Legal Counsel - Technology & IP

Placements24; Paarl; Remote; ZAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Continuous learning opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Legal Counsel in Technology/IP for a fully remote role in South Africa. You will protect IP assets, negotiate software licenses and SaaS agreements, and advise on data privacy (POPIA/GDPR).

You will collaborate with engineering, product, and business teams to navigate complex tech legal challenges, support product development, and guide IP strategy and M&A due diligence.

Qualifications

• Admitted attorney of the High Court of SA.
• 5–7 years PQE in technology/IP.
• Strong IP knowledge: patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets.
• Experience with software licensing, SaaS, and tech contracts.
• Knowledge of POPIA and GDPR (data privacy).
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fully remote setting.
• Strong business acumen and practical legal advice.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Protect and manage IP portfolio (patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets).
• Draft, review, and negotiate tech agreements (software licenses, SaaS, NDAs, partnerships).
• Advise on IP strategy, patentability, freedom-to-operate and monetization.
• Provide guidance on data privacy and security per POPIA/GDPR.
• Support product teams on new tech and market entry strategies.
• Manage IP disputes and opposition proceedings.
• Assist in IP-related due diligence for M&A.
• Deliver IP/tech law training to internal teams.
• Stay updated on tech, IP and data protection laws.

Skills

IP law

Tech licensing

Drafting

Negotiation

Data privacy

Remote work

Education

Admitted Attorney (SA)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering technology company renowned for its innovative software solutions, is seeking a highly skilled Legal Counsel specializing in Technology and Intellectual Property (IP). This role is central to safeguarding the company’s valuable IP assets and ensuring legal compliance in its product development and commercialization efforts. As a fully remote position, you will enjoy the freedom to work from anywhere in South Africa, collaborating virtually with engineering, product, and business teams to navigate complex legal challenges in the fast-paced tech industry. We are looking for a proactive and business-minded lawyer with a strong command of IP law, software licensing, and data privacy to support our client’s continued global expansion and technological advancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and protect the company's intellectual property portfolio, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of technology-related agreements, such as software licenses, SaaS agreements, development agreements, NDAs, and partnership agreements.
• Advise on IP strategy, including patentability assessments, freedom-to-operate analyses, and IP monetization strategies.
• Provide legal guidance on data privacy and security matters, ensuring compliance with POPIA and other relevant regulations.
• Support product development teams by providing legal counsel on new technologies, features, and market entry strategies.
• Manage IP-related disputes, including infringement claims and opposition proceedings.
• Assist in M&A activities, including IP due diligence and integration.
• Develop and deliver training to internal teams on IP and technology law matters.
• Stay current with legal developments in technology, IP, and data protection globally.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of post-qualification experience, with a significant focus on technology law and intellectual property.
• Strong understanding of patent law, trademark law, copyright law, and trade secret protection.
• Experience with software licensing, SaaS agreements, and commercial technology contracts.
• Knowledge of data privacy regulations (e.g., POPIA, GDPR).
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a fully remote setting.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to provide practical, commercially relevant legal advice.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers exceptional work-life balance and the flexibility to work from any location. Our client provides a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, retirement contributions, and potential for performance-based bonuses. You will have opportunities for continuous learning and professional development in a rapidly evolving field. Join a dynamic and innovative company that values legal expertise and the benefits of a remote-first work environment. This role is crucial for supporting the company's growth and innovation from the tech hub surrounding Paarl.