Our client is a highly regarded South Coast firm with a substantial and well-established Commercial team. Due to continued growth, they are seeking a Senior Associate to strengthen their offering across commercial and intellectual property matters.
The Role
This position will involve a broad mix of IP and commercial work, including responsibility for overseeing an established in-house international trade mark practice, alongside advising on IP-driven commercial arrangements. The role can be based in Southampton, Winchester or Bournemouth.
Key Responsibilities
Managing the full lifecycle of trade mark matters, including drafting and filing applications, handling examination and publication stages, progressing to registration, and dealing with oppositions and appeals.
Navigating UK and EU IPO processes and systems.
Supervising a CITMA-qualified trade mark paralegal within the in-house practice.
Drafting and negotiating a wide range of IP agreements, including licences, assignments and ownership arrangements, and advising emerging businesses on brand protection strategies.
Preparing and reviewing commercial contracts such as software licences (on-premise and SaaS), IT support and maintenance agreements, integration agreements, distribution and agency agreements, franchise agreements and general services contracts.
Advising on trade marks, designs and copyright matters, with an understanding of patents.
Supporting IP-related disputes, including advising on prospects, assisting with pleadings, liaising with counsel and contributing to settlement negotiations.
Contributing to business development initiatives and helping to generate new instructions.
Supporting and mentoring junior team members.
The Candidate
Applications are invited from solicitors with a minimum of five years' PQE (flexibility may be considered for the right individual), with strong experience in intellectual property work.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Extensive experience in trade mark prosecution.
A strong grounding in commercial law.
Expertise in negotiating and drafting IP agreements.
Experience handling IP disputes.
Commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
The ability to manage multi-jurisdictional deadlines, (international experience advantageous).
A proactive approach to business development, including writing articles, delivering seminars and supporting marketing initiatives.
Salary & Incentives
Competitive salary based on experience, role and location, benchmarked against market rates.
Performance-based bonus opportunities for eligible employees.
Benefits
Generous annual leave starting at 26 days (plus bank holidays), increasing with service.
Pension scheme participation.
Private medical insurance (eligibility applies).
Group income protection and life assurance cover.
Personal accident insurance.
Discounted legal services.
Online shopping discounts via a corporate portal.
Wellbeing Support Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders.
Health assessments and annual flu vaccinations (eligibility applies).
Annual Wellbeing Week.
Eyecare vouchers.
Financial wellbeing support, including professional advice.
Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support.
The firm prioritises health, wellbeing and work-life balance, ensuring staff feel valued, supported and able to perform at their best.
Venture Recruitment Partners (also trading as Chilworth Partnership Ltd) is a Recruitment Agency. By applying for this role, you are authorising us as a Recruitment Agency to contact you and to provide services and information relating to job hunting activities.