Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyer

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Retirement fund

IP training

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an IP Lawyer in Pretoria to advise clients on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and designs. The role blends strategic advisory work, transactional support, and potential litigation oversight in a hybrid office/remote setup.

We require an admitted attorney with at least 3 years in IP, strong drafting and negotiation skills, and a solid understanding of SA IP law and international treaties.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with at least 3 years of IP law experience.
• Experience in IP prosecution and/or IP litigation.
• Strong knowledge of South African IP legislation and international treaties.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage client relationships and provide commercially sound advice.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and designs.
• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and licensing.
• Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related agreements such as licensing, assignment, and NDAs.
• Assist clients in registration and prosecution of trademarks and patents.
• Advise on IP infringement matters and develop enforcement strategies.
• Represent clients in IP disputes, including litigation and ADR.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate searches and opinions on registrability.
• Counsel clients on IP portfolio management and commercialization strategies.

Skills

Legal drafting

Negotiation

IP knowledge

Client management

Advisory

Education

Admitted Attorney

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking legal firm in Pretoria, Gauteng , is actively seeking a skilled Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyer to bolster their specialized IP practice. This role is integral to advising a diverse clientele on the protection, exploitation, and enforcement of their intellectual property assets. You will engage with cutting-edge technologies and creative works, navigating the complexities of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law. The position offers a dynamic blend of strategic advisory work, transactional support, and potential litigation oversight. We are looking for an individual with a keen eye for detail and a passion for innovation, who can translate complex legal concepts into actionable advice for businesses and individuals. The role will involve close collaboration with inventors, creators, and commercial teams to safeguard valuable IP and maximize its commercial potential. Our client fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional growth, with ample opportunities to expand your expertise in the ever-evolving IP landscape. This hybrid role allows for a balance between in-office collaboration in Pretoria and remote flexibility, promoting efficiency and a healthy work-life integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on all aspects of intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and designs.
• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and licensing agreements.
• Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related agreements such as licensing, assignment, and non-disclosure agreements.
• Assist clients in the registration and prosecution of trademarks and patents.
• Advise on IP infringement matters and develop enforcement strategies.
• Represent clients in IP disputes, including litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate searches and provide opinions on IP registrability.
• Counsel clients on IP portfolio management and commercialization strategies.
• Stay updated on IP law developments and industry trends.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with at least 3 years of specialized experience in Intellectual Property law.
• Demonstrated experience in IP prosecution (trademarks, patents) and/or IP litigation.
• Strong understanding of South African IP legislation and international IP treaties.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage client relationships and provide commercially sound advice.
• Experience in a hybrid work environment, with proven self-management skills.
• Membership in relevant professional bodies.
• Strong academic record and a commitment to professional development.
• Excellent command of English; knowledge of other South African languages is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized IP training.
• Exposure to a diverse range of clients and innovative industries.
• Collaborative legal team environment in Pretoria .
• Potential for career advancement within a respected IP practice group.
• Contribution to a firm that values intellectual property and innovation.