Cronjé Inc. is a premier Namibian law firm specializing in corporate, commercial, and intellectual property law. Based in Windhoek, we deliver exceptional legal services to clients both locally and internationally. Our commitment to building long-term relationships enables us to understand our clients’ businesses deeply and add value through comprehensive legal expertise. Our team of highly experienced attorneys adheres to strict ethical standards, ensuring professionalism in all engagements.
With a broad range of practice areas and extensive legal knowledge, we are equipped to handle even the most complex legal matters in Namibia. We provide timely, effective solutions that consistently enhance our clients’ businesses, upholding our promises without compromising our principles.
Chambers and Partners has consistently ranked our firm among the leading law firms in Namibia, noting that we “get the job done with attention to detail and great client satisfaction, and always meet and manage deadlines and budgets.”
A primary focus of our firm is to act as the first point of call for investors who intend to commence their operations in Namibia. A number of the key concerns faced by potential investors in Namibia have been briefly addressed hereunder. Should you require further information you are invited to contact us at the contact details listed on this website.
NAMIBIAN COMPANIES
We on a daily basis incorporate Namibian Companies on behalf of clients. We further ensure that all company secretarial documentation relating to the new entity is put in place and is maintained. This includes that appointment of directors, appointment of auditors as well as the issue of the relevant Namibian Share Certificates.
We also have pre-registered Namibian Companies that are immediately available to clients. These pre-incorporated companies are private Namibian entities that are in the process of being established but have not yet been fully incorporated or entered into any transactions. We have such pre-incorporated Namibian companies available, allowing clients to swiftly commence their operations through the entity
Should you want to incorporate a Namibian Company or if you want to acquire a pre-registered Namibian Company, you are invited to contact us by send an e-mail to [email protected].
Your brand, your pride.
If you have a means of identifying and distinguishing your goods and/or services, the most effective way to protect its uniqueness is by registering your trade mark, patent or industrial design. Our team of experts are ready to assist you with any of these registrations.
Trade mark
A trade mark distinguishes your business/brand from those of your competitors. It is a unique word, phrase, symbol, design or a combination of the aforementioned that identifies your goods and/or services and ensure uniqueness of your brand. A trade mark provides legal protection for your brand and helps you guard against counterfeiting and fraud.
Trade marks have been proven to be a valuable asset and can appreciate in value over time. Trade marks can be bought, sold and licensed. Important to note that your trade mark will only receive protection in the country/territory that it was filed, applied for and registered. Our enthusiastic trade mark team offer a full range of trade mark services in Namibia and beyond.
Patents
The Namibian Industrial Property Act recognizes Namibia’s obligations in terms of international treaties including: the Patent Co-Operation Treaty (PCT), ARIPO, Madrid Agreement and the Hague Agreement.
A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which invention is a specific product or process that provides a new way of doing something or offers a new technical solution to a problem. The proposed patent is available for registration provided that the invention is new, involves an inventive step and is industrially applicable.
A patent registered for an invention grants a right to the inventor. This right excludes others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling the invention. The right to a patent may be assigned, or transferred either by succession or operation of law. In Namibia, patents are valid for a period of 20 years after the filing date. Annual maintenance fees should be paid in order to ensure the validity of the patent. In Namibia, the Patent may be converted to a Utility Model.
Utility Models
A Utility Model is the invention with the exclusion of a process, microbiological process and the products of a microbiological process. A Utility Model is valid for a period of seven years after the date of filing of the application and there are no annual fees to be paid for the maintenance thereof.
Utility Models are used in recognising that minor improvements of existing products, which does not fulfil the patentability requirements, may have an important role in a local innovation system. The utility model allows the holder of the right to prevent others from commercially using the protected invention, for a limited period of time.
The compliance requirements for a utility model are less strict than those for patents.
Legal disputes can be resolved through various mechanisms, and these include mediation, arbitration, and litigation.
At Cronjé Inc we understand that litigation is adversarial, costly, and something most of our clients would like to avoid altogether. Accordingly, we work hard to come up with creative and strategic solutions early in the life of a dispute so that the need to litigate is obviated. If, however, it becomes incumbent on a client to prosecute a dispute in a court, we ensure our client is properly apprised of their rights and obligations. We are well versed in the Rules of Court and exceptionally knowledgeable in our practice areas – our clients can depend on us to resolve a broad range of legal disputes.
We frequently litigate through instructed counsel, guaranteeing that our client’s interests are taken care of by the most authoritative of experts.
Our team has experience advising clients on:
At Cronjé Inc, we understand the importance of planning for the future and protecting your loved ones. That is why we offer a comprehensive estate planning service that goes beyond just drafting Namibian Wills. Our team of Namibian Attorneys will work with you to effectively structure your estate in a way that balances risk, taxation, and protection while maintaining an effective management structure. We further offer assistance in incorporating Namibian Trust Structure into your Namibian estate plan.
At Cronjé Inc we not only take care to make sure that your Namibian Will complies with the requirements set out in the Namibian Wills Act; our team of experts employ creativity and empathy when planning your Will and Estate in ways that keep administration costs at a minimum while maximizing the benefit of your legatees and heirs. We’re also happy to retain a hard copy of your original Will in fireproof safe-keeping.
We further attempt to form a long term relationship with specific clients in order to assist with the succession planning process. In this regard are actively involved in family business meetings as a part of the the succession planning process. This attempts to create a mechanism for the sucsesful transfer of the decision making culture in a family.
Should you require assistance in the preparation of a new Namibian Will, you are invited to complete the form at the following link: WILLS FORM
Wills in Namibia are regulated by the Namibian Wills Act 7 of 1953 as well as by the common law. In terms of Section 2 of the Namibian Wills Act, for a Namibian Last Will and Testament to be validly executed in Namibia it must be in writing and it must further comply with the following conditions:
In terms of Section 4 of the Namibian Wills Act, any person [who is able to appreciate the consequences of his actions] who is over the age of sixteen years may make a will. The burden of proof to indicate that a person was mentally incapable at that time of executing the will shall rest on the person alleging the incapacity.
Our conveyancing team assists clients in all aspects relating to the transfer of properties in Namibia.
The real estate market is growing rapidly within Namibia. Our team aims to provide investors, corporations, asset and fund managers, and financial institutions in the real estate sector with strategic transactional support. We also focus on guiding the general public on their journey to becoming a new homeowner. Our team is equipped with the experience, skill, and resources to deliver extraordinary and sophisticated service in all aspects of Property/Real Estate in the transferring of Property.
We realise that purchasing immovable property in Namibia is probably the largest investment that most individuals will make, and, in this regard, we aim to provide our clients with the best assistance and commitment to realise their dreams. We are well-known for our speedy turn-around time during the process and commitment to see each matter through.
Our Conveyancing Department not only provides guidance and execution of the Transfer of Property but also provides the following services:
