IP Legal Counsel

POP MART; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in trend culture and entertainment is seeking an IP Legal Counsel. This role focuses on IP law and commercial transactions, requiring a law degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience. The successful candidate will draft and negotiate IP-related agreements, monitor IP risks, and collaborate with various teams to align IP strategy with business goals. The company offers competitive packages, opportunities for career development, and values equal opportunity for all applicants.

Benefits

Market-competitive packages

Opportunities for on-the-job training

Career development programs

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in IP law.
• Licensed to practice law in the UK or EU.
• Experience with UKIPO and WIPO is highly appreciated.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on IP matters.
• Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements.
• Monitor and assess potential IP risks.
• Manage IP management documentation.

Skills

Strong commercial and contractual drafting

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Collaborative mindset

Attention to detail

Education

Law degree (JD, LLM, or equivalent)

Job description

IP Legal Counsel

Location : London & Europe (Paris, Italy, Spain) (On-site)

POP MART ( 09992.HK ), founded in 2010, is a leading global company in the trend culture and entertainment industry. Centered around IP, POP MART has built a comprehensive platform for creative incubation and IP operation, empowering global creators while delivering exciting products, services, and immersive entertainment experiences to consumers. POP MART identifies and nurtures emerging artists and designers worldwide, creating popular character IPs through a well-established IP development and operation system. Its portfolio includes iconic IPs such as MOLLY, SKULLPANDA, DIMOO, THE MONSTERS, and Hirono. By launching art toys and derivative products based on these IPs, POP MART continues to lead trends in consumer culture. As of the end of 2024, POP MART operates over 500 physical stores and more than 2,300 Robo Shops across 30+ countries and regions. Through multiple cross-border e-commerce platforms, the company has reached audiences in over 90 countries and regions, bringing joy to young consumers around the world.

Job Overview

As we rapidly expand in the global market, we are seeking a skilled Legal Counsel with a strong focus on Intellectual Property (IP) and commercial transactions to join our team. As IP is at the core of our business, this role will play a pivotal part in supporting the development, protection, and strategic use of the company's creative assets and business development globally.

What You Will Achieve

• Provide legal advice on IP matters including trademarks, copyrights, domain names, trade secrets, and various commercial transactions.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and oversee IP-related agreements, such as licensing, sponsorship, partnership, joint development, NDAs, clearance, and other commercial agreements including vendor agreements, merchandising agreements, distribution agreements, SaaS agreements, etc.
• Monitor and assess potential IP risks, counterfeit threats, and infringements online and offline.
• Monitor and handle IP disputes, enforcement actions, and dispute resolution matters in coordination with external counsel.
• Conduct due diligence and advise on IP aspects of M&A, investment, and commercial transactions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate, and oversee commercial agreements with domestic and international business partners to ensure IP protection.
• Liaise with external counsel, judicial and enforcement authorities (e.g., Customs) to safeguard IP rights and crack down on infringement activities.
• Collaborate closely with business teams and other departments to align IP strategy with commercialization goals.
• Conduct internal training and establish SOP on IP compliance and best practices across various departments.
• Manage and maintain IP management documentation and portfolio.
• Assist Marketing, Licensing, Retail, and Operations departments as needed.
• Perform other duties as required from time to time.

What You Will Need

• Law degree (JD, LLM, or equivalent legal qualification); licensed to practice law in at least one jurisdiction within the UK or EU; minimum 5 years of relevant experience in IP law, preferably in a multinational company or law firm.
• Experience in the retail industry is desirable.
• Experience with UKIPO, WIPO, and regulatory authorities in the UK / EU is highly appreciated.
• Strong commercial and contractual drafting, analytical and negotiation skills.
• Native or at least excellent command of English is a must; professional proficiency in other languages (e.g., Spanish, French, German, Chinese) is a plus.
• Collaborative and proactive mindset, detail-oriented, business-minded, and solution-driven.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Good time management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable working across jurisdictions and time zones.

What We Offer

• Market-competitive packages : we provide pension contributions, health insurance, annual leave, paid sick leave, and family leave, etc.
• Opportunities to learn and lead : we provide on-the-job training to ensure employees are equipped with the most up-to-date skill sets and knowledge.
• Career development : we work with you to advance your career through short-term assignments, and new experiences, etc.
• POP MART is committed to equal pay initiatives and will not ask candidates for their current or past salary.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, POP MART does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, colour, creed, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, citizenship, marital or domestic / civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or because of any other status or condition protected by applicable UK / EU law.