Senior Legal Counsel (12 Month FTC)

Sky; Isleworth; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media and entertainment brand seeks a Senior Legal Counsel specializing in Intellectual Property to join their team in the UK. This role involves managing trademark and patent portfolios, providing strategic advice on IP risks, and collaborating closely with internal stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of experience in IP law and excellent communication skills. You'll work with a dynamic team committed to protecting and enhancing the brand's intellectual property while supporting innovative business solutions.

Benefits

Sky Q, an all-in-one TV platform

Generous pension scheme

Private healthcare

Discounted mobile and broadband services

Qualifications

• 5+ years PQE or equivalent experience in law.
• UK law experience relevant to IP matters.
• Extensive trademark and passing off experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert analysis and strategic advice on IP risks and disputes.
• Advise on brand use and lead trademark actions globally.
• Manage partnerships with brand licensees and lead IP litigation.

Skills

Litigation

Dispute Resolution

Strategic Thinking

Interpersonal Communication

Analytical Skills

Job description

Want to do the best work of your life? With 24 million customers in 7 countries, make your mark at Europe’s leading media and entertainment brand. A workplace where you can proudly be yourself; our people make Sky a truly exciting and inclusive place to work.

This is a great opportunity for an Intellectual Property Lawyer as a Senior Legal Counsel within the UK Litigation, Anti-Piracy and Intellectual Property team of Sky’s in-house Legal Department, to support across all business areas.

As a team, we pursue the highest standards and demonstrate commitment, integrity, and judgement. We exist to add real value by sustainably providing the highest quality business-focused legal expertise that keeps Sky competitive. Through our work, we help bring better content and innovation to our customers, connecting them to more of what they love. Our vision is to create the Legal team of the future, operating at the heart of Sky and known for adding value.

We are responsible for the protection and management of all SKY and non-Sky trademarks and brands worldwide. We defend Sky’s brands in all courts, including recent cases in the CJEU, Supreme Court, and Court of Appeal, as well as activity in IP registries globally. This role requires close collaboration with legal and business colleagues in our core markets, with potential for some travel. We also manage Sky’s patent and design portfolios and provide expertise on all intellectual property matters.

The role reports to the Head Counsel of the UK Litigation, Anti-Piracy and IP team, based in Osterley.

What You’ll Do

1. Provide expert analysis, strategic advice, leadership, and business partnering to internal clients and stakeholders, including senior executives, on IP risks, opportunities, and disputes, proposing creative solutions.
2. Advise on the use of Sky’s brands and assist with new brand risk assessments (trademark clearance). Lead on complex trademark, opposition, revocation, and invalidity actions globally.
3. Manage the monitoring and development of Sky’s trademark portfolio, including applications, oppositions, and renewals worldwide.
4. Oversee Sky’s patent and design portfolios, managing external lawyers to prosecute applications.
5. Lead on the negotiation of IP licenses and contracts, supporting wider business and legal deals.
6. Manage relationships with long-term brand licensees and build effective partnerships.
7. Lead IP litigation or pre-action matters, coordinating with relevant stakeholders.
8. Foster effective relationships with legal colleagues and the wider Sky business units.

What You’ll Bring

• 5+ years PQE or equivalent experience in a reputable law firm or in-house legal team.
• UK law experience relevant to IP matters.
• Extensive trademark and passing off experience.
• Experience with IP registry office actions in multiple territories.
• Strong dispute resolution and litigation experience.
• Experience in brand licensing and licensee management.
• Strategic thinking and ability to protect and grow Sky’s IP portfolio.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and rapport-building skills, including at senior levels.
• Top-quality drafting skills and an analytical mindset.

Our team upholds the highest standards, demonstrating commitment, integrity, and judgement. We aim to provide valuable, business-focused legal expertise that keeps Sky competitive, helping to deliver better content and innovation to our customers. Our vision is to build the legal team of the future, central to Sky’s success.

The Rewards

• Sky Q, an all-in-one TV platform
• Generous pension scheme
• Private healthcare
• Discounted mobile and broadband services

Where You’ll Work

Our Osterley campus is a 10-minute walk from Syon Lane station, with free shuttle buses to nearby stations. Facilities include bike shelters, showers, multiple restaurants, cafes, a Waitrose, a gym, cinema, car wash, and beauty salon.

Inclusion

Recognized as an ‘Inclusive Top 50 Employer’ and a ‘Times Top 50 Employer for Women’, we focus on potential and diversity, not just CVs. We support flexible working options and provide adjustments during recruitment upon request.

Why Wait?

Apply now to build an exciting career and join a talented team. We look forward to hearing from you.

For more information about working with us, follow us on social media. This is a job you'll love to talk about.

Note: Successful applicants will undergo a criminal record check. Depending on the role and any convictions, offers may be withdrawn.