Intellectual Property Lawyer

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Incentives

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyer for a Benoni-based role in Gauteng. You will manage global patent portfolios, advise on IP strategy, and draft and negotiate IP-related agreements, including licensing and collaboration deals.

The role requires a deep understanding of patent law, a strong technical background, and proven experience in patent prosecution, IP transactions, and enforcement. Hybrid work arrangement available in Benoni.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with minimum 6 years of IP law experience.
• Degree in a relevant scientific or technical field is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in patent prosecution, IP strategy development and IP transactions.
• Deep understanding of patent law (domestic and international).
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to explain IP issues to technical/business audiences.
• Ability to work with R&D, business development and legal teams.
• Experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage preparation, filing and prosecution of patent applications globally.
• Develop and implement IP strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses and advise on patentability.
• Draft, review and negotiate IP agreements including licensing and collaboration.
• Advise on trademarks, copyright and trade secret matters.
• Support IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions and partnerships.
• Assist in IP litigation and enforcement.
• Monitor competitor IP activities and identify risks and opportunities.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to identify and protect inventions.

Skills

IP law

Patent prosecution

Drafting

Negotiation

Communication

Collaboration

Legal strategy

Education

Science/Engineering degree desirable

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the biotechnology sector, is seeking a skilled Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyer to join their esteemed legal team. This role, based in Benoni, Gauteng, is integral to protecting and maximizing the value of the company's intellectual assets. The IP Lawyer will be responsible for managing the patent portfolio, advising on IP strategy, handling IP-related agreements, and supporting patent litigation and enforcement. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background, coupled with extensive experience in patent prosecution, strategy, and transactional IP matters. This is an exciting opportunity for a specialized lawyer to contribute to groundbreaking research and development in a highly dynamic and growing industry. The role requires a deep understanding of IP law and its application within the fast-paced world of scientific discovery and commercialization.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the preparation, filing, and prosecution of patent applications globally.


• Develop and implement comprehensive IP strategies aligned with business objectives.


• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses and advise on patentability.


• Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related agreements, including licensing, collaboration, and confidentiality agreements.


• Advise on trademark, copyright, and trade secret matters.


• Support IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.


• Assist in the management of IP litigation, including infringement and validity disputes.


• Monitor competitor IP activities and identify potential risks and opportunities.


• Work closely with R&D teams to identify and protect new inventions.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 6 years of specialized experience in Intellectual Property law.


• A degree in a relevant scientific or technical field (e.g., Chemistry, Biology, Engineering) is highly desirable.


• Proven experience in patent prosecution, IP strategy development, and IP transactions.


• Deep understanding of patent law, including domestic and international patent systems.


• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex IP issues to technical and business audiences.


• Ability to work collaboratively with R&D, business development, and legal teams.


• Experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry is a significant advantage.


• Attention to detail and a commitment to upholding the highest professional standards.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including performance incentives.


• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and innovative research.


• Collaborative and stimulating work environment in Benoni, Gauteng.


• Hybrid work arrangement providing flexibility.


• Professional development opportunities and support for continuing legal education.


• Contribution to protecting novel inventions and driving business growth.


• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund participation.


• Direct impact on the company's competitive advantage and market position.