Legal Officer Trademark and IP (m/f/d)

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 Legal Officer in the business area of Trademark and Intellectual Property with strong expertise and a 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. Your primary focus will be on intellectual property (IP) matters, particularly trademark protection, enforcement and licensing affairs by working closely with the other legal team members to ensure effective support.

You will focus on relevant trademark and other IP matters concerning the FSC Group with a direct reporting line to the Senior Trademark Counsel operating under the FSC Group Head of the Legal Department, the role will entail: 

•  Providing legal advice on all aspects of IP law, with a special focus ontrademark and copyright law, unfair competition, publicity rights law, and domain nameas well as internet and e-commerce related matters.
• Protecting FSC’s trademarks and other intellectual property rights by handlinginfringement and fraud cases, including drafting and negotiatingcease-and-desist letters and preparing for litigation.
• Advising on legal actions and alternative dispute resolution solutions and strategies.
• Supporting the development and refinement of trademark protection strategies for the FSC Group to enhance the trademark enforcement program.
• Offering trademark support and guidance to the global FSC Network.
• Collaborating with external counsels and overseeing the quality of results.
• Working with customs authorities and law enforcement agencies throughout the world in an effort to prevent fraud in the system.
• Participating in trainingsessions forstaff at FSC International and the global FSC Network in relation toIPaffairs.
• Working closely and responding to inquiries of different internal and external stakeholders.
• Conducting research activities related to the work area.
• Engaging in cross-functional collaboration and project support especially with Marketing & Communication as well as with the System Integrity Unit and IT Department.
• Contributing to additional tasks and overarching legal casesas required.

Education and Training:  

• University degree in a relevant field of law. Ideally Masters degree in IP/Trademarks.
• Strong intellectual property background with knowledge of IP portfolio and trademark enforcement management database(s) and systems.

Working Experience, Style and Skills:  

• At minimum two(2) years of practical experience, preferablyin-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 licensing business and negotiation of license agreements is valuable.
• Familiar with advertising and consumer protection laws, laws relating to counterfeit goods and, ideally, experience with customs and border control protection is very useful.
• Strong organizationaland 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 valuableplus.

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.

• Location: Bonn, Germany, FSC International headquarter.
• Working Hours: Full-time - 40 hours per week - Hybrid
• Duration of contract: 2-year contract with the intend to go open-ended.
• Starting Date: As soon as possible.

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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.