Intellectual Property Counsel

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Professional development budget

Hybrid work option

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Intellectual Property Counsel to join its legal team in Bloemfontein. The role focuses on protecting and maximizing the value of IP assets, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, with portfolio management and strategic guidance.

You will advise on IP strategy, manage related agreements, oversee prosecutions, and handle enforcement and due diligence for strategic partnerships. Hybrid work is available.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with 6+ years in IP law.
• Strong understanding of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law.
• Experience in IP portfolio management and transactional IP work.
• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Ability to communicate complex IP concepts to non-legal stakeholders.
• Registered patent agent qualification is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the global IP portfolio (patents, trademarks, copyrights).
• Advise on IP strategy, patentability, and freedom-to-operate issues.
• Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements (licensing, R&D collaborations, confidentiality).
• Oversee prosecution of patent and trademark filings.
• Handle IP enforcement actions and defend against infringement claims.
• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships.

Skills

IP portfolio mgmt

Patent law

Trademark law

Contract drafting

Communication

Strategic thinking

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks a knowledgeable and proactive Intellectual Property Counsel to join their innovative legal team based in Bloemfontein . This role focuses on protecting and maximizing the value of the company's intellectual assets, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. You will manage IP portfolios, advise on IP strategy, and handle IP-related agreements and disputes. This is a critical role for safeguarding the company's innovations and competitive edge, offering significant responsibility and impact within a forward-thinking organization located in the heart of the Free State.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the company's global intellectual property portfolio , including patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
• Advise business units on IP strategy, patentability, and freedom-to-operate issues.
• Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements, such as licensing, R&D collaborations, and confidentiality agreements.
• Oversee the prosecution of patent and trademark applications.
• Handle IP enforcement actions and defend against infringement claims.
• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with 6+ years of experience focusing on intellectual property law .
• Strong understanding of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law.
• Experience in IP portfolio management and IP-related transactional work.
• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Proven ability to communicate complex IP concepts to non-legal stakeholders.
• Registered patent agent qualification is a strong plus.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous budget for professional development and IP conferences.
• A stimulating work environment with exposure to cutting-edge technology and innovation.
• Hybrid work flexibility offered within the Bloemfontein office structure.