The Scope
To effectively meet the challenge of protecting the world’s forests, we are committed to have the world’s most skilled people working with us. We are currently looking for an engaged Trademark Portfolio Manager with passion for FSC’s mission to join our multinational team.
The energetic team of the Legal Department supports all legal and compliance aspects of the FSC Group and advises FSC’s management and its specialized units in their daily operations. You will be managing FSC’s portfolio of trademarks and other brands and thereby helping to protect and secure FSC’s portfolio and managing associated risks. In this function you will also contribute to trademark protection strategies and support trademark enforcement activities. Moreover, the scope entails conducting regular trademark audits, the engagement and supervision of external counsels and close cooperation with other members of the legal team.
Main Roles & Responsibilities
You will focus on IP and especially trademark related aspects concerning the FSC Group with a direct reporting line to the Senior Trademark Counsel operating under the FSC Group Head of the Legal Department. Your role will entail:
- Leading global trademark filing and prosecution, namely preparing and filing trademark applications as well as corresponding with and instructing outside counsel.
- Coordinating global trademark clearance investigations, which entails performing and analyzing trademark searches.
- Managing and executing trademark renewals, declarations, and affidavits of use.
- Managing global evidence of use, including the implementation of strategies to gather such evidence.
- Advising internal colleagues and FSC’s network on intellectual property procedures, guidelines and practices.
- Supporting various legal aspects of FSC’s domain name portfolio, including domain acquisitions and UDRPs.
- Analyzing risks and safety associated with new trademark laws, regulations and related enactments including the preparation of training.
- Developing and implementing yearly trademark audit projects.
- Assisting in the development of yearly trademark prosecution strategies.
- Tracking budgets, expenses and reconciliation of partnered costs.
- Maintaining an international list of external legal experts and updating contact information, power of attorneys and letters of engagement.
- Cooperating closely with other IP and Legal Counsels in the team on IP and trademark enforcement activities including related process management as well as reviewing trademark watch notices, coordinating trademark oppositions and cancellations.
Your profile
- Education and Training: A master's degree in IP or trademark law or equivalent.
- Strong intellectual property background with knowledge of IP portfolio and trademark enforcement management database(s) and systems.
- Working Experience, Style and Skills: At minimum five (5) years of practical experience, preferably in-house in a globally oriented organization and/or international law firm.
- Experience required in international trademark portfolios with specific experience in trademark clearance, prosecution, investigations, and enforcement work.
- Experience in the licensing business is valuable.
- Strong organizational and time management skills: ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and projects in a structured way, while delivering high quality work.
- Service and detail oriented with a proactive work method.
- Ability to represent FSC through his/her work with exemplary personal and professional attitude and conduct, including a friendly and self-confident appearance.
- Languages: Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required.
- Fluency in German and/or Spanish and/or French and/or Chinese (spoken and written) is a very valuable plus.
- Digital Skills: Standard software packages, in particular MS Office 365, Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Experience with Dynamics 365, MS SharePoint, MS Vision and MS Project is helpful.
- Trademark Portfolio Database Management Platforms is very helpful.
- Contract Database Management platforms is an asset.
- Communication Skills: Exemplary verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain positive interpersonal relations.
- Others: Commitment to FSC’s mission and values, including cultural awareness.
- Ability to represent FSC through his/her work with exemplary personal and professional authority and conduct.
The Fine Print
- Location: Bonn, Germany, FSC International headquarter.
- Working Hours: Full-time - 40 hours per week - 2 days per week in the office
- Duration of contract: 2-year contract with the intend to go to open-ended.
- Starting Date: As soon as possible.
We look forward to receiving your application!
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About us
Welcome to FSC!
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a globally recognized non-profit organization at the forefront of promoting sustainable forestry. With over 150 million hectares of certified forests and a trusted reputation among NGOs, consumers, and businesses, FSC is leading the way in ensuring the long-term health and resilience of the world’s forests.
