The role of the Legal Group is to protect Unilever and help it to win. This role reports into a Senior Patent Attorney and is one of two newly created roles that will, as part of the Legal Powerhouse, provide legal support for our global R&D function and the wider business in ensuring protection of the design of our products to deliver unmissable superiority.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Unilever at a pivotal moment for the company. In order to deliver the ambitions of Unilever’s Growth Action Plan, Unilever R&D will need to create differentiated products and packs that stand out on shelf. This role will be responsible for protecting that differentiation through creative use of registered designs globally.
Responsibilities
- Together with the other Powerhouse colleagues and members of the Patents team, you will be responsible for:
- Day-to day building and management of a global design portfolio (including filing and prosecution) for several of Unilever’s global Business Groups.
- Working closely with Patents, Trade Marks, R&D colleagues and marketing to align design strategies with the business priorities and the wider IP strategy.
- Assisting Brand Protection, Trade Mark and Patent colleagues in enforcement actions that involve design rights.
- Raising IP awareness (including through training) across R&D and the wider business on the need to protect the design of our products and ensuring compliance with our Code of Business Principles.
About You:
Essential
- Legally qualified with 10+ years PQE in working with IP, including registered designs.
- Strong English language drafting and legal advisory skills.
- Working knowledge of the global designs system, including EU, US and Hague systems.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to work with colleagues across multiple time zones and countries and at all levels.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to distil complex issues simply.
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills to cope with multiple stakeholders, competing deadlines and priorities.
Preferable
- Patent attorney or trademark attorney qualification.
- Experience in handling assignments and licences.
- Working knowledge of copyright and unregistered design systems.
- Experience of working in a multi-national and/or consumer goods company.
- Experience of handling contentious matters.