Founded in 2020, STEYN IP is dedicated to uplift and support business owners and creatives who require specialist partners to guide and support them through their individual journeys and careers. Combining knowledge from intellectual property law practices, creative and manufacturing industries and regulatory offices, the team at STEYN IP has been involved in the creative and legal industries for over a decade. Our clients, large and small, in the South African commercial, corporate and creative fraternities remain our firm’s core focus.
Founded in 2020, STEYN IP is dedicated to uplift and support business owners and creatives who require specialist partners to guide and support them through their individual journeys and careers. Combining knowledge from intellectual property law practices, creative and manufacturing industries and regulatory offices, the team at STEYN IP has been involved in the creative and legal industries for over a decade. Our clients, large and small, in the South African commercial, corporate and creative fraternities remain our firm’s core focus.
Christiaan Steyn
Founder and Managing Director
Christiaan is the founder and managing director of STEYN IP. He also heads up the intellectual property department of the firm and is responsible for the oversight of the firm’s business functions, marketing and public relations initiatives. Christiaan is a practicing attorney with over 15 years’ experience in intellectual property, which includes employment at the National Trade Marks Office. He has a great passion for intellectual property law, especially in the creative sectors, and has specific expertise
and interest in trade marks, copyright and domain disputes.
Education:
– LLB
Admissions:
– Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
Associations:
– Legal Practice Council of South Africa
– South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL)
– World Independent Lawyers League (WILL)
– Intellectual Property and Innovation Researchers in Africa (IPIRA)
– International Trademark Association (INTA)
– ICANN Intellectual Property Constituency (IPC)
– Senior Domain Dispute Adjudicator and ADR Committee Member (SAIIPL)
Melissa Steyn
Non-Executive Director
Melissa is a non-executive director at STEYN IP and is involved in the strategic aspects of the firm, monitoring regulatory compliance and advising on the implementation of specialist legal services to enhance the service offering of the firm to its clients. Melissa is a practicing attorney and an experienced administrator, as well as a property law specialist with extensive experience in commercial property portfolios.
Education:
– B.Com(Business Management and Law)
– LLB
Admissions:
– Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
– Conveyancer of the High Court of South Africa
– Notary Public
Associations:
– Legal Practice Council of South Africa
Robynne Zevenster
Patent Attorney
Robynne is a registered patent attorney with over 12 years of experience prosecuting local and foreign patent applications in all major fields. She is responsible for the patent and design services offered by the firm. Robynne has a scientific background and particularly enjoys advising on and prosecuting pharmaceutical or chemical inventions applications.
Education:
– BSc Honors (Biotechnology)
– LLB
Admissions:
– Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
– Registered Patent Attorneys (SAIIPL)
Associations:
– Legal Practice Council of South Africa
– South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL)
– Licensing Executive of South Africa Board Member (LESSA)
– International Licensing Executive (LESI)
Lianca Müller
Paralegal and Directors Assistant
Lianca is paralegal and assistant to the directors at STEYN IP. She is responsible for the engagement with the IP offices and for relevant administrative matter within the firm. She is also involved in engaging with clients and foreign associates. Lianca further holds a Diploma in Law from UNISA and is currently a B.Com Law candidate.
Education:
– Diploma in Law
Christelle Lourens
Civil Litigation Attorney
Christelle is the civil litigation consultant at STEYN IP and provides advice on all civil litigation aspects to ensure that the firm’s clients enjoy all-round security and assistance relating to their business. Christelle is a practicing attorney with extensive experience in High Court, Regional Court and Magistrate’s Court litigation.
Education:
– LLB
Admissions:
– Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
Associations:
– Legal Practice Council of Gauteng
David Spohr
Specialist Labour Attorney
David is a highly skilled labour attorney specialising in high-profile labour matters. With expertise in providing legal counsel to both employees and employers, he has successfully resolved complex labour disputes through negotiation, mediation and litigation. He is known for his strategic thinking and exceptional negotiation skills, which have allowed him to effectively represent clients in various industries. David’s professionalism, dedication and commitment to achieving favourable outcomes for his clients have earned him the respect of his peers and clients.
Education:
– BSc (Geography and Archaeology)
– BProc
– Certificate in Labour Relations
Admissions:
– Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
Associations:
– Legal Practice Council of South Africa
– Alternative Dispute Resolution Network of South Africa (ADRNSA)
– South African Board of People Practices (SABPP)
Gideon Bouwer
Specialist ICT, Cyber and AI Attorney
Gideon has been involved in the development of ICT law from its inception to present day, and continues to do so through academia and legal practice. He has over 30 years experience in ITC, cybercrimes and cyber law, and co-founded an electronic signature solution. Gideon also holds a Masters Degree in Information Technology Law, and has authored publications which have formed part of prescribed study material at major universities. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Law on the search and seizure of electronic evidence in a global context.
