Head of Intellectual Property Law

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Medical aid

Pension fund

Life insurance

Leadership development

Remote work options

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, South Africa, seeks a senior Head of Intellectual Property Law to safeguard and leverage the company’s IP portfolio. You will shape global IP strategy, oversee patent, trademark and copyright activities, and guide R&D and product teams on IP matters.

The role requires a law degree and 12+ years in IP law, with leadership experience and a global outlook. Equity options and flexible work are offered as part of a senior executive package.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in intellectual property law and portfolio management.
• Proven leadership with ability to manage global IP teams and external counsel.
• Strong strategic mindset to align IP with R&D and business goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a global IP strategy to protect innovations.
• Oversee filing, prosecution, and maintenance of IP applications worldwide.
• Advise R&D, product, and business teams on IP matters.
• Lead IP due diligence for M&A and partnerships.
• Manage IP licensing, JDAs, and other IP transactions.
• Lead internal IP team and external counsel globally.

Skills

IP law

Leadership

Strategy

Patent prosecution

Communication

Team management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

LLB

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent technology and innovation company headquartered in Durban , KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking an exceptional and visionary leader to fill the role of Head of Intellectual Property Law. This is a senior strategic position responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's intellectual property portfolio, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. The Head of IP will be instrumental in developing and executing IP strategies that align with the company's research, development, and commercialization goals. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in IP law, a deep understanding of technology, and a proven ability to protect and leverage valuable intellectual assets in the competitive global market. This role is crucial for safeguarding the company's innovations and driving future growth in the dynamic tech sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive global IP strategy to protect the company's innovations and competitive edge.
• Manage the filing, prosecution, and maintenance of patent, trademark, and copyright applications worldwide.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses, patentability assessments, and landscape studies.
• Advise R&D, product development, and business teams on IP-related matters.
• Oversee IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
• Manage IP licensing agreements, joint development agreements, and other IP transactions.
• Lead and manage the internal IP legal team and external IP counsel globally.
• Develop and deliver training programs on IP protection and enforcement for company employees.
• Monitor the competitive IP landscape and identify potential infringement risks.
• Work closely with the litigation team on IP enforcement and defense actions.

Requirements

• A law degree (LLB) and admission as an attorney or patent attorney in South Africa.
• Admission to practice before the South African Patent Office is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in intellectual property law, with a significant portion in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in patent prosecution, IP strategy, and IP portfolio management.
• Strong technical background or demonstrated ability to understand complex technologies.
• Experience with IP licensing, M&A IP due diligence, and IP litigation support.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding leadership, team management, and communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and senior management.
• A global perspective and experience managing international IP matters.

Benefits

• Highly attractive executive compensation package, including equity options.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical aid, pension fund, and life insurance.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• The chance to shape the IP strategy of a leading innovator.
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options.
• Collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment in Durban .
• Generous performance-based bonuses.