Juanita Stolk
Juanita is an attorney at Witz Inc. law firm in Rosebank, Johannesburg, where she practices as a member of the firm’s Trade Mark, Copyright, and Intellectual Property Department.
After graduating from the University of the Witwatersrand, having completed both her LLB and Postgraduate Diploma in Information and Communication Law, Juanita began her articles at Witz Inc. in 2018.
“One of the benefits of being part of such a dynamic team of specialists is that you don’t just get compartmentalised,” says Juanita. “During the process of doing my articles, I was privileged to do a rotation in the Family Law department as well.”
Juanita became an Associate at Witz Inc. in 2020, and specialises in a range of IP matters, including Commercial IP, and Copyright and Trade Mark Law – a subject about which she is not just personally passionate, but highly knowledgeable, as an Associate of the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law.
“Many of our clients are innovators,” says Juanita. “They’re entrepreneurs and companies that are shaping the future of commerce – and in a world where technology and creativity are merging, where digital automation and artificial intelligence are advancing at an astonishing rate, creators need to know that good IP protection is not just a ‘nice to have’ – it’s an absolute necessity.”
Juanita forms part of a team of forward-thinking lawyers who are recognised for their expertise in the implementation of IP, copyright, and trademark law, and who deal with clients both locally and internationally.
“The directors I work with, Craig Shapiro and Marius Gerber, are incredibly knowledgeable,” she says. “It’s an absolute privilege to be able to learn from attorneys who collectively have more than thirty years of experience, and who are able to provide such a deep level of insight and legal expertise.”
What makes Witz Inc. so different? According to Juanita, it comes down to several things. “Firstly, going the extra mile and putting the client first is the norm,” she says. “Our clients know that every single thing we do – whether it’s providing expert legal advice, securing intellectual property rights, drawing up agreements, or even litigation – is tailored to their uniquely individual context and business.”
“We’re non-traditional,” says Juanita. “The client-centric approach that Witz Inc. takes is a breath of fresh air. It’s an agile and energetic approach. We’re in the business of offering smart solutions to our clients, helping them build their brands, and doing so with longevity and growth in mind. We’re changing the narrative and showing people just how essential it is to protect their intellectual property, across just about every conceivable field of industry.”