Trade Mark Practitioner (Attorney) - PTA/CPT/DBN

University of Fort Hare; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

MacRobert Attorneys invites applications for a Trade Mark Practitioner (Attorney) in the Corporate and Commercial (Trade Marks) Department. The role is based in Pretoria, with branches in Cape Town and Durban, requiring strong IP and trade marks expertise to guide clients strategically.

The ideal candidate has an LLB, SA attorney admission, and 2+ years post-admission experience, with proven portfolio management and ability to handle national and international filings and litigation support.

Qualifications

• LLB Degree and Admission as an Attorney of the High Court of SA.
• Successful completion of the SAIIPL Trade Mark Examinations (Group 1 & 2).
• Minimum of 2 years' post-admission experience in IP law, with a focus on trade marks.

Responsibilities

• Conduct trade mark availability and clearance searches and provide strategic advice.
• Manage prosecution and registration of trade mark applications locally and internationally.
• Draft and attend to trade mark assignments, amendments, renewals, and related portfolio matters.
• Advise on and enforce trade marks, copyright and related IP rights.
• Handle opposition and cancellation proceedings before registries and the High Court.
• Draft, review and negotiate IP agreements including licences and coexistence agreements.
• Manage company name objection proceedings and disputes.
• Attend domain name registrations, administration and dispute resolution proceedings.
• Conduct legal research and prepare opinions on IP matters.
• Build and maintain client relationships with practical, commercial legal advice.

Skills

Trade mark portfolio management

Legal research

Drafting

Client relationship management

Attention to detail

Education

LLB Degree and Admission as Attorney

Job description

2026-08-05 - 2026-10-31

Permanent

PTA000042

Legal

Trade Marks

MacRobert Attorneys is looking for a Trade Mark Practitioner (Attorney)in the Corporate and Commercial (Trade Marks) Department of our Pretoria, Cape Town or Durban Branch

Requirements and Experience:

• LLB Degree and Admission as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Successful completion of the SAIIPL Trade Mark Examinations (Group 1 and Group 2).
• Minimum of 2 years' post-admission experience specialising in Intellectual Property Law, with a strong focus on trade marks.
• Demonstrated experience in managing trade mark. portfolios and advising clients on intellectual property protection strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct trade mark availability and clearance searches and provide strategic advice thereon.
• Manage the prosecution and registration of trade mark applications locally and internationally.
• Draft and attend to trade mark assignments, amendments, renewals, recordals and related portfolio management matters.
• Advise on and enforce trade mark, copyright and related intellectual property rights.
• Handle trade mark opposition and cancellation proceedings before the relevant registries and the High Court.
• Draft, review and negotiate commercial intellectual property agreements, including coexistence agreements, licence agreements and related transactional IP documentation.
• Manage company name objection proceedings and disputes.
• Attend to domain name registrations, administration and dispute resolution proceedings.
• Conduct legal research and prepare opinions on a broad range of intellectual property matters.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through the delivery of practical, commercially sound legal advice.

Competencies and Attributes:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong drafting, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-management skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Self-motivated, dependable and able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Excellent organisational, time-management and prioritisation skills.
• A client-centric approach with a commitment to delivering exceptional levels of client service.
• Ability to manage multiple matters effectively while maintaining high professional standards and meeting deadlines.