Duties and responsibilities include:
Conducting trade mark portfolio reviews for new and existing clients
Preparing and drafting legal correspondence including responses to client enquiries, routine correspondence in accordance with client standing instructions
Managing and monitoring the accounting matters of the practice, including Work In Progresss (WIP) and Debtors.
Overseeing the processing of foreign associates' invoices for payment.
Dealing with urgent matters and client requests
Conducting trade mark clearance projects, including searches and international screening
Preparing comprehensive and well-researched search reports to clients, taking into account regulatory requirements, copyright and other forms of IP
Managing the filing of trade mark applications, including receiving, reviewing and interpreting instructions from client and ensuring that applications are lodged in accordance with local legal requirements in South Africa and Africa.
Co-ordinating cost estimate requests and providing accurate quotes to clients for trade mark prosecution, renewal and formality processes throughout Africa and international territories
Assisting and co-ordinating with tenders and Request for Proposal (RFP) projects
Managing portfolio transfers in a streamlined manner
Assisting in trade mark filing strategy discussions by providing well-researched opinions and advice
Conducting due diligence projects in an accurate and timeous manner
Preparing well-researched and considered trade mark related legal advice and opinions
Effective management of deadlines by following a reliable system to follow up consistently on all matters
Managing an electronic diary
Preparing reports and schedules
Considering official actions in relation to local laws and reporting to client without delay
Preparing correspondence to the Registry complying with official actions in accordance with client instructions
Researching and assisting with classification queries
Ensuring that client standing instructions and A&A’s records are updated accurately and timeously when required
Conducting research in relation to client queries, search reports, applications, local legislation etc
Preparing marketing material, including articles for publication
Preparing for and attending client visits
Commitment to maintaining existing client relationships and establishing relationships with new clients
Requirements
Skills and knowledge
Excellent language skills (good command of English, both written and verbal)
Computer literate in Microsoft Word and Excel
A general understanding of accounting and invoicing 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 but also take initiative to engage with superiors where necessary
Knowledge of relevant Acts – e.g. Trade Marks Act.
Willingness to learn
Candidate Profile
Excellent communication and writing skills
The ability and drive to progress
Leadership skills
Commitment to the practice and the firm
Academic excellence
Enthusiasm, initiative and creativity
Integrity and a zero-tolerance for negative intent
Ability to attract and generate work
Ability to work independently
Ability to maintain composure and work effectively under pressure
Qualification/s
Admitted attorney
Post qualification experience required
Trade Marks Prosecution experience
Qualified Trade Marks Practitioner, in the process of being qualified (advantageous), or a real intention to qualify as a Trade Mark Practitioner busy with SAIIPL exams
Experience of working in an IP firm will be highly advantageous
3 years post articles experience (advantageous)
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