Group Legal Counsel – Intellectual Property

About the role

The Group Legal Counsel – IP will manage Aspen's global intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks, domain names and related rights. The role provides legal and commercial support for portfolio management, licensing, transactions, disputes and risk mitigation across the Group.

Key responsibilities

• Research and analyse international trademark searches, delivering clear opinions on availability and registration.
• Oversee filing, prosecution, maintenance and renewal of global trademarks, ensuring database accuracy.
• Administer other IP rights such as domain‑name registrations, renewals, transfers and disputes.
• Draft, review and advise on IP agreements, licensing arrangements and support acquisitions/divestments involving IP.
• Monitor watch notices and digital channels, investigate misuse of Aspen IP and recommend enforcement actions.
• Manage contentious trademark matters and ensure compliance with Aspen legal policies.
• Track changes in trademark and IP legislation worldwide, assess impact and propose risk mitigation.

Required profile

• Legal degree (LLB preferred) and admission as an attorney in South Africa.
• 5–10 years post‑admission experience, including management of an international trademark portfolio.
• Experience with trademark litigation, opposition proceedings and IP due‑diligence.
• Exposure to the pharmaceutical industry and commercial IP transactions is advantageous.