Ilne van der Westhuizen is a qualified patent attorney with a PhD in chemistry. She has experience in protecting chemistry, material science, polymer science, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device inventions.

Before joining Von Seidels, Ilne obtained a PhD degree in chemistry at Stellenbosch University. Her PhD studies in the Supramolecular Materials Research Group involved the synthesis of novel crystalline materials that are porous and can be used in gas storage applications. She has four years of research experience in the fields of solid-state chemistry, material science and X-ray crystallography.

Her practice involves drafting patent specifications, prosecuting foreign patent applications to grant and conducting patent searches to provide patentability and infringement opinions to clients. She has also been involved with patent litigation relating to pharmaceutical and agrochemical products. Her quick grasp of technical concepts allows her to advise clients in diverse fields of technology.