Intellectual Property Counsel

You are infused with a highly collaborative approach and entrepreneurial mindset? Apply now and join us!

CONTEXT & MISSION:

We are looking for a highly motivated Intellectual Property Counsel! As a key member of the Global Legal Team, you will handle IP portfolios for some of the L'Occitane Group brands, which include L'Occitane en Provence, Melvita, Erborian, L'Occitane au Brésil, LimeLife by Alcone, Elemis, Sol de Janeiro and Dr. Vranjes (the "Brands"), on a worldwide basis, directly and in coordination with the Brand's teams, external lawyers and service providers.

The role primarily focuses on advising the Brands' teams on any IP issues (including trademark clearance checks and IP contracts), setting an efficient and satisfying IP rights protection, but also protecting the Brands from infringements. The IP Counsel will also play a key role to educate and coordinate IP issues, goals and workflow within the Brands' teams.

The position is based in Plan-les-Ouates (near Geneva) and reports to the Head of Global IP & Brand Protection.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES:

1. IP rights portfolios management

• Manage IP rights applications and registrations; reply to refusals (with outside counsels)

• Check trademark watches; coordinate IP litigations, oppositions, cancellations, enforcements

• Coordinate IP rights renewals, including evidence of use

• Handle recordals (change of ownership, change of names, etc.)

2. IP advice, searches and clearances

• Conduct IP rights searches and clearances

• Advise and provide IP ad hoc analysis, opinions and assistance to the business

• Draft and negotiate IP contracts (including copyright, coexistence, models, settlement agreements, etc.)

• Deal with image rights issues

3. Other ad hoc IP tasks

• Execute an audit of the IP right portfolios (ensure that scope of protection is safe)

• Gather and prepare evidence for IP prosecution, litigation and enforcement matters

• Set and control budget; review invoices

• Prepare POAs and other relevant IP documents; arrange notarization, apostille and other legalization

4. Brand protection

• Conduct domain names surveillance, assess risks and launch proportionate responses

• Handle online and offline lookalikes and brand abuses enforcement when appropriate

5. All other duties or projects as assigned

HOW YOU CAN FIT:

• Master's degree in IP Law

• +6 years' in-house experience in IP, in a corporate international environment (experience in law firm is a plus)

• Strong experience in IP contracts and trademarks searches/clearances

• Fluent in English (including drafting skills), French is a real plus

• Strong customer centricity mindset and business acumen, results focused, proactive problem solver

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively and develop strong relationships at all levels and across functions

• Ability to anticipate, efficiently manage multiple queries and issues and meet deadlines

• Strong team player with the ability to work independently

• Precise with attention to details, hands-on approach and able to deal with ambiguity

• Appetite for challenges and at ease in an international environment with remote & multicultural teams

• Travel requirements: occasional trips to the US or EU

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Working for a unique company, strongly committed towards the planet and the people (B Corp certification)

• Working with passionate colleagues coming from all over the world

• A unique culture centered around entrepreneurship, where everyone is expected to collaborate, experiment & move fast

• Internal mobility opportunities

• Monthly allocation & discount for store products

• Attractive Social Insurances coverage

• 5 weeks annual leaves & 3 extra-days offered as public holidays

• Flexible and hybrid work arrangement

• Attractive Parental Leave Policy

• Public transport allowance

STARTING DATE: ASAP

CONTRACT TYPE: permanent