Trademark Portfolio Manager (m / f / d)

To effectively meet the challenge of protecting the world’s forests, we are committed to having the world’s most skilled people working with us. We are currently looking for an engaged Trademark Portfolio Manager with a passion for FSC’s mission to join our multinational team.

The energetic team of the Legal Department supports all legal and compliance aspects of the FSC Group and advises FSC’s management and its specialized units in their daily operations. You will be managing FSC’s portfolio of trademarks and other brands, helping to protect and secure FSC’s portfolio and managing associated risks. In this role, you will also contribute to trademark protection strategies and support trademark enforcement activities. The scope includes conducting regular trademark audits, engaging and supervising external counsel, and working closely with other members of the legal team.

Main Roles & Responsibilities

You will focus on IP, especially trademark-related aspects concerning the FSC Group, with a direct reporting line to the Senior Trademark Counsel under the FSC Group Head of the Legal Department. Your responsibilities will include:

1. Leading global trademark filing and prosecution, including preparing and filing trademark applications and coordinating with outside counsel.
2. Coordinating global trademark clearance investigations, performing and analyzing trademark searches.
3. Managing and executing trademark renewals, declarations, and affidavits of use.
4. Managing global evidence of use and implementing strategies to gather such evidence.
5. Advising internal colleagues and FSC’s network on intellectual property procedures, guidelines, and practices.
6. Supporting legal aspects of FSC’s domain name portfolio, including domain acquisitions and UDRPs.
7. Analyzing risks and safety related to new trademark laws and regulations, and preparing training.
8. Developing and implementing yearly trademark audit projects.
9. Assisting in developing yearly trademark prosecution strategies.
10. Tracking budgets, expenses, and reconciliation of costs.
11. Maintaining an international list of external legal experts, updating contacts, powers of attorney, and engagement letters.
12. Collaborating with other IP and Legal Counsels on enforcement activities, process management, reviewing watch notices, and coordinating oppositions and cancellations.

Your Profile

• Education and Training: A master’s degree in IP or trademark law or equivalent.
• Strong IP background with knowledge of IP portfolios and trademark enforcement management systems.

Work Experience, Style, and Skills:

• Minimum five (5) years of practical experience, preferably in-house at a globally oriented organization or in an international law firm.
• Experience with international trademark portfolios, including clearance, prosecution, investigations, and enforcement.
• Experience in licensing is valuable.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently.
• Service-oriented, detail-focused, proactive work approach.
• Professional and friendly demeanor, confident appearance.

Languages:

• Fluent in English (spoken and written) is required.
• Fluency in German, Spanish, French, or Chinese is highly valuable.

Digital Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Experience with Dynamics 365, SharePoint, MS Vision, and MS Project is helpful.
• Experience with Trademark Portfolio Database Management Platforms is very helpful.
• Knowledge of Contract Database Management platforms is an asset.

Communication Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive interpersonal relations.

Others:

• Commitment to FSC’s mission and values, including cultural awareness.
• Ability to represent FSC professionally and ethically.

The Fine Print

• Location: Bonn, Germany, FSC International headquarters.
• Working hours: Full-time, 40 hours/week, with 2 days in the office.
• Contract duration: 2-year contract, with the possibility of extension to open-ended.
• Starting date: As soon as possible.

We look forward to receiving your application!

About us

Welcome to FSC!

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a globally recognized non-profit organization leading sustainable forestry efforts. With over 150 million hectares of certified forests and a trusted reputation among NGOs, consumers, and businesses, FSC is committed to the health and resilience of the world’s forests.