Legal Counsel - Technology & IP

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work model

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni seeks a Legal Counsel with a Technology/IP focus to advise on software licensing, data privacy, cybersecurity, and IP strategy. You will collaborate with R&D, product development, and business teams to integrate legal considerations into the company’s innovation strategy and safeguard IP assets in a hybrid work environment.

The role requires an admitted attorney with 5+ years of technology/IP experience, strong drafting and negotiation skills, and knowledge of POPIA/GDPR.

Qualifications

• Admitted attorney with 5+ years in technology/IP law.
• Experience drafting/negotiating technology contracts and IP licenses.
• Strong knowledge of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law.
• Knowledge of data protection regulations (POPIA, GDPR).
• Hybrid work capability; strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate technology-related agreements (software licenses, SaaS, development, IP licensing).
• Advise on IP strategy including patents, trademarks, and copyright protection and enforcement.
• Provide data privacy and cybersecurity guidance; ensure regulatory compliance (POPIA/GDPR).
• Support product development with legal input on new technologies and features.
• Manage and resolve technology/IP disputes.
• Conduct legal research on emerging technology and IP issues.
• Develop company policies on technology use, data management, and IP.
• Advise on open-source software compliance.

Skills

Technology/IP law

Contract drafting

IP licensing

Data privacy

Legal analysis

Education

LLB or equivalent legal degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking technology company, is seeking a Legal Counsel with a specialization in Technology and Intellectual Property (IP) law. This role is based in Benoni and operates on a hybrid model, offering a blend of office collaboration and remote flexibility. The Legal Counsel will be instrumental in advising on all aspects of the company's technology-related legal matters, including software licensing, data privacy, cybersecurity, and the protection and commercialization of its intellectual property. You will work closely with the R&D, product development, and business teams to ensure that legal considerations are integrated into the company's innovation strategy. This position requires a proactive and commercially astute legal professional who can navigate the complexities of the tech landscape. The role is crucial for safeguarding the company's IP assets, mitigating technology-related risks, and supporting its growth in the digital economy. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge industry from a strategic legal perspective in the Gauteng region.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate technology-related agreements, including software licenses, SaaS agreements, development agreements, and IP licensing agreements.
• Advise on intellectual property strategy, including patent, trademark, and copyright protection and enforcement.
• Provide legal guidance on data privacy and cybersecurity matters, ensuring compliance with regulations like POPIA.
• Support product development teams by providing legal input on new technologies and features.
• Manage and resolve disputes related to technology and IP.
• Conduct legal research on emerging technology law and IP issues.
• Assist in the development of company policies related to technology use, data management, and IP.
• Advise on open-source software compliance.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, with a strong focus on technology and IP law.
• Demonstrated expertise in drafting and negotiating technology contracts and IP licenses.
• Solid understanding of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law.
• Knowledge of data protection regulations (e.g., POPIA, GDPR).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment.
• Experience in the technology sector is highly preferred.
• Proactive and business-oriented approach to legal advice.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Opportunity to work with innovative technologies and IP assets.
• Medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Be part of a dynamic and growing technology company in Benoni.