Lead Counsel - Intellectual Property & Technology

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Professional development opportunities

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Counsel to oversee Intellectual Property and Technology Law from a fully remote location. You will shape the IP strategy, protect patents/trademarks, and advise on licensing, data privacy, and complex tech agreements.

The role requires senior leadership, extensive IP experience, and the ability to work across R&D, product, and marketing teams on a global scale.

Qualifications

• Admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa with specialized IP and technology law experience.
• Proven expertise in patent drafting/prosecution, trademark registration, and IP portfolio management.
• Strong understanding of software licensing, SaaS, data privacy laws, and commercial contracts.
• Experience in managing IP disputes and litigation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a global IP strategy including patents, trademarks, copyright management.
• Manage prosecution and enforcement of IP rights worldwide.
• Draft, review, and negotiate technology-related agreements (software licenses, SaaS, development, partnerships).
• Advise on data privacy regulations (POPIA, GDPR) and ensure cross‑border compliance.
• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic investments.

Skills

IP Law

Patent Drafting

Contract Negotiation

Data Privacy

Leadership

Education

Admission: High Court of SA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering technology firm at the forefront of innovation, is seeking a highly accomplished Lead Counsel to oversee its Intellectual Property (IP) and Technology Law functions. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while shaping the IP strategy of a globally recognized company. You will be responsible for protecting the company's patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, as well as advising on technology licensing, data privacy, and complex technology-related agreements. This role demands a strategic thinker with extensive experience in IP law and a deep understanding of the technology landscape. Join us to safeguard innovation and drive technological advancement for our client from your remote workspace. We are looking for a leader who can champion our client's intellectual assets and navigate the evolving digital frontier.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive global intellectual property strategy, including patent, trademark, and copyright management.


• Manage the prosecution and enforcement of IP rights worldwide.


• Draft, review, and negotiate technology-related agreements, including software licenses, SaaS agreements, development agreements, and partnership agreements.


• Advise on data privacy regulations (e.g., POPIA, GDPR) and ensure compliance across all business operations.


• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic investments.


• Manage IP disputes, including litigation, and collaborate with outside counsel as needed.


• Provide legal guidance on emerging technologies, AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives.


• Work closely with R&D, product development, and marketing teams to identify and protect new innovations.


• Oversee the company's trade secret protection program.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 9 years of specialized experience in Intellectual Property and Technology Law.


• Proven expertise in patent drafting and prosecution, trademark registration, and IP portfolio management.


• Strong understanding of software licensing, SaaS, data privacy laws, and commercial contracts.


• Demonstrated experience in managing IP disputes and litigation.


• Excellent strategic thinking, negotiation, and communication skills.


• Ability to provide clear, concise, and business-oriented legal advice.


• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple complex projects remotely.


• Strong leadership skills and experience mentoring legal professionals.


• Familiarity with international IP laws and practices is essential.

Benefits

• This senior leadership role offers an exceptional executive compensation package, including a substantial base salary and significant performance-based bonuses.


• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are provided, along with an attractive retirement savings plan.


• Our client invests significantly in professional development, offering access to specialized training, legal resources, and opportunities to attend premier IP and technology law conferences.


• As a fully remote position, you experience the ultimate in work-life flexibility and autonomy.


• We cultivate a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative work culture that values creativity and rewards achievement.


• This is a premier opportunity to lead legal strategy for a cutting-edge technology company.