Senior Intellectual Property Lawyer

Placements24; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Life insurance

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a leading technology firm, seeks a Senior Intellectual Property Lawyer to lead global IP strategy, filings, and enforcement. The role focuses on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and licensing, collaborating with R&D and business teams.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of IP experience, strong patent prosecution skills, and a track record in licensing and due diligence. A hybrid remote/office work model is offered to support cross-border collaborations.

Qualifications

• Admitted attorney with 7+ years in Intellectual Property law.
• Strong patent drafting and prosecution experience across multiple jurisdictions.
• Experience with IP licensing, due diligence, and related agreements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive IP strategies to protect innovations.
• Draft, file, and prosecute patent applications across relevant jurisdictions.
• Manage trademark and copyright portfolios, registrations, and enforcement.
• Review and negotiate IP-related agreements including licenses and R&D collaborations.
• Advise on IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses and opinions on patentability.
• Manage IP litigation and coordinate with external counsel where needed.
• Monitor competitor IP activity and industry trends.
• Provide IP training to internal teams and ensure regulatory compliance globally.

Skills

IP strategy

Patent drafting

Patent prosecution

Trademark & copyright

IP licensing

Legal research

Negotiation

Education

Law degree

Tools

IP management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading technology and innovation firm based in the vibrant business hub of Sandton, Gauteng, is actively seeking a Senior Intellectual Property Lawyer. This position offers a hybrid working arrangement, blending the convenience of remote work with essential in-office engagement. The Senior IP Lawyer will be responsible for managing and protecting the company's valuable intellectual property assets, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. This role involves advising on IP strategy, drafting and prosecuting patent applications, managing trademark portfolios, and handling IP-related agreements and disputes. The successful candidate will work closely with R&D, marketing, and business development teams to ensure that the company's innovations are adequately protected and commercialized. This is a strategic opportunity for an experienced IP professional to contribute to a forward-thinking organization, shaping its IP landscape within the competitive technology sector in Sandton. The role demands a proactive approach to identifying and securing IP rights, as well as defending them against infringement. The firm values innovation and is committed to providing a stimulating work environment for its legal professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive intellectual property strategies to protect company innovations.
• Draft, file, and prosecute patent applications in relevant jurisdictions.
• Manage the company's trademark and copyright portfolios, including registration and enforcement.
• Review and negotiate IP-related agreements, such as licenses, assignments, and R&D collaborations.
• Advise on IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses and provide opinions on patentability.
• Manage IP litigation and dispute resolution, working with external counsel when necessary.
• Monitor competitor IP activities and industry trends.
• Provide training and guidance to internal teams on IP matters.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant IP laws and regulations globally.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 7 years of experience specializing in Intellectual Property Law.
• A strong technical background (e.g., in science, engineering, or computer science) is highly desirable, particularly for patent prosecution.
• Proven experience in patent drafting and prosecution, trademark and copyright management, and IP licensing.
• In-depth knowledge of national and international IP laws and treaties.
• Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal concepts clearly.
• Experience working in a hybrid remote/office model.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in IP management software and legal research tools.
• Admitted to practice before relevant IP registries (e.g., patent office).

Benefits

• competitive salary commensurate with experience, potential for performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, a retirement annuity, and life insurance.
• The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility.
• Employees benefit from significant opportunities for professional development, including attending industry conferences and pursuing further IP qualifications.
• This role offers the chance to work at the forefront of innovation in Sandton, Gauteng, with a leading technology company.
• You will enjoy ample paid time off and a supportive, collaborative team environment.
• The firm fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth, making this an ideal position for an ambitious IP lawyer.