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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

Key practice areas
Copyright & related rights
Intellectual property
Patent disputes
Trade mark disputes
Trade mark
Patent
Patent prosecution
Trade mark prosecution
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:
4 East Park, Central Park on Park Lane
Century City Cape Town, 7441 South Africa
Tel:+27 215 262 800 Fax:+27 21 526 2801 Email:Contact Us Web Address:https://www.vonseidels.com/

IPS Sponsored

2026 Edition
Patent prosecution
Tier 1
10 firms ranked
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Tier 1

Adams & Adams
18 practice areas
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Spoor & Fisher
8 practice areas
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Von Seidels
8 practice areas
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Tier 2

ENS
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KISCH IP
7 practice areas
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Tier 3

CWB
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Smit & Van Wyk
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Adams & Adams
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Adams & Adams
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ENS
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Spoor & Fisher
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8 practice areas
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Tier 2

KISCH IP
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Moore Attorneys
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Smit & Van Wyk
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Webber Wentzel
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Overview

Von Seidels is a South African intellectual property law firm with a staff of over 100 people and offices throughout Africa. The services cover experience in protecting and enforcing IP rights in Africa, Advertising & Consumer Law, Anti-Counterfeiting, Commercial IP, Copyright, IP Enforcement, Licensing & Contracts, Patents, Plant Breeders’ Rights, Registered Designs, and Trademarks & Domain Names.    

Notable practitioners: Bastiaan Koster, Erik van der Vyver and Gunther Roland  

Managing partner Bastiaan Koster leads the firm. Erik van der Vyver is the head of the patent office, and Gunther Roland is the Head of Africa Patent Practice.  

 
Testimonials

2026

"They provide us very clear and precise feedback.  The information and advice is not pages of background, but they get right to the point."

"We have been consistently impressed with Von Seidel's IP filing, prosecution, and administration services. The team demonstrates a high level of expertise and professionalism in handling our intellectual property matters. Their responsiveness and clear communication throughout the filing and prosecution process have been particularly valuable, ensuring that deadlines are met and that we are always kept informed of important developments."

"The attorneys and staff at Von Seidel show a strong understanding of both the technical and legal aspects of IP prosecution, which gives us confidence in the quality of the work product. We also appreciate their attention to detail in administrative matters, which helps streamline our portfolio management. Overall, working with Von Seidel has been a positive experience, and we value the reliable partnership they provide."

"Very wide range of experience and wealth of knowledge across IP litigation."

"Based on previous interactions, [my company] has been able to rely and act on legal expertise provided by Von Seidels on recent trade mark litigation issues."

"Prompt and professional in the work they do. Always looking for ways to improve the client experience."

"Based on a long-standing relationship and interactions, [my company] is able to rely and trust any legal advice, opinions or judgements from Von Seidels on issues that specifically relate to trade marks."

"Von Seidels has a well-established relationship with [my company] and provides effective legal assistance relating to the providing of advice and services for trade mark prosecution and litigation."

"They demonstrate extensive knowledge and provide very quick responses."

Andre Mare

"He communicates well and provides sound legal advise which is easily understandable, and on which [my company] is able to confidently act on."

 

2025

"Competitive service offering in a boutique setup."

"Deep subject matter expertise, strong client service, prompt responses to inquiries and questions."

"In recent years, Von Seidels has shown exponential growth and has established themselves on IP-related matters. They provide efficient client services and comprehensive legal advise, at cost-effective rates."

"Provided very pragmatic advice, particularly noting some of the jurisdictions that are less common and have more bespoke requirements. Were easy to deal with and very helpful in navigating the different requirements."

"Quick response times and have become our go-to IP advisers."

"Responsive and understood the difficulties for our client in terms of availability of documentation and were able to offer alternative solutions."

"Sincerity, transparency and commercially-focused approach."

"Strong reputation in trade mark area, recommended by other IP professionals, broad coverage of African countries, client service."

"The Von Seidels team have a very good rapport with the Technology Transfer Office team and with the university researchers."

"They are very responsive and professional. I can 100% trust that they will look after any clients that I refer to them. They give good, practical, solution-based advice."

"Very fast and concise feedback, with the right business approach. Plus, we also like the personal relationship we enjoy with Von Seidels team members."

"Very friendly and helpful. Always attentive to deadlines."

"Von Seidels gave common-sense and pragmatic advice. They are solutions-driven but always acted in a manner that protected their client's interests. They have a wide and deep knowledge of all matters IP."

"Von Seidels provides a professional service, are responsive and design practical and commercial solutions for clients. They are extremely knowledgeable on all aspects of IP."

Linked Reviews
Copyright & related rights

Case studies show that the firm assisted the client, a global media corporation on anti-counterfeiting cases.

Lindy le Roux is a key practitioner to watch. 

Patent

Case studies show that the firm assisted the client, Austell Pharmaceuticals in patent proceedings concerning its generic anticoagulant (rivaroxaban) product.

 
 
 
Trade mark

Case studies show that the firm assisted the client, Shoprite Checkers in a passing-off matter against Pick n Pay. 

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MIP Sponsored

  • 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