Senior Intellectual Property Counsel

Richemont owns some of the world’s leading luxury goods Maisons, with particular strengths in jewellery, watches, fashion and accessories. Each Maison represents a proud tradition of style, quality and craftsmanship and Richemont seeks to preserve the heritage and identity of each of its Maisons. At the same time, we are committed to innovation and designing new products which are in keeping with our Maisons’ values, through a process of continuous creativity.

Working as a Senior IP Counsel provides a unique opportunity to protect and shape the future of some of the most prestigious brands in the world. Join us to make a lasting impact in the luxury industry.

CONTEXT

To strengthen Richemont Group Legal Department based in Geneva, we are recruiting a Senior IP Counsel to join our IP team for a permanent (100%) position.

As a Senior IP Counsel, your role will be to provide comprehensive intellectual property legal advice to Van Cleef & Arpels, covering a wide range of activities, with a particular focus on enforcement in the short term.

HOW WILL YOU MAKE AN IMPACT?

Reporting to the Head IP Counsel, Van Cleef & Arpels, this role will be responsible for:

Become a Business Advisor of Choice

1. Provide strategic business-oriented legal advice on IP-related matters to support the Maison’s strategic objectives.
2. Act as a trusted advisor to the Maison teams, offering insights and recommendations on IP strategy.
3. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate IP considerations into business plans and product development.
4. Develop and implement training programs to educate Maison teams on IP issues and best practices.

Manage IP Portfolios with Precision

1. Conduct global searches and clearance checks for names and perform prior art searches in key markets for new designs.
2. Oversee trademark, copyright, and design rights strategies, filings and registrations.
3. Work in close collaboration with the paralegal team on trademark and design prosecution, streamlining the process and maximizing efficiency.

Negotiate and Draft Agreements

1. Draft, review, and provide guidance on all types of IP agreements and IP aspects of commercial agreements (e.g. NDAs, license and assignment agreements, photographer agreement, coexistence agreement, service agreement, image releases, etc.).
2. Support agreement reviews and negotiations with the Maison’s teams as needed.

Validate Products and Campaigns

1. Review new products for IP clearance and ensure they have appropriate IP protection.
2. Provide IP clearance review and advice on all types of communication materials.

Enforce IP Rights Globally (short-term focus)

1. Manage the contentious activity globally, coordinating with external counsels.
2. Build enforcement strategies when needed.
3. Contribute to global enforcement efforts, including anti-counterfeiting actions.

HOW WILL YOU BE EMPOWERED?

1. Making a tangible impact on the success of the Maison.
2. Working with a dynamic and diverse team of legal professionals.
3. Developing your expertise in IP law as in-house counsel and gain valuable experience in the luxury industry.

HOW WILL YOU EXPERIENCE SUCCESS WITH US?

Success in this role requires passion about IP, strong organizational and analytical skills, attention to detail, rigor, the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively and to work autonomously. You should excel in collaborative environments, possess excellent communication skills, and have significant experience in IP law, particularly in copyright, trademarks and designs but also in litigation. A willingness to travel is essential to effectively collaborate with Maison teams and stakeholders.

1. You have a sound legal education with specialization in IP, admission to an EU Bar.
2. You have 8-10 years of experience in an international law firm (with solid litigation experience), in-house experience a plus.
3. You are fluent in French and English (writing and speaking skills).
4. Ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation and work seamlessly with external stakeholders, operating with a collaborative mindset.
5. A natural communicator, able to transmit requirements and instructions in a simple manner.
6. Highly organised, able to see through multiple projects at once, and keep track of communication activations.
7. Acting with a high degree of integrity and professionalism and building strong professional working relationships.
8. Able to work transparently and to deadline, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
9. A trustworthy partner, able to work on confidential or sensitive information in liaison with senior stakeholders.
10. Agile in your approach, able to shift priorities, depending on the needs of the business.
11. Creative thinker, able to advise internal stakeholders on the best ways to address key messages to diverse employee groups.

Our true power does not lie in our similarities but in the rich diversity of our arts, cultures, and human skills, as well as our specific ability to foster untapped potential.

- We value freedom, collegiality, loyalty, and solidarity.

- We foster empathy, curiosity, courage, humility, and integrity.

- We care for the world we live in.

YOUR JOURNEY WITH US:

1. If your application is selected, we will reach out to you ASAP for an informal introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner.
2. The next step from there would be an online personality assessment followed by a written business case submission and then a panel interview with the Hiring Manager, 2 directors of the team and the.