Brand IP Counsel (f/m/d)

Work Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Onsite/Hybrid

As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss-Dutch company, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life™ every day, everywhere, for billions of people.

At dsm-firmenich, being a force for good is not optional. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is a shared responsibility woven into our daily work to not only benefit our People, Customers & Communities but also drive business value. Equal access to opportunities is a given, belonging is a shared feeling, authenticity is celebrated. 

Key Responsibilities:

IP portfolio Management 

• Grow a portfolio of trademarks in alignment with business strategy and brand architecture .
• Manage, protect and enforce global trademarks, domain names and copyright portfolios in alignment with the Business.
• Implement and continuously refine global trademark, domain name and copyright protection strategy in compliance with Group policy and standards.

IP legal advice

• Conduct and review trademark clearance searches and provide recommendations to stakeholders regarding availability for use and registration, infringement risks, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Advise the Business on trademark, design, copyright and domain name issues, conducting global assessments on risk analysis, chances of success and costs related to infringements, unfair competition actions, and oppositions.
• Manage trademark licenses with third parties and review IP clauses in partnerships/co-branding agreements.

Brand Protection

• Develop and implement strategies to protect the company’s brand and intellectual property rights globally.

Litigation Support

• Support Brand IP litigation and disputes, working closely with the relevant team.

Training and Education

• Raise awareness and importance of IP to internal stakeholders by providing training and guidance on IP-related matters and best practices.

You bring :

• Law degree or qualification as a Trademark attorney.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience as IP counsel, preferably with in-house practice.
• Strong knowledge of IP laws and regulations.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work autonomously.
• Proactive and business-oriented mindset.
• Excellent team player, able to collaborate effectively within a matrix organization.
• Proficiency in English is required and fluency in French is a plus.

We bring :

• The opportunity to work in a strategy and business priority driven IP department.
• Being part of an interdisciplinary and diverse team that encourages innovation and professional growth.
• A diversity of exciting projects related to foods and fragranced products.
• To be part of a company shaping a strong legacy through breakthrough industrial innovations and technology.

Equal Opportunity Employer

dsm-firmenich is fully dedicated to inclusion because when people feel engaged and empowered, their creativity and innovation drives unprecedented progress. We aim to build a workplace where opportunity really is equal, so everyone can thrive. We do not discriminate: there’s a place for everyone at dsm-firmenich.

As a committed equal opportunity employer, we ensure our recruitment practices are inclusive and fair. We encourage the recruitment of a diverse workforce, representative of the communities in which we work, by using inclusive language, diverse interview panels, diversified sourcing strategies. Selection is based on qualifications, competency, experience, performance history and fit with the team to advance fair and equitable opportunity. 

Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant’s race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, backgrounds, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. 

We are committed to providing reasonable support for disabled applicants in our recruiting process. Should you need assistance, and are comfortable to share this, please let us know.

Agency statement

Please note this is a direct search led by dsm-firmenich. We only accept applications from candidates, not from agencies nor subject to agency’s fees, percentages or similar. 

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