Legal Trademark Associate - India/ PTAB

Job Title: Legal Trademark Associate – India / PTAB

Location: Bangalore, India

ABOUT UNILEVER:

Be part of the world’s most successful, purpose-led business. Work with brands that are well-loved around the world, that improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We promote innovation, big and small, to make our business win and grow; and we believe in business as a force for good. Unleash your curiosity, challenge ideas and disrupt processes; use your energy to make this happen. Our brilliant business leaders and colleagues provide mentorship and inspiration, so you can be at your best. Every day, nine out of ten Indian households use our products to feel good, look good and get more out of life – giving us a unique opportunity to build a brighter future. Every individual here can bring their purpose to life through their work. Join us and you’ll be surrounded by inspiring leaders and supportive peers. Among them, you’ll channel your purpose, bring fresh ideas to the table, and simply be you. As you work to make a real impact on the business and the world, we’ll work to help you become a better you.

ABOUT UNIOPS: 

Unilever Operations (UniOps) is the global technology and operations engine of Unilever offering business services, technology, and enterprise solutions. UniOps serves over 190 locations and through a network of specialized service lines and partners delivers insights and innovations, user experiences and end-to-end seamless delivery making Unilever Purpose Led and Future Fit.

Where this position fits-into the team:

• Part of the Unilever Legal Powerhouse – a team we’re currently building, which consists of around 60 colleagues in Bangalore

• Integral part of the Unilever’s Legal Function - a global operation consisting of approximately 500 lawyers and specialists

• In 2023, the Unilever Legal team embarked on an ambitious plan to set up Legal Powerhouses in Barcelona, Mexico and Bangalore. We now have around 80 legal team members including a team of around 10 IP Associates based in Bangalore and Barcelona. These team support our business globally. 

Job Purpose:

• Intellectual Property is at the heart of innovation and our role is to help the business win. The Trade Mark Team is an integral part of the IP function, and provides expert global legal advice, risk management support and creative legal solutions to the business, with a focus on trade mark and copyright law, including searching, clearance, filing, renewals, oppositions, infringement, look-a-like products, unfair competition and passing-off, licensing, assignments, mergers and acquisitions as well as domain name registrations, recoveries and acquisitions.

• We are now looking for an additional IP Associate to join our team in Bangalore. If you are passionate about brands, having fun and you are fluent in English, this is the role for you!

Key Accountabilities:

You will be responsible for supporting with the following activities:

• Trade Mark Searches:

Conduct trade mark screening searches using specialised technology, analyse search results to determine the availability of proposed trade marks and prepare initial advice for the Trade Mark Counsel. Where required, instruct our network of external law firm(s) to undertake full clearance searches, monitor and collate responses, and prepare draft summary advice for business partners on the availability and registrability of proposed trade marks.

• Trade Mark Applications:

Prepare trade mark application instructions to our network of external law firm(s) for the filling and prosecution of trade mark filling projects, as well as collating supporting documentation and preparing cost estimates where required.

• Trade Mark Renewals:

Support with our annual trade mark renewal cycle, including the gathering of input from our regional legal colleagues and business partners, the preparation of instructions to our network of external law firm(s), as well as collating supporting documentation and preparing cost estimates where required.

• Evidence Collation:

Prepare evidence packages of Unilever’s use of our trade marks to support our annual trade mark renewal cycle and the preparations of Statements of Use, as well as for trade mark prosecution, opposition and cancellation matters.

• Trade Mark Watching:

Conduct trade mark watching to identify infringing third party trade mark applications and prepare recommendations to the Trade Mark Counsel. Where required, instruct our network of external law firm(s) to provide legal advice and prepare summary advice for business partners on the availability and registrability of proposed trade marks.

• Trade Mark Enforcement: 

Assist with trade mark disputes, including undertaking OSIN investigations, drafting preaction correspondence and settlement agreements.

• Business Partnering:

Manage requests from our legal colleagues and business partners for the preparation of authorisation letters, trade mark portfolio reports, obtaining copies of trade mark certificates and other ad-hoc trade mark requests.

• Trade Mark Recordals:

Support with the integration and/or divestiture of IP assets resulting from M&A activity, including trade mark assignment recordals.

• Knowledge Management:

Assist with the management of our trade mark precedent bank, updating with new templates, playbooks and other know-how materials.

• Database Management:

Assist with the creation and maintenance of matters within our IP case management systems, support with deadline management and prepare audit reports for the (Senior) Trade Mark Counsel. 

• Other Duties:

Support the Trade Mark Counsel with general tasks assigned to meet the requirements of the position, including the preparation of documents of signature and legalization.

Skills and Experience:

• LLB degree from an accredited law school

• Bar admission with a state bar in India

• You are a passionate and knowledgeable IP professional with proven experience in trade mark portfolio management and conducting trade mark clearance searches.

• You have basic understanding of copyright and design laws, enabling you to navigate related IP matters and provide informed guidance where these intersect with trade mark issues.

• You have experience with an in-house legal team and, preferably, within the FMCG sector.

• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills, with fluency in English.

• You have outstanding analytical skills and attention to detail.

• You have an ability to prioritise task in a fast-paced work environment and have experience working with different people located in different geographic locations/time zones.

• You are adaptable, proactive, keen to learn and are willing to take on an increasingly varied and challenging workload as your skills develop.

• You have exceptional computer skills especially with Microsoft Office & Copilot and standard IP technologies & tools, including case management software and trademark searching and 

watching platforms.

• You have a strong sense of teamwork, with an ability to work independently and accomplish team priorities without day-to-day supervision.

• 3-4 years of experience in a law firm or as an in-house counsel. 

• Ability to work with internal colleagues and external counsel across multiple time zones and 

countries.

At HUL, we believe that every individual irrespective of their race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, nationality, caste, disability or marital status can bring their purpose to life. So apply to us, to unleash your curiosity, challenge ideas and disrupt processes; use your energy to make the world a better place. As you work to make a real impact on the business and the world, we’ll work to help you become a better you!

"All official offers from Unilever are issued only via our Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Offers from individuals or unofficial sources may be fraudulent—please verify before proceeding."