We’re looking for a IP Lawyer – Senior Legal Counsel to join our team in London, UK
The IP Lawyer will be a key member of the Commercial Legal team with the ultimately plan to transition over to Liberty Blume in time. The role will play a key role supporting Liberty Blume (an exciting and emerging new business within the LG family), and particularly Liberty Shared Services (one pillar of this business focussing on BPO solutions) in all aspects of its core product and service roadmap, commercial contracting and IP relating to product development, IPR creation and licensing (including third party licences) and strategy.
This position requires a solid foundation in IP law including a particular focus and depth of expertise on copyright, licensing, software, IPR issues relating to AI and trademarks and practical experience in handling IP portfolios and related legal issues. As the IP Lawyer you will provide legal support to the Liberty Blume business with the upside of being part of the Liberty Global UK Commercial Legal team, assisting in the protection, management, and enforcement of the business’s intellectual property assets. This role involves conducting legal research, drafting and filing IP documents, and supporting senior lawyers in various IP related matters, including potentially litigious matters. Experience of commercial contracts will also be necessary for the role.
Key Responsibilities
- Proficiency in managing a number of commercial contracts for a range of internal clients / OpCo clients.
- Manage a portfolio of IP assets and trade secret registers, with a wide breadth of knowledge of all aspects of IPR with a particular focus on copyright and trademarks (some patent knowledge would be useful).
- Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions & disposals and licensing deals.
- Advise on strategic aspects of trademarks and assist in obtaining trademark & domain name protection for any new trademarks / businesses, and strategies for the recording and protection of copyright.
- Experience negotiating commercial, IP, software agreements.
- Provide strategic IP advice on a variety of business matters, including product development, marketing and licensing.
- Handle IP-related disputes, including opposition, cancellations, TM challenges and infringement actions.
- Conduct legal research and analysis on complex IP issues including supporting VP / MD on AI related IPR issues.
- Collaborate with internal clients and external counsel to achieve IP objectives.
- Draft and review IP-related agreements, such as licensing and assignment agreements. In particular a strong knowledge of app agreements and linear licensing deals with any of the leading channel brands / app providers would be key;
- Assist in the preparation and management of IP portfolios.
- Monitor the IP landscape for potential infringements or opportunities.
- Support senior lawyers in IP litigation and dispute resolution matters.
- Attend client meetings and provide general IP advice.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential Skills & Abilities:
- Solid understanding of licensing, trademark and copyright law.
- Proactive and can-do attitude.
- Ability to learn fast, see the big picture and act commercially.
- Deep experience in commercial contracting.
- Experience in IP strategy and protection and portfolio management and prosecution.
- Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Education & Experience
- Law degree (LLB or equivalent) with a strong academic record.
- Qualified lawyer with at least 5 years of post-qualification experience in intellectual property law, licensing and commercial contracting.
- Private practice training at a top law firm would be beneficial.
- Experience at a start up / scale up would be beneficial.
- Experience in house would be beneficial.
- Welcome diverse candidates.
What’s in it for you?
- Competitive salary + Bonus
- 25 days annual leave with the option to purchase 5 more
- Access to wellbeing and mental health benefits such as the Calm app, personal medical, critical illness cover and dental insurance
- Matched pension contribution up to 10%
- Access to our car benefit scheme
- Access to our online learning platform to continue to develop and grow your career with us
- The chance to join an innovative, fast-paced and passionate team
Who We Are
We’re building Tomorrow’s Connections Today, bringing people together through the power of our technology.
Liberty Global is a world leader in converged broadband, video and mobile communications and an active investor in cutting-edge infrastructure, content and technology ventures.
With our investments in fibre-based and 5G networks we play a vital role in society, currently providing over 85 million fixed and mobile connections and rolling out the next generation of products and services, while readying our networks for 10 Gbps and beyond.
We’re creating national champions, combining the best broadband and mobile networks under brands such as Virgin Media-02 in the UK, VodafoneZiggo in The Netherlands, Telenet in Belgium, Sunrise in Switzerland, Virgin Media in Ireland and UPC in Slovakia.
Liberty Global Ventures, our global investment arm, has a portfolio of more than 75 companies and funds across content, technology and infrastructure, including strategic stakes in ITV, Univision, Plume, Lionsgate and the Formula E racing series.
Our scale enables us to transfer knowledge and expertise across our operations and investments, creating a dynamic family of brands united in the pursuit of innovation and excellence.
And we’re prioritising diversity, equity and inclusion in our workplace and communities, while reducing our impact on the environment. We are using technology as a force for good; for our people, our partners and the planet.
Liberty Global is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our people. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process. We’re 100% committed to having a workforce that represents every part of our society. So we’re keen to hear from candidates of all background and circumstances.