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Key contacts
Head of Patents: Erik van der Vyver
Head of Trade Marks: Claire Smedley
Andrè J Maré: Head of Commercial IP
Quick facts
Total number of practitioners

60

Languages

English, German, French, Chinese

Network memberships

AIPPI, ECTA, FICPI, INTA, LES, MARQUES, VPP

Firm overview

Von Seidels is a leading African intellectual property (IP) law firm renowned for protecting, managing, and enforcing IP rights across the continent. The firm assists local and international clients with obtaining and managing all forms of IP protection with a strong focus on patents, trade marks, designs and copyright. The firm also deals with all IP related commercial activities, including transactions, structuring, IP aspects of exchange control, agreements, licensing, transfers, valuations and litigation.

Von Seidels has become one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest and most respected IP firms, backed by a team of 130 people. Its attorneys combine deep technical expertise with sharp commercial acumen and a commitment to client-centric service.

The firm provides IP services throughout Africa with regional offices / service hubs located in:

South Africa (headquarters in Cape Town, satellite office in Johannesburg)
Nigeria - serving West Africa
Kenya - serving East Africa
Namibia - serving the ARIPO region (20+ African countries)
Cameroon - serving the OAPI region (17 African countries)

The firm delivers a full suite of IP services, including patents, trade marks, designs, copyright, anti counterfeiting, licensing, commercial transactions, portfolio strategy, and high impact litigation. Its client base spans startups, research institutions, and leading global technology companies.

Von Seidels is consistently recognised for excellence and ranked as a top tier IP law firm in South Africa, recognised for its cross border strength, standout results in patent and trade mark matters, and its ability to translate complex IP challenges into strategic business outcomes.

As the first African IP firm to achieve ISO 9001 certification, Von Seidels sets the benchmark for service quality and reliability. Its recent expansion into Kenya reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthen on the ground expertise and support Africa’s accelerating innovation economy.

Other offices
Practice Areas & Sector Specialisations

Practice Areas: Copyright & related rights, Designs, Intellectual property (contentious), Intellectual property (prosecution), IP transactions ITC litigation, Life sciences, IP Patent (contentious), Patent (prosecution), PTAB litigation, Trade mark (contentious), Trade mark (prosecution)

 Sector Expertise: Advertising, Aerospace, Agriculture, Artificial intelligence, Automotive, Biotechnology, Chemical Computer technology & services, Construction and materials, E-commerce, Electrical, Electronics, Energy, Fashion & luxury goods, Film, Financial services, FMCG, Food and beverage, Gaming,  ICT & software, Industrials, Internet, Life sciences, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Media, Medical device,  Mining, Oil and gas, Pharmaceutical, Renewable energy, Retail, Robotics, Semiconductors, Sports, Technology hardware, Telecommunication, Universities & research

Address:
Suite 516 Commercial Bank Building
Quartier Indendance (adjacent Espace Landmark) Yaoundé
Tel:+27 21 526 2800 Email:Contact Us Web Address:https://www.vonseidels.com/

IPS Sponsored

Testimonials

2026

"Our firm has been working with Von Seidels on a day-to-day basis, and we consistently value their responsiveness, speed of delivery, and highly pragmatic approach to legal matters. The team demonstrates a strong understanding of the regional business and regulatory environment, which translates into clear, actionable advice and efficient execution."

"We are mostly working with Wensel Britz who stands out for his ability to combine local market insight with a solution-oriented mindset, helping move projects forward while remaining attentive to risk and compliance considerations. We also appreciate his well-established network of trusted partners across multiple African jurisdictions, which has proven highly beneficial in matters requiring cross-border coordination."

"Based on our experience, we can confidently recommend Von Seidels as a reliable and commercially focused legal partner for clients operating in, or expanding into, African markets."

Adré Pretorius

"Good communication, fast response, and extensive skill and knowledge of trademark matters in many African countries."

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  • Sponsored by Von Seidels
    Intellectual property law firm Von Seidels has recently opened two new African offices, one in Cameroon serving OAPI and the other in Nigeria