We are Currently Hiring
Job Description:
Position: Senior Legal Counsel Global IP Manager
Position Reports to: Associate Director Legal Counsel
Work Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Role Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to serve as Global IP Manager within our mid-sized global FMCG and Medical Device company.
This role will play a critical part in managing and advising on intellectual property and broader commercial legal matters for the global organization. It combines strategic oversight and hands-on management of the companys intellectual property portfolioincluding trademarks, patents, designs, and copyrightswhile supporting innovation, protecting brand integrity, and aligning IP strategies with business goals across diverse markets. In addition to IP expertise, the candidate will demonstrate senior-level competencies in corporate contracting and providing commercially focused legal advice that balances risk and opportunity.
Operating within a dynamic, fast-paced, multinational environment and matrix structure, the Senior Legal Counsel is also responsible for ensuring compliance with complex global laws & regulations, corporate governance while supporting commercial transactions and operational objectives worldwide.
Partnering with internal stakeholders and external advisors, this role will tackle high-stakes legal issues and contribute to building a robust legal framework that supports the organization&aposs global ambitions.
The ideal candidate will have 8-10 years of experience, bringing a blend of technical expertise, legal acumen, and commercial awareness.
Key Responsibilities:
Intellectual Property Strategy, Management & Advisory
- Develop and manage global IP protection and enforcement strategies, including trademark, patent, design, and copyright portfolios.
- Provide practical legal advice on all aspects of IP, including brand and copyright clearance, brand protection & enforcement, innovation capture, and patent enforcement.
- Oversee IP aspects of innovation such as new product development and launch processes, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Monitor market and competitor activities to identify potential IP risks and opportunities.
- Advise on contentious and non-contentious IP matters, presenting risk assessments, strategic options, and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Provide legal support on IP-related clauses in complex agreements and commercial contracts.
- Deliver IP training to cross-functional teams, enhancing IP awareness across the organization.
Commercial Advisory
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of corporate contracts and legal documents including strategic procurement agreements, services agreements, development agreements and distribution agreements, amongst others.
- Provide strategic legal advice on complex commercial matters, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and alignment with organizational goals.
- Manage high-stakes legal negotiations, delivering commercially sound and legally robust solutions.
- Advise internal clients on advertising, product claims, and marketing materials to ensure compliance and minimize risk.
Dispute Resolution
- Manage contentious IP and commercial matters, including litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution.
- Collaborate with external counsel to achieve advantageous outcomes in disputes while maintaining cost-efficiency.
- Provide expert advice on risk mitigation strategies for potential disputes across all areas of the business.
Governance & Compliance
- Maintain a comprehensive register of brand assets, including intellectual property registrations and intangible assets.
- Conduct IP due diligence and manage post-acquisition IP integration for mergers and acquisitions.
- Develop and enforce business-facing IP policies to ensure compliance with global standards.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks across a broad range of commercial and operational activities.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Regularly update the General Counsel, CEO, and senior management on IP case progress and overall IP portfolio status.
- Manage relationships with external counsel, regulators, and other legal service providers.
- Collaborate with global teams to align IP strategies with commercial priorities.
Leadership & Development
- Mentor junior legal team members, fostering a culture of excellence and knowledge sharing.
- Contribute to budget planning and monitoring for IP-related and other legal expenditures.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelors or Masters degree in Law, with a focus on Intellectual Property Law preferred.
- Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in private practice (specializing in IP) or in-house roles at corporations with global branding.
- Proven track record in managing global trademark and patent registration and prosecution.
- Extensive experience in IP dispute resolution.
- Prior exposure to FMCG, medical devices, or creative industries is advantageous.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong knowledge of IP prosecution, litigation, and enforcement processes.
- Commercial acumen with the ability to balance legal and business risks.
- Excellent negotiation, drafting, and problem-solving skills.
- High level of integrity, discretion, and professional ethics.
- Outstanding communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional and international environments.
- can-do attitude with a passion for learning.
- Collaborative team member.
Desirable Expertise:
- Master&aposs qualification in Intellectual Property Law or relevant technical knowledge in chemistry/materials science.
- Familiarity with international branding and retail industry practices.
