Senior Intellectual Property Attorney

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Intellectual Property Attorney in Soweto, Gauteng to safeguard and leverage its IP assets. The role covers patent prosecution, trademark registration, IP litigation support, and strategic IP portfolio development.

Ideal candidates will translate complex technical concepts into robust IP protection strategies, advise on IP risks, and contribute to competitive advantage through strategic IP protection. Based in Soweto, Gauteng.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Technical degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or Chemistry.
• Minimum of 7 years of intellectual property law experience with a focus on patent prosecution and/or trademark management.
• Proven drafting and prosecuting patent applications.
• Strong understanding of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law.
• Experience in IP due diligence and IP-related agreements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a demanding workload with meticulous attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage and prosecute patent applications in South Africa and potentially other jurisdictions.
• Oversee trademark registration and enforcement activities.
• Conduct IP due diligence for potential partnerships, acquisitions, and licensing deals.
• Advise on IP infringement risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Support litigation efforts related to IP disputes, including patent, trademark, and copyright matters.
• Develop and implement IP policies and procedures for the company.
• Work closely with R&D and product development teams to identify and protect new innovations.
• Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements, such as licensing, joint development, and non-disclosure agreements.
• Monitor the IP landscape and competitor activities.
• Contribute to the overall IP strategy to support business objectives and commercialization efforts.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding technology firm, is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Senior Intellectual Property Attorney to safeguard and leverage its valuable IP assets in Soweto, Gauteng . This vital role will encompass the full spectrum of IP management, including patent prosecution, trademark registration, IP litigation support, and strategic IP portfolio development. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background, exceptional legal acumen, and a proven ability to translate complex technical concepts into robust IP protection strategies. You will play a crucial part in advising the business on IP matters, managing IP-related risks, and contributing to the company's competitive advantage through strategic IP protection. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated IP professional to drive IP strategy within a dynamic and forward-thinking organization in the Gauteng region.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and prosecute patent applications in South Africa and potentially other jurisdictions.
• Oversee trademark registration and enforcement activities.
• Conduct IP due diligence for potential partnerships, acquisitions, and licensing deals.
• Advise on IP infringement risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Support litigation efforts related to IP disputes, including patent, trademark, and copyright matters.
• Develop and implement IP policies and procedures for the company.
• Work closely with R&D and product development teams to identify and protect new innovations.
• Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements, such as licensing, joint development, and non-disclosure agreements.
• Monitor the IP landscape and competitor activities.
• Contribute to the overall IP strategy to support business objectives and commercialization efforts.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• A degree in a relevant technical field (e.g., Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry) is essential.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in intellectual property law, with a focus on patent prosecution and/or trademark management.
• Proven experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications.
• Solid understanding of patent law, trademark law, copyright law, and trade secret law.
• Experience in IP due diligence and IP-related agreements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a demanding workload with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong understanding of technology and innovation processes.
• Experience working with R&D departments is highly desirable.
• Professionalism, discretion, and a proactive approach are paramount.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and expertise, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a provident fund. Opportunities for professional development, attending IP conferences, and staying at the forefront of IP law are provided. The company offers a collaborative and innovative work environment where employees are encouraged to contribute their ideas. This role is based in Soweto and provides a significant opportunity for career growth in the intellectual property field.