Juanita Stolk
Juanita is a specialist intellectual property (IP) attorney at Witz Inc. law firm in Rosebank, Johannesburg, where she is a partner in 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 joined Witz Inc. in 2018.
She specialises in the commercialisation, management, enforcement, and acquisition of IP rights, including trademark clearance searches, trademark registrations, conducting trademark audits, IP due diligence investigations, and IP related agreements.
As a qualified trademark practitioner and a Fellow of the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law, Juanita possesses a wealth of experience and practical expertise in all matters pertaining to brand protection.
From expert advice and personal brand protection strategies to providing legal counsel in the event of disputes or IP infringements, clients are assured of the very best service and representation.
Juanita’s clients include media personalities, performers and artists, and sports figures.
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.”
In addition to extensive local expertise, Juanita also enjoys access to a global network of select legal experts and resources to ensure that the interests of her clients are protected across a number of other jurisdictions as well. Juanita uses state-of-the-art IP management software systems to accurately and comprehensively track changes and updates to legislation, client IP rights information, and more.
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.”
Juanita’s goal is to accurately identify the value created by her clients’ brands and work, while asserting and protecting their rights in order to prevent infringement or exploitation. This also serves to ensure longevity and to prevent dilution or misrepresentation of a client’s brand.
Her clients are assured of the utmost confidentiality, professionalism, and an empathetic and deeply personable approach tailored to their unique circumstances and requirements.”