3 Intellectual Property Attorney jobs in South Africa

Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is a talent driven, customer-centric and impact focused organisation. In our endeavour to support technology innovation with socio-economic outcomes, we seek to infuse the organisation with team players that find resonance as value creators, agile thinkers, progressive attitudes, customer-centricity, dynamic work ethic and an optimistic disposition. We aim to harness these attributes in a manner that they culminate into a culture of teamwork, impact and accountability.

In executing its mandate, the organisation provides funding and non-funding support to stimulate innovation so that it provides a catalytic impact to the economy whilst improving people's lives and protecting the environment. The Agency endeavours to promote the careers of previously disadvantaged persons by applying the principles of the Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No. 55 of 1998).

Job Purpose

To provide legal services, including intellectual property (IP) support and advice to all TIA Business Units in respect of TIA projects/programs.

• Bachelor degree in Engineering (Chemical) or Bachelor degree in Science .
• A Law degree
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate
• At least four (4) years' post admission experience.
• Two (2) years' experience in an intellectual property environment and/or prior exposure to the technology innovation environment.
• Experience in Local and International Intellectual Property trends in relevant industries.
• Litigation experience.
• Laws, legislation and compliance requirements for the various operational aspects of TIA.
• Sound Knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999).
• Skills:
• Assertive
• Critical judgment
• Customer-centricity
• Decisiveness
• Decision-making
• Negotiation skills
• Analytical and interpretation skills

Financial Perspective

• Contribute towards saving for TIA by limiting operational costs, also complying with the National Treasure Cost Containment Measures (NTCM).

Stakeholder Management

• Participate in establishing cooperative customer relationships with stakeholders internally and externally.
• Provide quality services that meets corporate programme and project needs of TIA.
• Represent the Head: Legal Services on various committees, as may be required.

Internal Processes

• Perform Intellectual Property (IP) due diligence on TIA's projects and programs and issue report on outcomes.
• Draft and/or review contracts for TIA operations, TIA projects and TIA programs, also focusing IP clauses.
• Draft legal opinions.
• Provide input in the formulation of legal policies, guidelines, frameworks and business processes.
• Provide input in the review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the Legal Services BU.
• Capture all legal information relating to TIA operations on the applicable systems.
• Produce workflow management status reports, as and when required.
• Assist with quality assurance of work produced by the Legal Advisors.
• Identify and report on potential legal risks.
• Identify and implement development opportunities to ensure continuous improvement of work effectiveness and efficiency.
• Identify root causes of delays in the processes and implement measures to address the delays.
• Provide support and assistance to other Legal Advisors to achieve their milestones.

Governance and Compliance

• Participate in the internal and external audit exercise and resolution of all audit matters in the Business Unit.
• Ensure compliance with all TIA's policies, frameworks, guidelines and systems (performance management, HR, finance, Stakeholder information, fund management, reporting, etc).
• Proactively identify and address internal and external risks to protect the organisation.

Learning and Growth

• Mentor other Legal Advisors to transfer knowledge and skill.
• Attend work-related, self-development courses including training (both external and internal) seminars, conferences, webinars and workshops.

JOB DUCK IS HIRING AN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LEGAL ASSISTANT

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Role Overview

If you're someone who thrives on precision and enjoys being the steady hand behind seamless legal operations, this role is for you. As an Intellectual Property Legal Assistant, you'll be the heartbeat of our intellectual property practice, ensuring every deadline is met and every client feels supported. You'll work closely with attorneys and international agents, keeping patent and trademark matters on track and clients informed. This position is ideal for someone detail-oriented, tech-savvy, and passionate about making legal processes feel approachable.

Schedule:

Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST (USA)

Your Responsibilities Will Include but Are Not Limited To:

• Communicating proactively with clients about project progress
• Tracking and meeting internal and external deadlines
• Monitoring Patent Center and Trademark Center/TSDR daily
• Using docketing software to manage updates and filings
• Coordinating with foreign agents on international IP matters
• Translating legal concepts into clear, actionable steps for clients
• Finalizing and filing applications regularly
• Maintaining accurate client records and case files
• Preparing weekly and monthly reports on filings and case status
• Attend team meetings and coordinate with attorneys on active matters
• Supporting operations with email reviews and deadline management
• Drafting and proofreading legal documents with high attention to detail
• Conducting preliminary research and preparing discovery responses
• Tracking performance metrics and contributing to process improvements

What We're Looking For:

• At least one year of experience as a legal assistant (intellectual property experience preferred)
• Familiarity with Intellectual Property basics and legal office operations is a plus
• Experience managing or supporting a law office
• Ability to lead or follow as needed
• Familiarity with Intellectual property docketing and case management, Time tracking and calendar management, Legal document preparation and proofreading, Client communication and follow-up, Deadline coordination and milestone tracking, Research and reporting
• Persistent and curious individual
• Tech-loving and fun-spirited
• Emotionally secure and optimistic
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Independent and proactive
• Friendly, professional, and resourceful
• Strong communicator and avid listener
• Comfortable working remotely
• Able to simplify complex ideas
• Systematic and creative thinker
• Reliable computer setup (laptop/PC, headset, stable internet min. 10 Mbps download / 5 Mbps upload)
• Quiet, distraction-free remote work environment

What's In It for You?

• Monthly compensation starting from
  1150 USD to 1220 USD
• Paid time off
  and holiday pay.
• Referral and annual
  bonuses.
• 100% Remote,
  Full-Time, Long-Term Career Opportunity.
• Parental leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Dedicated support from our team.
• A chance to work with clients who share our values.

Ready to dive in?
Apply now and make sure to follow all the instructions

DISCLAIMER: Every candidate must pass each step in our application process to become part of our team. Ensure you have all the required documentation ready to streamline your application process.