areas where Akkum Law Attorneys provide legal services, civil aviation, admiralty and shipping are also our specialty. More details in each of these areas are listed below. Please use the scroll bar to read more.CIVIL AVIATIONThe Firm has extensive experience in Aviation law as one of its Partners has been assisting Ansett World Wide Aviation in a series of Aircraft lease transactions contracted with Cameroon Airlines. More specifically the Firm can offer the following services;Advise international clients on Cameroon Civil Aviation Law with respect to Aircraft Lease Transactions having international implications, contracted with local authorities;Obtain for our international clients all authorizations, consents, licenses, approvals and registrations necessary for the smooth execution of Aircraft lease Transactions, Review Government guarantees with respect to Aircraft lease Transactions for which the Government or state of Cameroon is a guarantor and advise foreign clients on its implications, authenticity; Prepare legal opinions with respect to Aircraft Lease Transactions; Advise on liability Claims and Insurance Claims. In addition, the Firm has excellent working relationship with the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Transport (which regulates Aviation and other transportation matters in Cameroon) through regular contacts and interactions. ADMIRALTY AND SHIPPINGOur services in this area include, Arrest of ships and property to establish jurisdiction, claims and disputes; All required services with regard to marine casualties; Marine Insurance advice.
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Litigation LITIGATION, DISPUTE RESOLUTION, TAXES, LABOUR AND TRADE RELATIONSLitigation, dispute resolution, tax, labour and trade relations (including international trade) are also our areas of expertise. More details in each of these areas are listed below. Please use the scroll bar to read more.LITIGATION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTIONLitigation in Cameroon is undertaken at various levels. There are courts of original jurisdiction and courts of Appellate jurisdiction. Our general areas of practice include the Supreme Court of Cameroon, the Provincial Appeal Courts, the Divisional High Courts and the District Courts. The litigation department handles:Personal injury claims; Commercial and industrial disputes; Insurance disputes; Admiralty and shipping disputes; Aviation claims; Labour and industrial disputes etc. TAXESTaxation in Cameroon is applied both directly and indirectly while customs duties are prescribed at different rates on various goods under the Cameroon Tax Code.The firm has a solid track-record for high quality and sound tax advice and tax planning, as well as experience in negotiating and contesting tax disputes. We offer the following tax-related services; Advise on the selection of appropriate tax structures for the establishment of new businesses; Advise on tax matters, like the most tax-effective structuring of transactions; Negotiating with tax Revenue authorities. LABOUR AND TRADE RELATIONSThe relationship between the employer and employee in Cameroon is regulated by extensive legislation. Minimum standards relating to employment conditions like the basic condition, minimum wage rates, minimum safely requirements etc have been imposed. However, employers and employees are free to negotiate wages in conformity with prevailing legislation. We do the following: Resolve individual and collective labour disputes;Advise on unfair labour practices; Advise on statutory based employment conditions and minimum standard; Advise on the labour implications of acquisitions and mergers; Drafting of labour contracts and other procedural agreements; Advise on retrenchment, rationalism, and alternative means of dispute resolution.
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"That old law about 'an eye for an eye' leaves everybody blind. The time is always right to do the right thing."

Martin Luther King Jr

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To facilitate payment for services especially for our foreign clients, an online payment option is being worked out and will be made available for use pretty soon. If you plan to use credit cards to pay for services, please stay tune.

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Contact

"The power of the lawyer is in the uncertainty of the law."

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Address 1089 Avenue Doula Manga BellAdjacent - Texaco - BaliPO Box 4237 Douala, CameroonHours Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PMSaturday - Appointmenst OnlyTelephone(237) 3343 7670(237) 7777 3114Fax(237) 3343 1743Emailakkumlaw_akkumlaw.com

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