Remote Tech & IP Counsel - Software, Data Privacy

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

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.