Senior IP Counsel — Hybrid, Tech Innovation & Patents

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

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.