Our client is a global drinks business. They are looking for an Interim Counsel to provide parental leave cover, sitting within the Marketing, IP & Innovation team.
This is best understood as a mini general counsel / product counsel role, covering everything from product development through to marketing and launch, rather than a narrow IP specialism. Day to day, you will work closely with the innovation and brand teams on new product launches, reviewing for compliance with regulations (a specialised area), IP clearances and marketing claims, plus ad hoc issues as they arise, such as ESG claims or consumer law questions.
The role sits in the global brand team; regional/market teams handle local specifics (e.g. China-specific regulations), so this role is focused on the UK/global brand side.
The role operates autonomously, with minimal day-to-day supervision once onboarded
You will:
- Conduct/review preliminary IP clearance searches (using industry tools and external legal support)
- Manage all aspects of IP protection and prosecution
- Review new product launches and innovations for compliance, IP clearance and marketing claims
- Review and approve advertising and marketing materials, product packaging and labels
- Review and/or draft IP agreements, including licensing, settlement, co-existence and partnership agreements
- Pick up ad hoc, cross-functional issues (e.g. ESG claims, consumer law) and support on the luxury portfolio
This role is inside IR35, you will need to contract via an umbrella company.
Starts 1 September, full-time, 9 months.