Legal Counsel - Technology & Intellectual Property

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical aid and retirement fund

Generous leave policies

Growth and development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Legal Counsel with deep expertise in Technology and Intellectual Property law, based in Gauteng with hybrid working arrangements. The role focuses on protecting IP, advising on software licensing, and managing complex technology contracts across R&D and product teams in SA.

The ideal candidate will handle patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret matters, plus data privacy compliance under POPIA, driving strategic IP initiatives and technology transactions

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with strong focus on technology and IP law.
• Experience drafting and negotiating technology contracts and managing IP portfolios.
• Familiarity with POPIA and data privacy requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal guidance on IP: patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets.
• Draft, review and negotiate software licenses, SaaS, development and JV agreements.
• Manage IP portfolio filings and prosecution.
• Advise on data privacy and security obligations under SA regulations.
• Support R&D and product teams on IP strategy and protection.
• Conduct IP due diligence for potential acquisitions or partnerships.
• Enforce IP rights and address infringement claims.
• Advise on open-source software compliance and tech-law disputes.
• Collaborate with business units to protect IP assets.

Skills

Technology law

IP law

Contract drafting

Data privacy

Negotiation

Education

LL.B./LLB equivalent

Admission as SA attorney/advocate

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative leader in its field, is seeking a specialized Legal Counsel with expertise in Technology and Intellectual Property (IP) law. This role, based in Tembisa, Gauteng, offers a dynamic hybrid working model. You will play a crucial role in protecting and leveraging the company's intellectual assets, advising on technology-related contracts, and navigating the complexities of IP law. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law, coupled with experience in software licensing, data privacy, and technology transactions. You will work closely with R&D, product development, and business teams to ensure legal compliance and support innovation. This position provides a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge organization and shape its legal strategy in the technology space. Join our client and be at the forefront of legal innovation. This role is essential for safeguarding and maximizing the value of our client's technological advancements and intellectual property portfolio in the Tembisa region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on all aspects of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Draft, review, and negotiate technology-related agreements, such as software licenses, SaaS agreements, development agreements, and joint ventures.
• Manage the company's IP portfolio, including patent and trademark filings and prosecution.
• Advise on data privacy and security matters, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., POPIA).
• Support R&D and product development teams on IP strategy and protection.
• Conduct IP due diligence for potential acquisitions, mergers, and partnerships.
• Assist in the enforcement of IP rights and defense against infringement claims.
• Advise on open-source software compliance and other technology-related legal issues.
• Collaborate with internal business units to identify and protect valuable intellectual property assets.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate in South Africa.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience with a strong focus on technology law and intellectual property.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting and negotiating technology contracts and managing IP portfolios.
• In-depth knowledge of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law.
• Familiarity with data privacy regulations (e.g., POPIA).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment or managing remote collaborations effectively.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with expertise.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional growth and specialization in IP and tech law.
• Engaging work on innovative projects and cutting-edge technologies.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Generous leave policies.