In-house Legal Counsel - Technology & IP

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Vacation time

Stock options

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion, Gauteng, seeks an experienced In-house Legal Counsel focused on Technology and Intellectual Property. You will advise on patents, trademarks, software licensing, data privacy (POPIA) and patent strategy for product teams.

This remote role demands at least 6 years in technology/IP law, SA admission, and the ability to manage a diverse IP portfolio and negotiate complex tech contracts.

Qualifications

• LLB degree or equivalent.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate in South Africa.
• Minimum of 6 years' experience in technology law and IP, with in-house or tech-firm experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in IP prosecution and/or litigation.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex technology contracts.
• Solid understanding of data privacy laws (POPIA essential).
• Familiarity with software licensing models and SaaS agreements.
• Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiation and communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage a diverse range of legal matters.

Responsibilities

• Advise on all aspects of IP law, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Draft, review, and negotiate technology-related agreements, such as software licenses, SaaS agreements, and development contracts.
• Provide legal guidance on data privacy and protection regulations (e.g., POPIA).
• Manage the company's patent portfolio and trademark registrations.
• Assist in IP litigation and enforcement actions.
• Conduct IP due diligence for potential acquisitions or partnerships.
• Provide legal support for product launches and marketing initiatives.
• Develop and implement IP protection strategies.
• Stay current with evolving technology trends and their legal implications.
• Collaborate with R&D, product, and sales teams to provide practical legal solutions.

Skills

IP law

Contract negotiation

Data privacy

Tech contracts

Analytical skills

Education

LLB

Tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding technology firm with a significant presence in **Centurion, Gauteng**, is seeking a highly motivated and specialized In-house Legal Counsel with a focus on Technology and Intellectual Property. This is a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking company and play a critical role in shaping its legal framework, particularly concerning innovation, software licensing, data privacy, and patent strategy. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the digital landscape and a passion for cutting-edge legal challenges. You will be the primary legal point of contact for the technology and product development teams, providing strategic advice and mitigating risks associated with new ventures and existing intellectual property assets. This remote position offers flexibility while demanding a high level of engagement and expertise. We are looking for a proactive individual who can independently manage a complex workload and contribute to the company's growth and competitive edge. This role is central to protecting and leveraging the company's valuable intellectual property.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise on all aspects of intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Draft, review, and negotiate technology-related agreements, such as software licenses, SaaS agreements, and development contracts.
• Provide legal guidance on data privacy and protection regulations (e.g., POPIA).
• Manage the company's patent portfolio and trademark registrations.
• Assist in intellectual property litigation and enforcement actions.
• Conduct IP due diligence for potential acquisitions or partnerships.
• Provide legal support for product launches and marketing initiatives.
• Develop and implement IP protection strategies.
• Stay current with evolving technology trends and their legal implications.
• Collaborate with R&D, product, and sales teams to provide practical legal solutions.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate in South Africa.
• Minimum of 6 years' experience in technology law and intellectual property, with a significant portion gained in-house or at a firm with a strong tech practice.
• Demonstrated expertise in IP prosecution and/or litigation.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex technology contracts.
• Solid understanding of data privacy laws (POPIA essential).
• Familiarity with software licensing models and SaaS agreements.
• Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiation and communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage a diverse range of legal matters effectively.
• Proactive, business-oriented mindset.

Benefits

• This role offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a retirement fund, and ample vacation time.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development are abundant, with support for advanced legal training and industry conferences.
• The company culture is innovative and collaborative, encouraging cross-functional teamwork.
• Employees enjoy the flexibility of remote work, coupled with regular virtual team-building activities.
• Additional perks include potential for stock options, performance bonuses, and access to cutting-edge technology tools.
• This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic tech environment.