Christiaan specialises in Intellectual Property Law, with specific expertise and interest in Trade Marks, Copyright and Domain Disputes, and founded STEYN IP, a specialist law firm dealing in these legal spheres, where he currently holds a position as Managing Director. Christiaan has further built his experience in these areas of law through his employment at various Intellectual Property Law Firms, as well as being part of the team responsible for the Trade Mark and Domain portfolios at Sasol Technology, and in holding a legal position in Intellectual Property at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) in the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission's (CIPC) Trade Marks Office.
Christiaan obtained a LLB degree at North-West University, Potchefstroom, and is an admitted and practicing attorney of the High Court of South Africa. He is currently a candidate for a Masters Degree in Intellectual Property Law at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Christiaan is further involved in Intellectual Property Law in South Africa as a Senior Domain Dispute Adjudicator, as well as serving on the SAIIPL (South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law) ADR and Copyright Committees, and on the IPIRA (previously AIPLITL) Communications Committee. Christiaan is also a member of WILL (Worldwide Independent Lawyers League).
Christiaan has great passion for Intellectual Property Law, specifically in the creative sector, and continuously strives to build his expertise and reputation in this field. He further aims to be among the leading professionals in Intellectual Property Law, as well as continue to be actively involved in the advance of legal innovations and Intellectual Property development in South Africa.