Job Description

Duties and responsibilities

• Preparing and drafting of correspondence to clients and colleagues
• Coordinating trade marks clearance projects, conducting searches and international screening searches
• Preparing and filing trade mark applications, including electronic filings with follow through to registration and post-registration, maintenance and renewals
• Coordinating with foreign counsel on international clearance matters, filings, maintenance and renewal matters
• Providing opinions and quotes on the registrability of trade marks in various territories
• Effect portfolio transfers and manage large client portfolios
• Prepare and file Powers of Attorney and letters of instruction
• Researching law and drafting opinions
• Dealing with a variety of IP related litigation matters, including matters relating to trade mark infringement, cancellation and opposition, name objections and domain name disputes
• Dealing with enquiries and advising clients in relation to copyright queries and dealing with litigation relating to copyright disputes
• Dealing with regulatory queries relating to advertising and labelling

Skills and knowledge

• Computer literate in Microsoft Word
• Excellent language skills (good command of English, both written and verbal)
• Must understand the debiting procedures
• A meticulous, responsible person with a sense of urgency, who is able to prioritise duties
• Attention to detail is essential
• A conscientious, loyal and dedicated person, with the ability to think laterally
• Someone with a professional attitude
• Ability to give clear instructions to a secretary
• Prepared to work long hours where necessary
• Ability to work independently and under supervision
• Ability to handle the pressure of having to cope with large workload
• Knowledge of relevant Acts - e.g. Trade Marks Act, would be an advantage.
• Willingness to learn.

Qualification/s

• An admitted attorney with at least 2 years PQE
• Must have experience in a private legal practice
• Trade Marks experience (litigation and prosecution)
• LLB degree is a requirement
• Post-graduate degrees such as LLM will be an added advantage
• Must have excellent academic credentials
• Experience in litigation (High Court) is essential
• Qualified Trade Mark Practitioner or busy with SAIIPL exams
• Experience working in an IP firm (Intellectual Property) will be highly advantageous

Adams & Adams