How I work (commercial viability, technology feasibility, sustainable deals)

 (so you know what happens next)

  • Define the metrics that inform commercially viable terms
  • Understand the feasible value drivers of the technology offering
  • Identify the metrics that inform cashflow and the venture’s growth
  • Design the most appropriate IP strategy
  • Translate these metrics into a clean, executable deal

You’ll leave with clarity on what can be done, what can’t, and what happens next.

What I help clients do

  • Structure and negotiate tech transfer and commercialisation arrangements
  • Build IP valuation models that protect value while enabling growth
  • Assist start-ups with a seller-side strategies when negotiating with Venture Capitals
  • Facilitate foreign IP transactions and related SARB compliance
  • Structure IP ownership: background vs foreground IP, contributions and improvements
  • All transactional work pertaining to the matters above

Case Studies

Outcomes that keep commercialisation moving

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Insights from Gerard

View All Barnard Insights
Insight

Legal Support for the Business You’re Building

28 Aug 2026

Insight

Compliance by Design in Pharmaceutical Operations

25 Aug 2026

Insight

Structuring Joint Ventures in South Africa

24 Aug 2026

News

Copyright in Social Media Publications and Posts: A South African Legal Perspective

11 Aug 2026

Insight

The Importance of Post-Merger Integration for Transactional Success

11 Aug 2026

News

Beyond B-BBEE: What the Competition Commission Really Means by HDP Participation

07 Aug 2026

News

Legalisation, Authentication and Apostilles in South Africa: Understanding the Correct Process for Documents Intended for Use Abroad

31 Jul 2026

Insight

Buying the Business or Buying the Company? Understanding One of the Most Overlooked Decisions in Commercial Transactions

31 Jul 2026

Insight

Good Corporate Governance: More Than a Compliance Exercise

31 Jul 2026

Insight

Wetsontwerp op die Wysiging van die Outeursregwet: Scenario's na die uitspraak van die Konstitusionele Hof

28 Jul 2026

Insight

Copyright Amendment Bill: Scenarios after the Constitutional Court’s ruling

28 Jul 2026

Insight

When the Watchdogs Get Hacked: What the CIPC and NCR Data Breaches Mean for Ordinary South Africans

27 Jul 2026

Credentials

  • Holds a PhD in Indigenous Knowledge Law.
  • Holds an LLM focused on the fair dealing doctrine.
  • Has a background in mechanical engineering, bringing technical and commercial insight to legal work.
  • Extensive experience in technology transfer, intellectual property commercialisation, and policy development.
  • Has led the commercialisation of intellectual property portfolios and the establishment of start-up companies at major South African universities.
  • Has worked on the licensing of university inventions internationally.

The team

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