Trade Mark Attorney (Associate II)

Trade Mark Attorney (Associate II) - PretoriaFull job descriptionDuties and responsibilitiesPrepare and draft legal correspondence including responses to client enquiries, routine correspondence, accounting enquiries in accordance with client standing instructionsDeal with urgent matters and client requestsCoordinate Trade Marks clearance projects, conducting searches and international screening and formal counsel searchesPrepare and file Trade Mark applications, including electronic filings with follow through to registration and post-registration, maintenance and renewalsCoordinate with foreign counsel on international clearance, filing, maintenance and renewal matters: oversee processing of foreign associates' invoices for payment, and prepare reporting letters to client.Provide opinions and quotes on the registerability of Trade Marks in Africa and international territoriesEffect portfolio transfers and manage multi-client portfoliosPrepare and file Powers of Attorney and letters of instructionAssist in Trade Mark filing strategy discussions and due diligenceReport official actionsAddress and assist with Classification queriesUpdate client standing instructions and A&A’s recordsConduct research Skills and knowledgeComputer literate in Microsoft WordExcellent language skills (good command of English, both written and verbal)Must understand the debiting proceduresA meticulous, responsible person with a sense of urgency, who is able to prioritise dutiesAttention to detail is essentialA conscientious, loyal and dedicated person, with the ability to think laterallySomeone with a professional attitudeAbility to give clear instructions to a secretaryPrepared to work long hours where necessaryAbility to work independently and under supervisionAbility to handle the pressure of having to cope with large workloadKnowledge of relevant Acts – e.g. Trade Marks Act, would be an advantage.Willingness to learnQualification/sAdmitted attorneyPost qualification experience requiredTrade Marks Prosecution experienceQualified Trade Marks Practitioner or busy with SAIIPL examsExperience of working in an IP firm will be highly advantageous