Rory is a patent attorney with expertise in pharmaceutical and chemical matters. He has had significant exposure in his career to the “triple helix”, a term which refers to the growing trend of university-industry-government relationships in innovation dynamics. Before joining Von Seidels, Rory worked as in-house patent counsel for a large multinational corporation, and as director of the technology transfer office of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He further acted as a legal advisor to the Technology Innovation Agency, which is the primary funding instrument of South Africa’s Department of Science and Technology. In 2011 he founded a South African intellectual property practice which he ran until 2018.
This diverse background has provided Rory with insights which can benefit clients wishing to co-ordinate their relationships with government funding agencies, universities, science councils and industry.
Rory has worked with numerous start-ups and SMMEs. He understands the challenges and frustrations of early-stage commercialisation and can provide practical advice.
Rory’s involvement in tertiary level lecturing and his interactions with innovators, designers and entrepreneurs ensure that he stays well informed of local and international innovation trends.
Education/Alumni:
- University of Natal, BSc in Chemistry & Applied Chemistry (1989)
- University of Natal, BSc (Honours) in Chemistry (1990)
- University of Natal, LLB (1995)
- South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law, Qualified Patent Attorney (1999)
Network Memberships: LES
