Trademark & Design Attorney/Legal Counsel

DE CLERCQ & PARTNERS; Sint-Martens-Latem; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

DE CLERCQ & PARTNERS is seeking a lawyer with an IP focus to advise clients from startups to multinationals on trademark, design and related IP matters, and to manage national, European and international portfolios.

You will draft, file and prosecute IP applications, handle oppositions, provide opinions, and work closely with a team of experienced attorneys to deliver pragmatic IP protection strategies for diverse clients.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Law, preferably with IP specialization.
• Some IP law experience, preferably in private practice.
• Excellent written and oral communication in Dutch and English.
• Pragmatic, proactive, client-oriented and self-motivated.
• Attention to detail, discretion with confidential cases, and strong prioritization.
• Team player able to work both independently and within a team.

Responsibilities

• Advising clients on trademark, design and related IP matters.
• Managing national, European and international trademark and design portfolios.
• Conducting trademark clearance searches and providing availability opinions.
• Drafting, filing and prosecuting trademark and design applications before BOIP, EUIPO, WIPO and foreign offices.
• Handling opposition, cancellation and invalidity proceedings.
• Advising on infringement, unfair competition and IP enforcement strategies.
• Drafting opinions, cease-and-desist letters, coexistence agreements, assignments and licences.
• Assisting clients in developing and implementing pragmatic IP protection strategies.
• Liaising with clients, foreign associates and IP offices worldwide.
• Monitoring legislation and case law developments and translating into practical advice.
• Working closely with a team of experienced attorneys, legal professionals and paralegals.

Skills

Attention to detail

Discretion

Prioritization

Education

Master's degree in Law

IP qualification

Job description

ABOUT THE JOB

• Advising clients ranging from innovative start-ups to multinational companies on trademark, design and related IP matters.
• Managing national, European and international trademark and design portfolios.
• Conducting trademark clearance searches and providing availability opinions.
• Drafting, filing and prosecuting trademark and design applications before the BOIP, EUIPO, WIPO and foreign intellectual property offices.
• Handling opposition, cancellation and invalidity proceedings.
• Advising on infringement, unfair competition and IP enforcement strategies.
• Drafting legal opinions, cease-and-desist letters, coexistence agreements, assignments and licence agreements.
• Assisting clients in developing and implementing pragmatic IP protection strategies.
• Liaising with clients, foreign associates and intellectual property offices worldwide.
• Monitoring legislative and case law developments and translating these into practical advice for clients.
• Working closely with a team of experienced attorneys, legal professionals and paralegals.

YOUR PROFILE

• Education: Master's degree in Law, preferably with an additional qualification in Intellectual Property.
• Experience: Some experience in IP law and/or trademark and design protection, preferably in private practice.
• Languages: Excellent written and oral communication skills in Dutch and English; other languages are a plus.
• Mindset: Pragmatic, proactive, client-oriented, and self-motivated.
• Skills: Attention to detail, ability to handle confidential cases discreetly, and strong prioritization skills.
• Teamwork: Ability to work both individually and seamlessly within a team.