The Centre for Intellectual Property Law (CIPL), part of the Department of Private Law, promotes and develops intellectual property law in South Africa and Africa by distributing knowledge and doing research. In 2008, the Faculty of Law collaborated with Adams & Adams, one of Africa's premier intellectual property law firms, to create cutting-edge capabilities in the subject of IP law. The Adams & Adams Chair in Intellectual Property Law and the CIPL were made possible by significant sponsorship from firms.

This project aims to connect internationally known institutions and African leaders, leveraging the Faculty of Law's academic resources and Adams & Adams' practical legal knowledge. This is especially important in today's knowledge-based economies and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which combines digital, physical, and biological technology to transform the world.

Intellectual Property (IP) is an essential driver and component of economic growth and that
IP rights (IPRs) constitute highly valuable properties and exploitable assets, also for local and foreign investors. The Centre for Intellectual Property Law (CIPL) endeavours to contribute to South Africa's extensive record of securing local statutory compliance with international IP conventions and treaties, as well as effective enforcement of intellectual property rights through the legal system.