Senior Legal Counsel – Global Brand Protection Enforcement

Job description

Location : London

Reports to: Head of Global Brand Protection Enforcement

Contract: Full-time, permanent

About Chanel

Chanel is a private company and a world leader in the creation, development, manufacturing and distribution of luxury products. Founded by Gabrielle Chanel at the beginning of the last century, the House offers a broad range of high‑end creations including Ready‑to‑Wear, Leather Goods, Fashion Accessories, Eyewear, Fragrances, Makeup, Skincare, Jewellery and Watches, as well as Haute Couture collections.

Dedicated to ultimate luxury and the highest level of craftsmanship, Chanel is a brand whose core values are historically grounded in exceptional creation. At Chanel, we strive to create an inclusive and inspiring workplace where people can perform at their best, grow personally and professionally, and contribute to collective progress. Our core values are excellence, integrity, curiosity, generosity, collaboration, and delivering best‑in‑class legal services.

Brand Protection at Chanel

The Chanel brand is one of the House’s most important assets, and robust brand protection enforcement is critical to preserving its equity, exclusivity and desirability. In a context of rapid digital transformation, evolving business models, increasing online infringement and the rise of AI-driven risks, effective enforcement requires deep legal expertise, strong coordination and continuous innovation.

Chanel is deeply committed to the fight against counterfeiting and IP infringement and mobilises significant internal and external resources worldwide. Brand protection goes beyond safeguarding brand image: it plays a key role in protecting consumers from deceptive and potentially harmful products. The Global Brand Protection Enforcement team works at the heart of this mission, partnering closely with regional teams, digital platforms and external stakeholders to deliver decisive, forward-looking enforcement across all channels.

In 2024, these efforts resulted in the seizure of more than five million counterfeit products and components across more than 84 markets, the identification and notification of over 1,800 new websites, the removal of more than 800,000 counterfeit offers from social

networks and marketplaces, and the proactive withdrawal of more than 11 million counterfeit advertisements by online platforms.

Role Purpose

As Senior Legal Counsel – Global Brand Protection Enforcement, you will play a pivotal role supporting the Head of Global Brand Protection Enforcement in shaping and executing Chanel’s global brand protection enforcement strategy, with a specific focus on online brand protection.

You will provide senior legal expertise to protect the brand against counterfeiting and infringement across digital and physical environments, working in close collaboration with regional brand protection enforcement teams. The role requires a strategic mindset, strong IP and brand protection expertise, deep understanding of digital platforms and technology, and the ability to influence global stakeholders and key online players to ensure Chanel remains at the forefront of brand protection.

Key Impact and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

·  Support the development and implementation of the global brand protection enforcement strategy across online and offline channels.
·  Lead, under the direction of the Head of Global Brand Protection Enforcement, the global online enforcement strategy.
·  Provide senior legal advice on complex brand protection matters, contributing to risk management, decision-making and KPI definition.
·  Lead and coordinate negotiations with online platforms, in close partnership with regional enforcement teams.

Operational Excellence & Programme Management

·  Coordinate dedicated global enforcement programmes, ensuring alignment and consistency across regions and markets.
·  Develop and maintain escalation processes, operational guidelines and enforcement playbooks.

Technology & Innovation

·  Drive adoption of innovative, technology-driven enforcement tools and solutions.
·  Monitor global trends, emerging platforms, digital threats and enforcement opportunities.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy
·  Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders (Public Affairs, Media & Communications, IT, Business Ethics, Audit, Business Operations).
·  Manage external relationships with IP associations, online platforms and service providers.

·  Represent Chanel in negotiations, industry forums and policy discussions related to brand protection enforcement.

Reporting, Data & Budget Management

·  Oversee service provider performance, contracts and budgets.
·  Ensure regular, business-friendly reporting and data-driven insights.

Awareness, Training & Knowledge Sharing

·  Lead development of training tools and awareness initiatives for internal and external stakeholders, including customs and online enforcement modules.
·  Ensure regional teams and service providers are equipped with up-to-date tools, information and best practices.

What You Will Bring

·  Qualified lawyer or equivalent professional training, with significant post-qualification experience in IP law and brand protection enforcement, particularly online.
·  Experience developing and implementing enforcement strategies in a multinational environment.
·  Deep understanding of digital platforms, online ecosystems, new technologies and counterfeiting trends.
·  Proven ability to manage complex projects, coordinate global teams and engage senior stakeholders.
·  Strong analytical, data-driven mindset.
·  Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills in English; additional languages are an advantage.

Other Qualities
·  Strategic, proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
·  High attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
·  Flexible, agile and adaptable to evolving challenges.
·  Strong team spirit and interpersonal skills.
·  Advocate for an inclusive and collaborative working culture.

What You Will Gain From This Experience

·  Being part of a global brand protection community that actively supports development and collective success.
·  Exposure to an international matrix organisation.
·  Opportunities to work with diverse teams and stakeholders across regions and cultures.
·  Belonging to a company committed to growth, innovation and sustainability.

At Chanel, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that nurtures personal growth and collective progress. We strongly encourage your application and value the perspective, experience and potential you could bring to the House.