Legal Counsel - Intellectual Property

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement plan

Hybrid work arrangement

Growth opportunities

Exposure to cutting-edge technology

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a skilled IP Legal Counsel in Benoni, Gauteng. The role focuses on protecting patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets; advising on IP strategy; managing portfolios; and handling IP-related agreements and disputes.

You will collaborate with R&D, marketing and business development, conduct IP due diligence, supervise global IP registrations, and stay current with developments in IP law to support commercialization and strategic partnerships.

Qualifications

• LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in intellectual property law.
• Proven expertise in patent, trademark, and copyright law.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating IP licensing and R&D agreements.
• Strong understanding of trade secret law and IP enforcement strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the company's IP strategy.
• Manage the registration and maintenance of patents, trademarks, and other IP rights globally.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses and IP infringement assessments.
• Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related agreements, such as licensing, joint development, and R&D agreements.
• Advise on IP aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
• Handle IP disputes, including cease and desist letters, and support litigation efforts.
• Conduct IP due diligence for potential investments and acquisitions.
• Educate internal teams on IP best practices and protection measures.
• Stay current with IP law developments and industry trends relevant to Benoni, Gauteng.
• Collaborate with external IP counsel as needed.

Skills

IP Strategy

Negotiation

Due Diligence

Analytical Thinking

Education

LLB degree

Admitted Attorney/Advocate

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading technology and innovation firm, is seeking a skilled Legal Counsel with specialized expertise in Intellectual Property (IP) law. This role, based in Benoni, Gauteng, will be instrumental in protecting the company's valuable IP assets, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. You will advise on IP strategy, manage IP portfolios, conduct IP due diligence, and handle IP-related agreements and disputes. The position offers a hybrid work model, blending essential office collaboration with remote flexibility. This is a fantastic opportunity for an IP lawyer to contribute to a forward-thinking company at the forefront of technological advancement. You will work closely with R&D, marketing, and business development teams to ensure robust IP protection and commercialization strategies are in place. The role requires a proactive and commercially astute legal mind.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the company's IP strategy.
• Manage the registration and maintenance of patents, trademarks, and other IP rights globally.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses and IP infringement assessments.
• Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related agreements, such as licensing, joint development, and R&D agreements.
• Advise on IP aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
• Handle IP disputes, including cease and desist letters, and support litigation efforts.
• Conduct IP due diligence for potential investments and acquisitions.
• Educate internal teams on IP best practices and protection measures.
• Stay current with IP law developments and industry trends relevant to Benoni, Gauteng.
• Collaborate with external IP counsel as needed.

Requirements

• LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in intellectual property law.
• Proven expertise in patent, trademark, and copyright law.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating IP licensing and R&D agreements.
• Strong understanding of trade secret law and IP enforcement strategies.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage a diverse IP portfolio effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working in a hybrid capacity, balancing remote and office work in Benoni, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement plan.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional growth and specialization in IP law.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technology and innovation.
• Supportive work environment and collaborative team.