Remote Senior Corporate Lawyer - Intellectual Property

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Global IP matters

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Corporate Lawyer with a deep IP specialty to join its fully remote legal department. You will manage and protect the company’s IP portfolio, advise on IP strategy, and handle IP transactions and disputes from anywhere in the world.

Requirements include a JD or equivalent, 10 years in IP law, and a proven track record in licensing, portfolios and disputes. You will collaborate with global R&D, Marketing and Product teams, stay current on IP law, and contribute to

Qualifications

• 10+ years of comprehensive IP law experience, especially corporate IP matters.
• Proven track record in licensing, portfolios and IP disputes.
• Strong strategic thinking and remote collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global IP strategies for patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets.
• Manage prosecution and maintenance of patent/trademark portfolios.
• Draft, review and negotiate IP licensing, R&D, joint development and settlement agreements.
• Advise business units on IP clearance, freedom-to-operate and infringement risks.
• Oversee IP due diligence for M&A and strategic partnerships.
• Manage IP disputes, including litigation and oppositions; coordinate with external counsel.

Skills

IP law experience

Portfolio management

Negotiation skills

Remote collaboration

Education

JD or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in innovation and technology, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Corporate Lawyer with a strong specialization in Intellectual Property (IP) to join their fully remote legal department. This critical role will be responsible for managing and protecting the company's valuable IP portfolio, advising on IP strategy, and handling IP‑related transactions and disputes. You will work autonomously from your chosen location, collaborating virtually with teams globally to safeguard the company's innovations and drive its competitive edge. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned IP legal professional to make a significant impact in a dynamic, remote‑first environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global IP strategies, including patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret protection.
• Manage the prosecution and maintenance of the company's patent and trademark portfolios.
• Draft, review, and negotiate IP‑related agreements, such as licensing agreements, R&D collaborations, joint development agreements, and settlement agreements.
• Advise business units on IP clearance, freedom‑to‑operate, and infringement risks.
• Oversee IP due diligence for M&A activities and strategic partnerships.
• Manage and resolve IP disputes, including litigation and opposition proceedings.
• Conduct IP audits and provide guidance on IP best practices to internal teams.
• Stay abreast of evolving IP laws and regulations globally and assess their impact on the business.
• Collaborate effectively with internal teams (R&D, Marketing, Product) and external IP counsel worldwide.
• Contribute to the development of IP policies and procedures for a distributed workforce.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree, admitted to practice in a recognized jurisdiction.
• A minimum of 10 years of comprehensive experience in intellectual property law, with a significant portion focused on corporate IP matters.
• Proven track record in managing IP portfolios, IP transactions, and IP disputes.
• In-depth understanding of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law, both domestically and internationally.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating complex IP licensing and commercial agreements.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, adept at remote collaboration.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines in a remote setting.
• Admission to practice before the South African Patent Office or equivalent experience is highly advantageous.
• Experience in the technology or (mention other relevant industry, e.g., pharmaceutical) sector is preferred.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and attractive bonus structure.
• Full remote work arrangement offering ultimate flexibility and work‑life integration.
• Opportunity to shape and protect the IP assets of a leading innovative company.
• Engage in high‑stakes IP matters with global reach and impact.
• Access to leading‑edge legal technology and resources for remote professionals.
• Significant professional autonomy and career advancement opportunities.