IP Legal Counsel (Trade Mark)

QuestelGentFull Time

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Job description

About the role

Questel is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable IP Legal Counsel specializing in Trade Marks to join our dynamic team in Gent, East Flanders. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to work within a leading global intellectual property services company. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience in trademark law, providing strategic legal advice and support to our clients, while also contributing to the development and execution of our IP strategies.

Key facts

Location: Gent

Engagement: Full-time

What you'll do

Provide expert legal counsel on trademark registration, prosecution, and enforcement matters, ensuring compliance with local and international laws.
Conduct comprehensive trademark searches and analyses to assess the viability of new trademarks and advise clients on potential risks.
Draft and review legal documents, including trademark applications, opposition filings, and licensing agreements, ensuring accuracy and adherence to legal standards.
Collaborate with internal teams and clients to develop and implement effective trademark strategies that align with business objectives.
Represent clients in trademark disputes, including opposition and cancellation proceedings, before relevant authorities and courts.
Monitor and analyze trademark legislation and case law developments to keep clients informed of changes that may impact their IP rights.
Provide training and guidance to clients on best practices for trademark management and enforcement.
Assist in the preparation and execution of IP audits to identify and mitigate risks associated with trademark portfolios.
Engage with external counsel and service providers as necessary to support clients' trademark needs.
Participate in client meetings and presentations to explain legal concepts and strategies in an accessible manner.
Contribute to the development of internal resources and tools to enhance the efficiency of the trademark practice.
Foster strong relationships with clients, understanding their business needs and providing tailored legal solutions.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from an accredited institution.
A minimum of 5 years of experience in trademark law, with a focus on both contentious and non-contentious matters.
Admission to practice law in Belgium or another relevant jurisdiction is required.
Strong understanding of international trademark laws and treaties, including the Madrid Protocol and EU trademark regulations.
Proven track record of successfully managing trademark portfolios and navigating complex legal issues.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and provide practical solutions.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of articulating complex legal concepts clearly to clients and colleagues.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
Proficiency in legal research tools and trademark databases.

Nice to have

Experience working in-house for a multinational corporation or within a law firm specializing in intellectual property.
Familiarity with other areas of intellectual property law, such as patents and copyrights, is a plus.
Fluency in multiple languages, particularly English and French or Dutch, is advantageous.
Previous experience in conducting IP training sessions or workshops for clients.

Skills & tools

Expertise in trademark search and analysis tools, such as TrademarkNow or similar platforms.
Familiarity with case management software and document management systems.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and legal research databases.
Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills for effective client and stakeholder engagement.

Practical notes

This position is based in Gent, East Flanders, and may require occasional travel for client meetings or conferences.
The salary for this role will be competitive and commensurate with experience, with additional benefits provided by Questel.
Candidates must be eligible to work in Belgium and may need to obtain a work visa if not a citizen of an EU member state.