Legal Counsel - Trademarks 

CDI - COTY Inc.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

Business minded trademark lawyer to support the Coty IP and business teams.  At least 4 years of experience in connection with a worldwide trademark practice (common law and civil law based systems) including experience in trademark clearance, trademark litigation, drafting contracts relevant to a practice in the intellectual property arena, and preparing oppositions before the EUIPO (and ideally before other trademark offices in the EU). At least two years’ experience with an IP law firm and at least two years of in-house experience. 

Based in Paris, France. Fluent in English and French. Interest in the consumer products area is critical.  Position will report to the Assistant General Counsel, Trademarks. Excellent writing skills in English, sound judgment, strategic insight and the ability to seamlessly handle significant demands in a fast paced environment are required. Well-developed ability to understand and explain risks including analysis, mitigation opportunities and strategic options. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work with internal clients to address IP needs of the company
• Manage the clearance of new marks, trademark prosecution process, and trademark maintenance deadlines
• Conduct initial investigations into possible infringements and enforce company IP rights as necessary, handle incoming IP demands as they rise
• Draft and respond to cease and desist letters and negotiate successful outcomes for the business
• Advise on copyright related matters including copyright registrations and copyright permission requests
• Understand the RCD process
• Conduct legal review of marketing and advertising materials
• Provide training and support on legal issues and developments to business teams
• Manage intake and onboarding of acquired IP portfolios
• Manage outside counsel as necessary
• Work with Coty licensors to support their brands

Key Functional Attributes and Skills to Succeed:

• Must be a self-starter, able to work independently, yet have a win for the team outlook
• Must be strategic; see the big picture, yet be detail orientated
• Be effective as a communicator able to drive a process while addressing not just legal, but also pragmatic business considerations
• Able to explain complex legal concerns in easy to digest terms to align internal constituencies
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills required with high level of mental ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Education requirements:

• Degree in Law
• Bar admission or registration as qualified IP attorney

Nice to have certification:

• LL.M. in IP law
• TOEFL or English certificate