Senior Intellectual Property Counsel

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 86,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Flexible working hours

Remote work from South Africa

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Intellectual Property Counsel to join its forward-thinking legal team. This fully remote SA-based role focuses on safeguarding IP across patents, trademarks, and copyrights while guiding strategic IP transactions.

You will develop comprehensive IP strategies, manage global filings, and advise on due diligence for M&A and licensing, all while operating with minimal supervision from anywhere in South Africa.

Qualifications

• LLB from a recognized university.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum 7 years of specialized IP experience (patents & trademarks).
• Experience in IP portfolio management, strategic IP development, and IP transactions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement IP strategies to protect company innovations and brand.
• Manage filing, prosecution, and maintenance of patents, trademarks, and copyrights globally.
• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and licensing.
• Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements (licensing, joint development, confidentiality).
• Advise on IP infringement risks and enforcement strategies.
• Manage trade secret protection programs and employee IP education.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses and provide patentability opinions.
• Stay updated on SA and international IP laws.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and biz dev to align IP with business goals.
• Manage external IP counsel and service providers.

Skills

IP portfolio management

IP transactions

Drafting IP agreements

Negotiation

Independent remote work

Education

LLB degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Intellectual Property (IP) Counsel to join their forward-thinking legal department. While the role is based in Kimberley, Northern Cape, this position offers a fully remote work arrangement, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere in South Africa. This role is instrumental in managing and protecting the company's valuable intellectual property portfolio, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. You will be responsible for developing IP strategies, advising on IP-related transactions, and ensuring robust protection against infringement. This is an exceptional opportunity for an IP law expert to take on significant responsibilities within an innovative organization, influencing its competitive edge through strategic IP management. The position is designed for professionals who thrive in a remote setting and are adept at managing complex IP matters with minimal supervision, contributing to the company's global IP presence. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating IP risks.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive intellectual property strategies to protect the company's innovations and brand identity.
• Manage the filing, prosecution, and maintenance of patents, trademarks, and copyrights globally.
• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and licensing transactions.
• Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements, including licensing, joint development, and confidentiality agreements.
• Advise on IP infringement risks and develop strategies for enforcement and defense.
• Manage trade secret protection programs and employee IP education.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses and provide opinions on patentability and non-infringement.
• Stay current with IP laws and regulations in relevant jurisdictions.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and business development teams to align IP strategy with business objectives.
• Manage external IP counsel and service providers effectively.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum of 7 years of specialized experience in intellectual property law, with a strong emphasis on patents and trademarks.
• Demonstrated experience in IP portfolio management, strategic IP development, and IP transactions.
• Deep understanding of South African and international IP laws and practices.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and drafting skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage complex IP matters remotely.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex IP concepts clearly.
• Admission to practice before the South African Patent Office is highly advantageous.
• A proactive and business-oriented approach to IP law.

Benefits

• This remote position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• You will have the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa, contributing to a dynamic legal team.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development are supported, with access to cutting-edge legal resources and technology.
• This role provides the unique advantage of contributing to a significant company's IP strategy without the need for physical relocation.
• Regular virtual team meetings and collaboration tools ensure seamless integration and communication.
• The company values innovation and invests in its employees' continuous learning through online courses and webinars.
• Additional benefits may include performance bonuses and flexible working hours to accommodate individual needs.