Intellectual Property Counsel

Job Title

Intellectual Property Counsel

Job Summary

The Intellectual Property Counsel will serve as a senior subject matter specialist for intellectual property matters, primarily overseeing trademark strategy and brand protection while also addressing patent adjacent and innovation driven IP issues. The role works closely with Marketing, Innovation, Supply Chain and Procurement teams to align IP assets with business strategy.

Location

Hybrid model (remote/office) for UK based candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary IP advisor for trademark matters, owning day to day strategy, portfolio management, clearance, registration, maintenance and lifecycle decisions.
• Provide authoritative guidance to Growth teams on trademark use, naming, packaging, advertising and brand extensions, balancing legal protection with commercial objectives.
• Lead and coordinate trademark enforcement and brand protection actions, including counterfeiting, infringement, product diversion and grey market matters, working with external counsel, platforms and authorities as required.
• Serve as the point of contact for patent adjacent and innovation related IP matters, supporting invention disclosures, freedom to operate assessments, product launches and IP risk evaluations.
• Advise on IP provisions in commercial, Research & Development (R&D), licensing, procurement and supply chain agreements, covering ownership, licensing, confidentiality and background/foreground IP structures.
• Proactively identify and manage IP related risks across the portfolio, providing clear risk based recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Contribute to cross functional and cross border IP projects that impact brand strategy, innovation and product development, ensuring alignment with enterprise strategy.
• Serve as a go to IP specialist within the organization, building trusted partnerships across global and regional Legal, Compliance and business teams.

Required Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or equivalent, with approximately 6 10 years post qualification experience in intellectual property law.
• Significant experience in trademarks and brand protection, with demonstrable exposure to patent, innovation or technology driven IP matters.
• Experience within an international organisation and/or reputable law firm; FMCG or regulated consumer facing experience preferred.
• Fluency in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong commercial mindset with confidence exercising judgement on complex IP risk trade offs.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a matrixed, global environment with limited supervision.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills across senior business and technical teams.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including gym memberships, private medical insurance, dental cover, employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme, critical illness cover and travel insurance.
• Market leading defined contribution pension scheme.
• Flexible work schedules and tailored parental leave options.
• Support for a healthy work life balance through additional wellbeing initiatives.

Employment Details

Worker type: Full time. Regular time. Additional locations: (specify as needed).

We are a committed equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification and are not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or skills required for this position. Employment is subject to verification of local policies.