Senior Intellectual Property Counsel

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Hybrid work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto, Gauteng, seeks a Senior IP Counsel to lead the company’s IP portfolio spanning patents, trademarks, copyrights and licensing. You will work with R&D to identify patentable inventions, manage filings globally, and negotiate IP agreements.

The role requires admitted attorney with 7+ years IP experience, plus a technical degree. It offers hybrid work, competitive compensation, medical aid, retirement contributions, and ongoing development.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 7 years of experience specifically in intellectual property law.
• Technical degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related scientific field highly preferred.
• Proven experience in patent drafting and prosecution, trademark registration, and IP portfolio management.
• Strong understanding of copyright law, trade secret law, and IP licensing.
• Excellent negotiation and drafting skills for IP-related agreements.
• Ability to conduct thorough IP due diligence and risk assessments.
• Experience managing IP disputes and litigation is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with technical/business teams.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive IP strategies to protect the company's innovations and brands.
• Manage filing, prosecution, and maintenance of patent and trademark portfolios globally.
• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
• Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related agreements, including licensing and joint development agreements.
• Advise on copyright protection and enforcement for software and content.
• Manage IP disputes, including infringement claims and validity challenges.
• Provide guidance on trade secret protection and enforcement.
• Collaborate with R&D to identify patentable inventions and perform patentability assessments.
• Monitor competitor IP activities and market trends.
• Train internal teams on IP best practices and compliance.

Skills

IP law

Patent drafting

Trademark registration

Copyright law

IP licensing

Due diligence

IP disputes

Negotiation

Project management

Communication

Education

Admitted Attorney

Technical degree (Engineering/CS)

Job description

About the Role

A leading technology and innovation company, with a significant presence and operations in and around Soweto, Gauteng , is seeking a Senior Intellectual Property (IP) Counsel. This vital role will oversee the company's IP portfolio, providing strategic advice on patent prosecution, trademark management, copyright protection, and IP licensing. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background coupled with extensive IP law expertise. Our client is at the forefront of technological advancements and requires a skilled IP lawyer to safeguard their innovations and drive their IP strategy forward. This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to shape the IP landscape for a forward-thinking organization in the Soweto region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive IP strategies to protect the company's innovations and brands.
• Manage the filing, prosecution, and maintenance of patent and trademark portfolios globally.
• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
• Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related agreements, including licensing, R&D collaboration, and joint development agreements.
• Advise on copyright protection and enforcement for software, content, and other creative works.
• Manage IP disputes, including infringement claims and validity challenges.
• Provide guidance on trade secret protection and enforcement.
• Work closely with R&D teams to identify patentable inventions and support patentability assessments.
• Monitor competitor IP activities and market trends.
• Train internal teams on IP best practices and compliance.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 7 years of experience specifically in intellectual property law.
• A technical degree (e.g., in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related scientific field) is highly preferred.
• Proven experience in patent drafting and prosecution, trademark registration, and IP portfolio management.
• Strong understanding of copyright law, trade secret law, and IP licensing.
• Excellent negotiation and drafting skills for IP-related agreements.
• Ability to conduct thorough IP due diligence and risk assessments.
• Experience managing IP disputes and litigation is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with technical and business teams.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and generous paid time off.
• The company invests in employee growth through various professional development programs and support for continuing legal education.
• This role offers significant autonomy and the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies.
• We foster a collaborative and innovative work culture.
• This position provides hybrid work flexibility, balancing office-based collaboration in the Soweto area with remote work options, promoting an effective work-life integration.