Senior Intellectual Property Counsel

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Bonus opportunities

Innovative product focus

Collaborative team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Intellectual Property Counsel for our client in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This role focuses on protecting and monetizing patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, partnering with R&D and business teams to ensure robust IP protection and commercialization.

The successful candidate will guide IP strategy, oversee global IP filings, and handle IP-related transactions with strong negotiation and strategic thinking.

Qualifications

• Qualified IP lawyer with SA High Court admission and significant IP practice.
• Experience managing patent and trademark portfolios globally.
• Ability to draft and negotiate IP licenses, assignments and joint development agreements.
• Familiarity with SA and international IP laws and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement IP strategies aligned with business goals.
• Manage filing, prosecution, and maintenance of patents and trademarks worldwide.
• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and licensing deals.
• Draft, negotiate, and review IP-related agreements including licenses and assignments.
• Advise on patentability, freedom-to-operate, and infringement matters.
• Monitor IP landscape for risks and opportunities; train teams on IP best practices.
• Support IP litigation and enforcement as needed.

Skills

Intellectual property law

Patent prosecution

Trademark management

IP licensing

Litigation support

Clear communication

Multitask management

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Patent Agent registration (advantage)

Job description

Our client, a leader in innovative product development, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Intellectual Property (IP) Counsel to join their legal team in **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA**. This role is critical for protecting and managing the company's valuable intellectual property assets, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing IP strategies, managing IP portfolios, handling IP-related transactions, and providing expert advice on IP matters. You will work closely with R&D, marketing, and business development teams to ensure robust IP protection and commercialization. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced IP lawyer to make a significant impact in a dynamic and forward-thinking organization. The **Nelspruit** location provides a unique setting for this specialized legal role. The **Mpumalanga** region is known for its developing industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive IP strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage the filing, prosecution, and maintenance of patents, trademarks, and other IP rights globally.
• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and licensing agreements.
• Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements, including licenses, assignments, and joint development agreements.
• Advise on patentability, freedom-to-operate, and infringement matters.
• Monitor the IP landscape for potential threats and opportunities.
• Work with inventors to identify and protect new inventions.
• Provide training and guidance to business units on IP best practices.
• Manage IP litigation and enforce the company's IP rights as necessary.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 7 years of experience specifically in intellectual property law.
• Admission as a Patent Agent is a significant advantage.
• Proven experience in managing patent and trademark portfolios.
• Strong understanding of patent law, trademark law, copyright law, and trade secret law.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating IP licenses and other IP-related agreements.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with technical and business teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines efficiently.
• Experience in IP litigation is a plus.Familiarity with South African and international IP laws and procedures is required.

Benefits

• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies and innovative products.
• Professional development and training in the specialized field of IP law.
• A stimulating work environment in **Nelspruit**, fostering innovation and collaboration.
• The chance to shape and protect the intellectual assets of a leading company.
• Performance-based bonuses and recognition programs.
• Contribution to a company that values creativity and intellectual property.
• Potential for career growth within the legal department.