Senior Intellectual Property Counsel

Placements24; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote role

Equity options

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Generous PTO

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a technology and media company to hire a Senior Intellectual Property Counsel. This fully remote role can be based anywhere in South Africa and focuses on managing the global patent portfolio, trademarks, and other IP assets.

You will lead IP strategy, advise on licensing, joint development, and M&A, and support due diligence while collaborating with R&D, product, and business teams to protect innovations and drive growth.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with patent agent admission a strong plus.
• Minimum of 8 years progressive IP law experience with focus on patents and trademarks.
• Experience shaping IP strategy for technology-driven companies.
• Technical background in engineering or computer science is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, communication and autonomous remote-working skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an IP strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Manage patent prosecutions globally and work with external patent attorneys.
• Oversee trademark filing, prosecution and enforcement worldwide.
• Advise on IP in commercial agreements, licensing, and M&A.
• Conduct IP due diligence for acquisitions and partnerships.
• Lead IP disputes, cease and desist actions, and oppositions.
• Educate teams on IP best practices and monitor industry trends.
• Maintain and update IP portfolio records.

Skills

IP law

Patent prosecution

Trademark law

Remote leadership

Legal advisory

Education

Admitted Attorney of SA High Court

Tools

Patent databases

Contract review tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative technology and media company, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Intellectual Property Counsel to lead their IP strategy and operations. This is a fully remote position, offering the ultimate flexibility to work from your preferred location within East London, Eastern Cape or anywhere in South Africa. You will be responsible for managing the company's global patent portfolio, trademark registrations, and other intellectual property assets. This role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of IP law, particularly in relation to technology, software, and media. You will work closely with R&D, product development, and business teams to protect and leverage the company's innovations, driving growth and competitive advantage through robust IP management.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive intellectual property strategy aligned with business objectives. Manage the prosecution of patent applications globally, working with external patent attorneys. Oversee trademark filing, prosecution, and enforcement activities worldwide. Advise on IP aspects of commercial agreements, including licensing, joint development, and M&A transactions. Conduct IP due diligence for potential acquisitions and partnerships. Manage IP-related disputes, including litigation, cease and desist actions, and oppositions. Provide guidance on copyright, trade secrets, and data privacy related to IP matters. Educate internal teams on IP best practices and value. Monitor competitor IP activities and industry trends. Maintain and update the company's IP portfolio records.

Requirements

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa, with admission as a Patent Agent being a significant advantage. Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in intellectual property law, with a strong focus on patent and trademark matters. Proven experience in developing and implementing IP strategies for technology-driven companies. In-depth knowledge of patent prosecution, trademark law, copyright, and trade secrets. Experience advising on IP in the context of commercial transactions and agreements. Strong technical background (e.g., Engineering, Computer Science) is highly desirable. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills. Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities. Ability to work autonomously and lead initiatives in a remote setting.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers exceptional work-life integration and autonomy. Our client provides a top-tier compensation package, including a significant base salary, performance bonuses, and equity options. Comprehensive health insurance, retirement contributions, and generous paid time off are standard. The company invests heavily in employee growth, offering extensive training and development opportunities. Join an innovative and dynamic team at the forefront of technology and media, where your IP expertise will be critical to shaping the future.