Biotech IP Attorney: Prosecution, Strategy & Licensing

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Incentives

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyer for a Benoni-based role in Gauteng. You will manage global patent portfolios, advise on IP strategy, and draft and negotiate IP-related agreements, including licensing and collaboration deals.

The role requires a deep understanding of patent law, a strong technical background, and proven experience in patent prosecution, IP transactions, and enforcement. Hybrid work arrangement available in Benoni.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with minimum 6 years of IP law experience.
• Degree in a relevant scientific or technical field is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in patent prosecution, IP strategy development and IP transactions.
• Deep understanding of patent law (domestic and international).
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to explain IP issues to technical/business audiences.
• Ability to work with R&D, business development and legal teams.
• Experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage preparation, filing and prosecution of patent applications globally.
• Develop and implement IP strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses and advise on patentability.
• Draft, review and negotiate IP agreements including licensing and collaboration.
• Advise on trademarks, copyright and trade secret matters.
• Support IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions and partnerships.
• Assist in IP litigation and enforcement.
• Monitor competitor IP activities and identify risks and opportunities.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to identify and protect inventions.

Skills

IP law

Patent prosecution

Drafting

Negotiation

Communication

Collaboration

Legal strategy

Education

Science/Engineering degree desirable

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyer for a Benoni-based role in Gauteng. You will manage global patent portfolios, advise on IP strategy, and draft and negotiate IP-related agreements, including licensing and collaboration deals.

The role requires a deep understanding of patent law, a strong technical background, and proven experience in patent prosecution, IP transactions, and enforcement. Hybrid work arrangement available in Benoni.