Trade Mark Attorney (Associate II)

Duties and responsibilities

• Prepare and draft legal correspondence including responses to client enquiries, routine correspondence, accounting enquiries in accordance with client standing instructions
• Deal with urgent matters and client requests
• Coordinate Trade Marks clearance projects, conducting searches and international screening and formal counsel searches
• Prepare and file Trade Mark applications, including electronic filings with follow through to registration and post-registration, maintenance and renewals
• Coordinate with foreign counsel on international clearance, filing, maintenance and renewal matters: oversee processing of foreign associates' invoices for payment, and prepare reporting letters to client.
• Provide opinions and quotes on the registerability of Trade Marks in Africa and international territories
• Effect portfolio transfers and manage multi-client portfolios
• Prepare and file Powers of Attorney and letters of instruction
• Assist in Trade Mark filing strategy discussions and due diligence
• Report official actions
• Address and assist with Classification queries
• Update client standing instructions and A&A’s records
• Conduct research

Skills and knowledge

• Computer literate in Microsoft Word
• Excellent language skills (good command of English, both written and verbal)
• Must understand the debiting procedures
• A meticulous, responsible person with a sense of urgency, who is able to prioritise duties
• Attention to detail is essential
• A conscientious, loyal and dedicated person, with the ability to think laterally
• Someone with a professional attitude
• Ability to give clear instructions to a secretary
• Prepared to work long hours where necessary
• Ability to work independently and under supervision
• Ability to handle the pressure of having to cope with large workload
• Knowledge of relevant Acts – e.g. Trade Marks Act, would be an advantage.
• Willingness to learn

Qualification/s

• Admitted attorney
• Post qualification experience required
• Trade Marks Prosecution experience
• Qualified Trade Marks Practitioner or busy with SAIIPL exams
• Experience of working in an IP firm will be highly advantageous