Trade Mark Paralegal

.

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. With products like VELO, VUSE and GLO we are on a mission to decrease the health impact of our industry

To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to Be The Change. Come, join us on this journey!

Acting as an IP Assistant, under the supervision of, and/supporting Trade Mark Counsel, Trade Mark & Marketing Counsel or Assistant Trade Mark Counsel, assist in the execution of relevant aspects of BAT’s global Trade Mark and Marketing Counselling activity in a manner which:

•                 provides a value added service to central management functions and relevant business units;

•                 delivers solution-orientated advice and management on all aspects of trade mark related work, including clearance, protection, disputes, and corporate support (including M&A);

•                 manages costs including, but not limited to, reducing reliance on outside vendors as appropriate;

•                 ensures the Group’s ability to exploit its brands against competitors; and

•                 fully utilizes the expertise and resource available in the BATMark team to the benefit of IP owners within the BAT Group.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Provide IP and marketing counselling support in relation to the brands, regions, categories or projects to which they are assigned, in particular on tasks relating to the searching, filing, prosecution, renewal and enforcement of trade marks around the world, agreements and projects relating to IP, review of marketing materials for compliance with BAT’s Responsible Marketing Framework.
• Undertake clearance and protection analysis of packaging prior to launch and advise the relevant business stakeholders, in conjunction with Senior Counsel, Trade Marks, Trade Mark Counsel, Trade Mark & Marketing Counsel or Assistant Counsel / Trade Mark Manager (as appropriate) as to trade mark related risks to launch and any filings required.
• Maintain an up-to-date legal knowledge of intellectual property laws in the allocated area of expertise
• Ensure that all budgetary issues have been discussed and agreed with relevant business stakeholders and the appropriate Counsel in respect of any tasks including, without limitation, instruction of external advisors and agents and that estimated costs for any tasks are agreed in advance and are in line with BATMark’s budget
• Cover the work of other BATMark team members as required during office absences
• Provide general support to personnel and their teams on globally-relevant IP issues as required
• Assisting in the overall management of BATMark’s portfolio.
• Assisting in the management of relationships with external suppliers.
• Understand all Guidelines and Protocols which are relevant to BATMark and assist in ensuring that there is business awareness of such protocols and guidelines and that they are kept relevant and up to date.
• Assist in any project work relating to any area of IP expertise
• Assist in building the IP areas of expertise and increasing IP workflow from end markets to BATMark.
• Participate in all internal and external training initiatives of BATMark including research and preparation of materials for such training.
• Understand BATMark and other trade mark owners budget and monetary constraints and assist with invoice management.
• Provide reports, of varying levels of detail and complexity, on BATMark’s trade mark related activities, as requested. This will require developing expertise in the functionality and reporting capabilities of Baker McKenzie’s Global Intellectual Property Manager system.

What are we looking for?

• Relevant experience in international intellectual property law.
• Practical working knowledge of the principles and practice of global IP laws and practice, including trade mark application procedures.
• Excellent computer skills, and the ability to become expert in the use of intellectual property management systems, in particular, Baker McKenzie’s Global Intellectual Property Manager system.
• Good oral and written communication skills, including the ability to translate technical issues into easily understandable terms and to communicate these effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to advise, train and develop staff and external parties where required in relevant areas.
• Ability to prioritize own workload and keep to tight deadlines within a pressurized environment with minimal supervision.
• Understanding when to seek advice from BATMark Management.
• Basic understanding of, and willingness to improve knowledge of BAT’s Responsible Marketing Framework and its application
• Basic understanding of the principles of evidence and basic skills in the interpretation of complex legal documents (e.g. agreements)
• Basic skills in legal drafting with aspiration to improve these skills
• Considerable attention to detail, accuracy and follow-up.
• Self-motivated with the ability to achieve defined and measurable results.
• Ability to deal with problems alone, but knowing when to seek advice on important or technically complex issues.
• Ability to deal quickly with work requests and manage priorities.
• Ability to keep relevant BATMark management informed of potential or existing problems.
• Ability to have up to date information readily available on any live issue.
• The ability to work as part of a team and successfully complete projects.
• Understanding of the Function in order to execute activities effectively

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
• We prioritize continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes

WHY JOIN BAT?

We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives.

We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their own venture.

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experiencehere.

We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.

.