Education:
– Pol. Dipl
– LLB
– LLM
Admissions:
– Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
Associations:
– Legal Practice Council of South Africa
– World Independent Lawyers League (WILL)
Louise Woodburn
Legal Compliance Specialist
Louise is involved in the implementation and management of all aspects of safety, health and environmental management, monitoring regulatory compliance for SHE compliance. As a consultant, she enhances the service offering of these services by the firm to its clients. Louise is a SHEQ professional registered with
SAIOSH and has over 25 years of on the ground experience in operating SHEQ systems with extensive experience in construction, manufacturing, retail, mining portfolios.
Education:
– B.Com (Business Management and Operational Risk Management)
– Advanced Diploma in Organisational Leadership (VIAALDP)
– Diploma in Safety Management (SAMTRAC)
– SHEQ Internal Auditors Qualification (OHS18001, ISO14001 and ISO9000)
– Diploma in Strategic Wellness Management (Implementation of Wellness Programs
Unit Standard 254239, 254241, 254255, 254245, 254236)
Certifications:
– Qualified Ergonomic Risk Assessor – Management of Ergonomic Risks
– Qualified Lifeline Formal Peer Educator
– Qualified NOSA 5 * Navigator (Implementation of the System)
– NOSA Certified Workplace Risk Assessor
– Certificate in Management of Drug and Substance Abuse in the Workplace
– Qualification in Management of Transport Risk
– Qualification in Management of ISO16001 – Health and Disease Management
– Qualification in Applying SHE Principles
– Qualification in Implementation of ISO14001
– Qualification in OHS18001 Implementation
– Certificate in Construction Regulations
– Certificate in Compensation of Occupational Injury and Diseases Act (COIDA)
– Certificate in Incident Investigation
– Certificate in ISO 14001 Implementation
– Qualification in Safety Metrics Training (Statistics) (SAFETECH)
– Certificate in First Aid Level 3
– Certificate in Basic Firefighting and Prevention
– Certified SHE Representative
Associations:
– SAIOSH – Institute for Safety Professional
– SAFSEC – Federation for Civil Engineering
– MBSA – Master Builders Associations
– SAPMA – Institute for the Pump Associate
Loren Smith
Music Industry Specialist
Loren is an experienced music industry consultant and qualified paralegal. She ensures artists’ music administration is taken care of, including royalty collections, music contracts, musical copyright and music industry liaising. She has worked with
various music companies. Loren focuses on ensuring that artists are set up for success regarding their music careers.
Education:
– Diploma in Sound Engineering
– UCT Paralegal Qualification
Ivan Vermaak
Retail Brand Specialist
Ivan is actively involved in the retail brand industry and engages with large retailers on the development and implementation of their physical retail channels and storefronts. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in law and psychology, has a background in musicology, and is currently completing his LLB degree.
Education:
– BA (Law and Psychology)
Christiaan Steyn
Founder and Managing Director
Christiaan is the founder and managing director of STEYN IP. He also heads up the intellectual property department of the firm and is responsible for the oversight of the firm’s business functions, marketing and public relations initiatives. Christiaan is a practicing attorney with over 15 years’ experience in intellectual property, which includes employment at the National Trade Marks Office. He has a great passion for intellectual property law, especially in the creative sectors, and has specific expertise
and interest in trade marks, copyright and domain disputes.
Education:
– LLB
Admissions:
– Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
Associations:
– Legal Practice Council of South Africa
– South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL)
– World Independent Lawyers League (WILL)
– Intellectual Property and Innovation Researchers in Africa (IPIRA)
– International Trademark Association (INTA)
– ICANN Intellectual Property Constituency (IPC)
– Senior Domain Dispute Adjudicator and ADR Committee Member (SAIIPL)
Melissa Steyn
Non-Executive Director
Melissa is a non-executive director at STEYN IP and is involved in the strategic aspects of the firm, monitoring regulatory compliance and advising on the implementation of specialist legal services to enhance the service offering of the firm to its clients. Melissa is a practicing attorney and an experienced administrator, as well as a property law specialist with extensive experience in commercial property portfolios.
Education:
– B.Com(Business Management and Law)
– LLB
Admissions:
– Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
– Conveyancer of the High Court of South Africa
– Notary Public
Associations:
– Legal Practice Council of South Africa
Robynne Zevenster
Patent Attorney
Robynne is a registered patent attorney with over 12 years of experience prosecuting local and foreign patent applications in all major fields. She is responsible for the patent and design services offered by the firm. Robynne has a scientific background and particularly enjoys advising on and prosecuting pharmaceutical or chemical inventions applications.
Education:
– BSc Honors (Biotechnology)
– LLB
Admissions:
– Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
– Registered Patent Attorneys (SAIIPL)
Associations:
– Legal Practice Council of South Africa
– South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL)
– Licensing Executive of South Africa Board Member (LESSA)
– International Licensing Executive (LESI)
Lianca Müller
Paralegal and Directors Assistant
Lianca is paralegal and assistant to the directors at STEYN IP. She is responsible for the engagement with the IP offices and for relevant administrative matter within the firm. She is also involved in engaging with clients and foreign associates. Lianca further holds a Diploma in Law from UNISA and is currently a B.Com Law candidate.
