Lead IP Counsel - Hybrid/Remote, East London

Placements24; Windsor Park (TN); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid and retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Intellectual Property Lawyer to lead a dedicated IP division in East London, Eastern Cape. You will advise on protection, exploitation, and enforcement of IP rights, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and designs.

You will draft and negotiate IP contracts, conduct due diligence for M&As, and represent clients in IP litigation and ADR. The role requires strong analytical skills, independent work capability, and experience managing IP portfolios.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with minimum 6 years post-qualification experience specializing in Intellectual Property law.
• Proven experience in IP prosecution, enforcement, and commercialization.
• In-depth knowledge of patent, trademark, copyright, and design law.
• Experience drafting and negotiating IP-related contracts.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and litigation skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage complex IP portfolios and work independently.
• Membership in IP associations (e.g., SAIPLA) is advantageous.
• Commitment to providing strategic and commercially relevant IP advice.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on all aspects of intellectual property law.
• Manage the registration, maintenance, and enforcement of patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
• Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements, including licensing, assignment, and joint development agreements.
• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and commercial transactions.
• Represent clients in IP litigation, opposition proceedings, and alternative dispute resolution.
• Advise on strategies for protecting and monetizing IP assets.
• Stay current with IP laws and trends both domestically and internationally.
• Manage client portfolios and build strong, lasting relationships.
• Supervise and mentor junior associates and paralegals within the IP team.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant IP legislation and regulations.

Skills

IP law

Litigation

Contract drafting

Portfolio management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Independent work

Education

LL.B or equivalent; IP qualification a plus

Post-graduate IP qualification

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Intellectual Property Lawyer to lead a dedicated IP division in East London, Eastern Cape. You will advise on protection, exploitation, and enforcement of IP rights, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and designs.

You will draft and negotiate IP contracts, conduct due diligence for M&As, and represent clients in IP litigation and ADR. The role requires strong analytical skills, independent work capability, and experience managing IP portfolios.