Intellectual Property Associate

CWB Limited; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

CWB Limited is seeking an Associate with a minimum of 3 years PQE to join its trade mark team in Cape Town. The role focuses on advising on IP matters, managing trademark portfolios, and assisting in enforcement and litigation.

You will draft agreements, conduct legal research, and collaborate with a network of IP agents. Ideal candidates will be admitted as an attorney or solicitor, have top-tier law firm experience in trademark work, and possess strong English communication skills.

Qualifications

• Qualified as an attorney or solicitor with admission in SA or common law jurisdictions.
• Top-tier law firm experience in trademark portfolio management and prosecution.
• Experience with enforcement and contentious IP matters.
• Fluent English; other languages (e.g., Arabic) are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Advise on IP matters including availability of marks for registration and examination reports.
• Manage processes for registration and maintenance of IP rights.
• Assist in management of IP portfolios and client relationships.
• Assist in enforcement of IP rights and in IP litigation/disputes.
• Draft commercial documents like assignments and licenses relating to IP rights.
• Conduct legal research and work with a network of IP agents.
• Contribute to IP protection strategies and due diligences/audits.

Skills

Trademark portfolio management

IP enforcement

Legal research

Client relationships

Education

Admitted attorney or solicitor

Job description

We are seeking an Associate with minimum 3 years PQE to join our trade mark team.

What Will You Do?

• Advising on all kinds of intellectual property matters, including on the availability of marks for use and registration and on the merits of trade mark office examination reports and third-party oppositions;
• Attending to and managing the processes and procedures for the registration and maintenance of intellectual property rights;
• Assisting in the management of IP portfolios;
• Assisting in the management of client relationships;
• Participating in the enforcement of intellectual property rights;
• Assisting in the management of intellectual property litigation and disputes and their settlement;
• Assisting in the drafting of commercial documents relating to intellectual property rights such as assignments and licenses agreements;
• Conducting legal research;
• Working with CWB’s network of IP agents;
• Working on IP protection strategies; and
• Conducting IP due diligences and IP audits.

What Are We Looking For?

• Must be admitted as an attorney or solicitor (UK, US, EU, South Africa, Australia or New Zealand preferred);
• Top-Tier law’ firm experience in trade mark portfolio management and prosecution, as well as experience in enforcement and other contentious IP matters;
• Prior Middle East experience is highly advantageous, but not essential;
• Excellent written and spoken English;
• Fluency in Arabic is highly advantageous;
• Other languages are also advantageous.

Who Are We?

CWB is a super-regional IP firm formed in 2023 through the merger of Cedar White Bradley, PETOŠEVIĆ Group, and Hahn & Hahn. Today, we serve some of the world’s leading IP owners across Africa, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

United by a shared belief in Thinking Beyond for a better future, we look beyond roles and short-term goals, lead with ambition, precision in delivery, and care for one another.

We are One Firm, working collaboratively across offices and regions, guided by our values, strong character, and a commitment to ethical, high-quality service.

Why Join Us?

At CWB, we value people who think beyond, own outcomes, and lead with character.

We hire for character, not just credentials, and we’re passionate about helping our team grow for the long term. We believe that people with good character grow into the best leaders, and competence can always be developed.

We’re committed to fostering a workplace built on flexibility, well-being, and inclusivity. Our approach to work-life integration includes adaptable working arrangements, mental health support, and access to resources that help our people stay healthy, engaged, and inspired.

As an equal opportunity employer, we promote diversity of thought, background, and experience. We are dedicated to building inclusive teams where every person is valued and every voice is heard.

Wherever you come from, whatever your story — if you lead with character, there is a place for you at CWB.

At CWB, everyone is valued for who they are and what they bring. We believe that true strength lies in the diversity of people, perspectives, and experiences. We are committed to creating an environment where every person feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.