Education:
– Diploma in Law
Christelle Lourens
Civil Litigation Attorney
Christelle is the civil litigation consultant at STEYN IP and provides advice on all civil litigation aspects to ensure that the firm’s clients enjoy all-round security and assistance relating to their business. Christelle is a practicing attorney with extensive experience in High Court, Regional Court and Magistrate’s Court litigation.
Education:
– LLB
Admissions:
– Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
Associations:
– Legal Practice Council of Gauteng
David Spohr
Specialist Labour Attorney
David is a highly skilled labour attorney specialising in high-profile labour matters. With expertise in providing legal counsel to both employees and employers, he has successfully resolved complex labour disputes through negotiation, mediation and litigation. He is known for his strategic thinking and exceptional negotiation skills, which have allowed him to effectively represent clients in various industries. David’s professionalism, dedication and commitment to achieving favourable outcomes for his clients have earned him the respect of his peers and clients.
Education:
– BSc (Geography and Archaeology)
– BProc
– Certificate in Labour Relations
Admissions:
– Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
Associations:
– Legal Practice Council of South Africa
– Alternative Dispute Resolution Network of South Africa (ADRNSA)
– South African Board of People Practices (SABPP)
Gideon Bouwer
Specialist ICT, Cyber and AI Attorney
Gideon has been involved in the development of ICT law from its inception to present day, and continues to do so through academia and legal practice. He has over 30 years experience in ITC, cybercrimes and cyber law, and co-founded an electronic signature solution. Gideon also holds a Masters Degree in Information Technology Law, and has authored publications which have formed part of prescribed study material at major universities. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Law on the search and seizure of electronic evidence in a global context.
Education:
– Pol. Dipl
– LLB
– LLM
Admissions:
– Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
Associations:
– Legal Practice Council of South Africa
– World Independent Lawyers League (WILL)
Louise Woodburn
Legal Compliance Specialist
Louise is involved in the implementation and management of all aspects of safety, health and environmental management, monitoring regulatory compliance for SHE compliance. As a consultant, she enhances the service offering of these services by the firm to its clients. Louise is a SHEQ professional registered with
SAIOSH and has over 25 years of on the ground experience in operating SHEQ systems with extensive experience in construction, manufacturing, retail, mining portfolios.
Education:
– B.Com (Business Management and Operational Risk Management)
– Advanced Diploma in Organisational Leadership (VIAALDP)
– Diploma in Safety Management (SAMTRAC)
– SHEQ Internal Auditors Qualification (OHS18001, ISO14001 and ISO9000)
– Diploma in Strategic Wellness Management (Implementation of Wellness Programs
Unit Standard 254239, 254241, 254255, 254245, 254236)
Certifications:
– Qualified Ergonomic Risk Assessor – Management of Ergonomic Risks
– Qualified Lifeline Formal Peer Educator
– Qualified NOSA 5 * Navigator (Implementation of the System)
– NOSA Certified Workplace Risk Assessor
– Certificate in Management of Drug and Substance Abuse in the Workplace
– Qualification in Management of Transport Risk
– Qualification in Management of ISO16001 – Health and Disease Management
– Qualification in Applying SHE Principles
– Qualification in Implementation of ISO14001
– Qualification in OHS18001 Implementation
– Certificate in Construction Regulations
– Certificate in Compensation of Occupational Injury and Diseases Act (COIDA)
– Certificate in Incident Investigation
– Certificate in ISO 14001 Implementation
– Qualification in Safety Metrics Training (Statistics) (SAFETECH)
– Certificate in First Aid Level 3
– Certificate in Basic Firefighting and Prevention
– Certified SHE Representative
Associations:
– SAIOSH – Institute for Safety Professional
– SAFSEC – Federation for Civil Engineering
– MBSA – Master Builders Associations
– SAPMA – Institute for the Pump Associate
Loren Smith
Music Industry Specialist
Loren is an experienced music industry consultant and qualified paralegal. She ensures artists’ music administration is taken care of, including royalty collections, music contracts, musical copyright and music industry liaising. She has worked with
various music companies. Loren focuses on ensuring that artists are set up for success regarding their music careers.
Education:
– Diploma in Sound Engineering
– UCT Paralegal Qualification
Ivan Vermaak
Retail Brand Specialist
Ivan is actively involved in the retail brand industry and engages with large retailers on the development and implementation of their physical retail channels and storefronts. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in law and psychology, has a background in musicology, and is currently completing his LLB degree.
Education:
– BA (Law and Psychology)
We are a passionate and experienced team of specialist attorneys dedicated to help our clients build, grow and maintain their businesses, creativity and careers.
We are a passionate and experienced team of specialist attorneys dedicated to help our clients build, grow and maintain their businesses, creativity and careers.
EXPERIENCED
EFFECTIVE
INNOVATIVE
CLIENT-FOCUSED
