Lisa Van Zuydam

Lisa specializes in the enforcement of intellectual property rights - trade marks and copyright - across South Africa and Africa, from initial phases to appeal. She also advises on advertising and regulatory matters in sectors such as FMCG, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, and has extensive experience in infringement matters, passing-off matters, oppositions, company name objections, domain name disputes, and advertising related disputes. Her experience includes enforcement of non-traditional trade marks and certification marks, with participation in significant precedent-setting cases in South Africa. 

She is well versed in matters in the OAPI and ARIPO regional systems and is highly knowledgeable about the Madrid System and the enforcement of and opposition to international registrations specifically in African countries. Her experience with enforcement matters also extends to the EU and UK. 

Lisa’s has represented clients, ranging from individuals and SMEs to large and very prominent multi-nationals, across a variety of sectors, including the technology, FMCG, financial services, telecommunications, automotive and medical industries.  

Her clients gain great value from her knowledge of developing enforcement strategies, policing trade mark and copyright infringements, and drafting of related contracts and negotiations. 

Industry Associations

• Fellow of the South African Institute of Intellectual Property (SAIIPL) 
• SAIIPL – International Treaties Committee Member 
• Member of the Legal Practice Council (LPC) 

Accolades

• Managing IP – Rising Star of the Year for South Africa – 2025