Senior Intellectual Property Lawyer

Placements24; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development opportunities

Supportive, collaborative team

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a leading technology and innovation firm in Sandton, Gauteng, seeking a Senior Intellectual Property Lawyer. The role blends hybrid remote work with essential in-office engagement to protect and commercialize groundbreaking innovations.

The candidate will lead IP strategy, draft and prosecute patents, manage trademarks and copyrights, and oversee IP licensing and disputes. Strong technical background and 7+ years of IP experience are required.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with strong background in Intellectual Property Law.
• Proven experience in patent drafting and prosecution.
• Experience managing trademark, copyright and licensing.
• Knowledge of national and international IP laws and treaties.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement IP strategies to protect company innovations.
• Draft, file, and prosecute patent applications in relevant jurisdictions.
• Manage trademark and copyright portfolios, including registration and enforcement.
• Review and negotiate IP-related agreements (licenses, assignments, R&D agreements).
• Provide IP due diligence for M&A and partnerships.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses and opinions on patentability.
• Oversee IP litigation and coordinate with external counsel.

Skills

Admitted Attorney

IP law

Patent drafting

Patent prosecution

Licensing

Negotiation

Tools

IP management software

Legal research tools

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.