Senior Manager - Intellectual Property

Position: Senior Manager Intellectual Property (IP)

Knowledge and Skill / Qualification Requirements:

- LLB or LLM from a recognized university; specialization in Intellectual Property Law preferred.

- 8-9+ years of relevant experience in managing IP for large consumer brands, preferably with in-house experience.

- Strong legal acumen in trademark, copyright, design law and basic understanding of patents.

- Experience with IP enforcement and litigation management.

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to influence and educate non-legal stakeholders.

- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with a solutions-first mindset.

Key Responsibilities:

General IP Advisory & Training:

- Advise stakeholders across business units on trademarks, copyrights, patents, and designs from ideation to execution.

- Lead IP clearance searches for trademarks and marketing assets.

- Review packaging and marketing materials to ensure trademark and copyright compliance.

- Guide marketing and social media teams on risk mitigation in IP usage.

- Conduct periodic IP training and awareness sessions for internal stakeholders.

- Ensure compliance of all external communication with IP norms.

IP Enforcement, Contentious IP & IP Management:

- Manage end-to-end IP disputes and litigations including strategic planning, operational handling, and external counsel coordination.

- Advise stakeholders on IP risks and mitigation strategies.

- Monitor and manage company domain names and social media handles from an IP protection standpoint.

Projects, Systems & Collaboration:

- Spearhead special projects such as Patent & Design Landscaping and GRC (Governance, Risk & Compliance) updates for the CEO.

- Own the implementation and administration of the IP management tool.

- Continuously evolve IP-related SOPs, policies, and leadership updates.

- Develop and deliver presentations to senior leadership on IP strategy, risks, and performance.

- Identify operational inefficiencies and propose actionable, time-bound solutions.

- Promote a collaborative approach with cross-functional teams including Branding, Digital, Product, and PR.

Budget Management:

- Support the legal team in AOP budgeting.

- Track and manage the IP function's external counsel and enforcement spend.

Stakeholder Management:

- Maintain strong partnerships with internal teams across levels and geographies.

- Report regularly to GC and other stakeholders on IP status, matters, and strategies.

- Foster a proactive legal-business relationship built on trust and timely support