Intellectual Property Attorney

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Growth opportunities

Paid time off

Equity-based options may be considered

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion, Gauteng, seeks an experienced Intellectual Property Attorney to protect and manage the company's patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Admitted attorney with 6+ years in IP law, technical degree preferred, strong drafting and negotiation skills, and experience with IP due diligence, licensing, and portfolio management are essential.

You'll work with external counsel and internal R&D, marketing, and business development teams.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with 6+ years of experience in Intellectual Property law.
• Technical degree (Engineering/Science) highly preferred.
• Proven experience in patent and trademark prosecution, IP strategy, and enforcement.
• In-depth knowledge of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law.
• Experience with IP due diligence and commercial IP agreements.
• Excellent analytical, drafting, and negotiation skills.
• Strong understanding of IP protection in technology-driven industries.
• Ability to manage an IP portfolio effectively and prioritize tasks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Registered patent agent or admitted attorney with IP focus is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive IP strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and licensing agreements.
• Manage the registration and prosecution of patents, trademarks, and other IP rights globally.
• Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements, including licensing, co-development, and settlement agreements.
• Advise on IP infringement issues and lead enforcement actions when necessary.
• Protect trade secrets and confidential information through appropriate legal mechanisms.
• Provide legal opinions on patentability, freedom to operate, and IP validity.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and business development teams on IP matters.
• Stay current with evolving IP laws and regulations worldwide.
• Manage IP litigation matters, working with external counsel where appropriate.

Skills

Negotiation

Drafting

IP strategy

Due diligence

Analytical skills

Education

Technical degree (Engineering/Science)

Tools

Patent databases

Trademark databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading technology and innovation firm based in Centurion, Gauteng , is seeking a highly skilled Intellectual Property (IP) Attorney to join their specialized legal team. This role is pivotal in protecting and managing the company's valuable intellectual assets, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. You will be responsible for advising on IP strategy, conducting IP due diligence for transactions, managing IP portfolios, and enforcing IP rights. We are seeking a candidate with a strong technical background, extensive experience in IP law, and excellent negotiation and drafting skills. The ideal candidate will be passionate about innovation and adept at navigating the complexities of IP law in both domestic and international contexts. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge company in Centurion and play a key role in safeguarding its competitive advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive IP strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and licensing agreements.
• Manage the registration and prosecution of patents, trademarks, and other IP rights globally.
• Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements, including licensing, co-development, and settlement agreements.
• Advise on IP infringement issues and lead enforcement actions when necessary.
• Protect trade secrets and confidential information through appropriate legal mechanisms.
• Provide legal opinions on patentability, freedom to operate, and IP validity.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and business development teams on IP matters.
• Stay current with evolving IP laws and regulations worldwide.
• Manage IP litigation matters, working with external counsel where appropriate.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 6 years of experience in Intellectual Property law.
• A technical degree (e.g., Engineering, Science) is highly preferred.
• Proven experience in patent and trademark prosecution, IP strategy, and enforcement.
• In-depth knowledge of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law.
• Experience with IP due diligence and commercial IP agreements.
• Excellent analytical, drafting, and negotiation skills.
• Strong understanding of IP protection in technology-driven industries.
• Ability to manage an IP portfolio effectively and prioritize tasks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Registered patent agent or admitted attorney with IP focus is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and specialization in IP law.
• Exposure to a diverse range of innovative technologies and IP assets.
• Collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off.
• Access to specialized IP databases and legal resources.
• Potential for career advancement within the legal department.
• Modern office facilities in Centurion .
• Employee stock options or other equity-based compensation may be considered.