Smit & Van Wyk Patent, Trademark & Registered Designs

Chantal Hoffelner

Patent Attorney

Email: c.hoffelner@svw.co.za

Chantal Hoffelner is a patent attorney at Smit & van Wyk, with qualifications in biotechnology and law. Before joining Smit & van Wyk in 2009, she worked as a researcher in the Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology Department at the University of the Free State.  She specialises in patent specification drafting, local and international patent searches and legal opinions.

Chantal Hoffelner, Patent Attorney

Expertise

Qualifications:

  • B.Sc Biochemistry and Microbiology
  • B.Sc (Hons) Microbiology (Cum Laude)
  • M.Sc Microbiology (Cum Laude)
  • LLB
  • SAIIPL (Qualified Patent Practitioner)

Areas of Expertise:

  • Patents: Biotechnology, medical, life sciences and pharmaceutical inventions.
  • Registered Designs: Industrial designs, product designs, patterns and packaging.
  • Litigation: Patent and design disputes.

Awards and Market Recognition

IAM Patent 1000:
The World’s Leading Patent Professionals – Ranked individual for patent services in South Africa from 2020 – 2022.
Quotes:
“What really sets Chantal apart, and what speeds up the process significantly, is her scientific background. She quickly understands technical aspects and outlines the legal processes clearly. I truly wish all my interactions could be like this – she is outstanding.” – 2021.
“In the life sciences Hoffelner draws on her own experience as a researcher and provides advice that is not only technically solid, but easy to digest too.” – 2022.

Associations:

  • Fellow of the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL).
  • Member of the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA).
  • Member of the International Trade Mark Association (INTA).