At Smit & Van Wyk, we are proud to be recognised as leading patent attorneys in South Africa. Our team of qualified patent, trade mark, and copyright attorneys combines legal expertise with technical knowledge to help you protect and manage your innovations effectively. We assist inventors, companies, and research institutions with every stage of the patent process, from drafting and filing to prosecution and enforcement. With experience across mechanical, electrical, software, biotechnology, and chemical engineering, we provide advice that is precise and tailored to your specific invention.
To obtain a patent in South Africa, an invention must meet certain requirements. It must be novel, meaning it has not been disclosed anywhere in the world before the filing date. It must involve an inventive step, which means it cannot be obvious to someone skilled in the relevant field. The invention must also be useful or capable of industrial application, meaning it can be made or used in some form of industry. Finally, the invention must be fully and clearly described in the application so that others skilled in the field can understand and replicate it.
At Smit & Van Wyk, we guide you through these requirements, helping to prepare your application so it meets all legal standards and maximises your chances of securing strong patent protection.
Filing Patents in South Africa and Across Africa
We offer end-to-end patent services throughout Africa. Acting as both patent and trade mark agents, we work closely with trusted networks in ARIPO and OAPI member countries. Whether you want to file locally or via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), we ensure compliance with regional requirements while protecting your interests internationally.
We go beyond patents, helping you build and manage your intellectual property portfolio. Our strategic advice focuses on aligning IP protection with your broader business goals so you can safeguard your market advantage.
At Smit & Van Wyk, we are committed to delivering client-focused solutions. Our proactive approach, technical depth, and dedication to service excellence have earned recognition in publications such as MIP IP Stars, The Legal 500, and Best Lawyers.
Contact Us
If you are looking for experienced patent attorneys in South Africa, we provide trusted expertise and practical solutions to protect your innovations.
