Senior IP Counsel

Overview

A global software organization is seeking a Senior Intellectual Property and Data Protection Lawyer to join its in-house Legal team. This role involves shaping and supporting the intellectual property and data protection strategy across multiple jurisdictions. The position requires deep expertise in intellectual property law, privacy and data protection compliance, technology transactions, and regulatory risk management. The lawyer will primarily support technology-driven products, strategic growth projects, and startup initiatives, focusing on IP structuring, data protection compliance, commercialization, and scaling innovative products and services.

Responsibilities

• Advise on all aspects of intellectual property law, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, trade secrets, domain names, licensing, and brand protection.
• Develop and maintain a global IP strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Provide legal support to technology startups and innovation initiatives throughout their life cycle, including product development, commercialization, scaling, strategic partnerships, and operational expansion.
• Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related agreements such as licensing, SaaS and software agreements, technology transfer agreements, NDAs, development and collaboration agreements, and open-source software policies.
• Provide legal guidance on ownership and protection of company-created intellectual property.
• Monitor and advise on infringement risks, enforcement actions, disputes, and litigation matters.
• Conduct IP due diligence for strategic partnerships, investments, acquisitions, and commercial transactions.
• Advise on IP risks related to software development, AI tools, open-source software, and emerging technologies.
• Support early-stage and scaling technology initiatives with IP rights structuring, technology transfers, data governance frameworks, and regulatory risk assessments.
• Lead the privacy and data protection compliance program.
• Advise on compliance with privacy laws and regulations including GDPR, UK GDPR, ePrivacy, CCPA/CPRA, international data transfer requirements, and other global privacy frameworks.
• Draft, review, and maintain privacy policies, notices, consent mechanisms, and internal governance documentation.
• Support and oversee data processing agreements, standard contractual clauses, and vendor privacy assessments.
• Conduct and advise on data protection impact assessments, legitimate interest assessments, data mapping, and records of processing activities.
• Partner with internal teams on privacy and security governance, including risk assessment, preparedness, and response processes.
• Advise on privacy-by-design principles for products, systems, and commercial initiatives.
• Monitor regulatory developments and provide practical implementation guidance.
• Support audits, regulatory inquiries, investigations, and compliance reporting.
• Provide practical, risk-based legal advice to internal stakeholders.
• Support complex commercial and technology transactions.
• Collaborate with external counsel and regulatory authorities as needed.
• Contribute to legal operations, policy development, and governance initiatives.
• Assist in building scalable legal frameworks to support international growth.

Requirements

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales or an equivalent European jurisdiction.
• 8–12 years post-qualification experience in IP, technology, and data protection law, gained in-house or at a leading technology/IP practice.
• Strong experience advising software, SaaS, or digital product businesses.
• Solid knowledge of UK and EU IP law and GDPR frameworks.
• Proven experience negotiating complex commercial technology agreements.
• Experience managing cross-border legal and regulatory matters.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AI, cloud computing, open-source software, or platform businesses.
• Familiarity with AI governance and emerging technology regulations such as the EU AI Act, Data Act, Digital Services Act, and NIS2 Directive.
• Experience acting as or supporting a data protection officer (DPO).
• Experience supporting technology startups, venture initiatives, or innovation-driven business units, particularly regarding IP strategy, commercialization, and privacy/data governance.
• Additional language skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary reflecting skills and experience.
• Flexible work location with options to work from home or office.
• Remote work allowance of up to 30 days per year from abroad.
• Extra time off for relaxation and personal activities.
• Medical insurance allowance.
• Access to professional development opportunities including conferences, courses, and language classes.
• Relocation support.
• Language classes.
• Meal benefits including hot meals or lunch allowance on workdays.
• Mental health support with access to professional services.
• Sports benefits such as on-site gym or sports club stipend.
• Participation in internal events and team gatherings.

Location

Flexible work location with options for remote work and office presence. Remote work from abroad permitted up to 30 days per year.

The organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.