Senior Intellectual Property Counsel

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Performance-based bonuses

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Intellectual Property Counsel to lead IP strategy and oversee patent prosecution in South Africa and internationally. The role requires a strong background in patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law, with a focus on strategic IP portfolio management and collaboration with R&D teams.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years of IP experience, be admitted in SA, and demonstrate excellent analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• LLB or equivalent qualification.
• Admitted as an attorney or advocate in South Africa, preferably with patent law experience.
• Minimum 7 years in intellectual property law with significant patent prosecution experience.
• Strong understanding of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law.
• Experience with IP portfolio management and strategy development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive IP strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage preparation, filing, and prosecution of patent applications in SA and internationally.
• Conduct patentability searches, freedom-to-operate analyses, and invalidity assessments.
• Advise on trademark clearance, registration, and enforcement.
• Review and negotiate IP-related agreements, including licenses, assignments, and collaborations.
• Support litigation efforts related to IP infringement and enforcement.
• Provide IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
• Educate R&D teams and business units on IP protection and best practices.
• Stay current with global IP laws, regulations, and trends affecting technology and innovation.

Skills

Patent prosecution

IP portfolio management

Legal research

Negotiation

Communication skills

Education

LLB degree

Admitted SA attorney/advocate

Tools

IP management software

Legal databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading technology innovator with a strong research and development focus, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Intellectual Property (IP) Counsel to join their legal team in Polokwane . This role is essential for protecting the company's valuable intellectual assets, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. The Senior IP Counsel will be responsible for developing and implementing robust IP strategies, managing patent prosecution, and advising on IP-related agreements and disputes. The position offers a hybrid working model, allowing for a balance between remote flexibility and in-office collaboration, supporting the legal needs of our dynamic operations in the Polokwane region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive intellectual property strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage the preparation, filing, and prosecution of patent applications in South Africa and internationally.
• Conduct patentability searches, freedom-to-operate analyses, and invalidity assessments.
• Advise on trademark clearance, registration, and enforcement.
• Review and negotiate IP-related agreements, including licenses, assignments, and collaboration agreements.
• Support litigation efforts related to IP infringement and enforcement.
• Provide IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
• Educate R&D teams and business units on IP protection and best practices.
• Stay current with global IP laws, regulations, and trends, particularly those affecting technology and innovation.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent qualification.
• Admission as an attorney or advocate in South Africa, preferably with experience in patent law.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience specifically in intellectual property law, including significant patent prosecution experience.
• Strong understanding of patent law, trademark law, copyright law, and trade secret law.
• Experience with IP portfolio management and strategy development.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in legal research databases and IP management software.
• A technical background (e.g., in engineering, science) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the Polokwane business and innovation ecosystem is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with generous employer contributions.
• Generous paid time off and public holidays.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced legal training.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and patentable inventions.
• A collaborative and innovative work culture.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing organization.