Brand Protection Counsel

Job description

Richemont, one of the world leaders in the luxury sector, has various Houses specializing in jewelry, watches and high-end accessories. Each Maison proudly embodies a tradition of style, quality and craftsmanship and Richemont strives to preserve the heritage and identity specific to each of them. At the same time, we are committed to innovating and designing new products in line with the values ​​of our Houses, through a process of permanent creativity.

You will be part of the Anti-Counterfeiting and Brand Protection team, assisting with the management and oversight of all brand protection matters for Richemont Maisons and to give input into strategic planning as required.

HOW WILL YOU MAKE AN IMPACT?

As a Brand Protection Counsel, you will cover a wide range of activities, including:

- Assist with management of anti-counterfeiting and brand protection matters for all Maisons globally, working within the Richemont IP team to ensure that Richemont’s and its Maisons’ trade marks, design rights, domain names and other intellectual property (including social media names, content and video) are protected across the digital landscape, at customs and in all other physical locations. Take on responsibility and ownership of matters in particular regions/countries, to be key contact with colleagues and external counsel in those regions, and lead on brand protection strategy for specific jurisdictions.

- Assist with annual review and update of anti-counterfeiting strategy, to be presented to senior management. Assist with overseeing the team’s work across different databases and data sets to identify and take action against the largest commercial-scale threats, as well as respond to Richemont and Maison business needs such as launch of e-commerce in new territories, launch of new social media accounts and opening of physical retail and production locations.

- Assess and implement new technologies and vendors to further contribute to the development and execution of strategic goals where appropriate; own key decision-making and transformational processes within brand protection to drive innovation.

- Work closely with Richemont business units such as Group Marketing, Group e-Commerce, Group Customer Services, Group Transformation Office and Group Cyber and Physical Security on matters relating to counterfeit goods; provide strategic advice as to business processes and responses.

- Instruct and oversee analysis of infringement data, using this to provide insights into evolving issues and trends for the IP lawyers, and assist them in development of Maison IP strategies. Provide proactive advice as to IP rights “wish lists” with additional IP protections that would be beneficial.

- Provide proactive advice on developments worldwide regarding both online and offline anti-counterfeiting and brand protection matters. This includes representing and negotiating Richemont IP interests externally with third party online providers (social media, search engines, marketplaces, advertisers etc.), in connection with legislative initiatives on IP abuse through TRACIT and other trade associations, and before various other working groups such INTA.

- Liaise with third party monitoring and enforcement providers,and help drive their technology development strategy. Liaise with and act as key representative for relationships with other anti-counterfeiting vendors and providers. Review existing relationships and providers periodically, conducting RFPs where appropriate to ensure that all systems and solutions remain competitive and fit for purpose.
- Oversee work to investigate, monitor and analyse online content for infringing activity. Liaise with IP lawyers and Maisons, including regular update reporting; instruct investigations from third party providers and test purchases.

- Oversee and manage large scale digital enforcement matters, litigation and other digital anti-counterfeiting projects for both in-house and external counsel.

- Ensure that customs recordals are implemented, oversee preparation and delivery of customs training, and oversee work with relevant law enforcement and customs authorities following seizures of possible counterfeit Maison products, including liaising with Maison contacts in relation to authentications.

- Prepare and provide annual reports to the IP team and wider business, as well as ad hoc updates as required.

- Advise in respect of global Paid Search Strategy; support on global Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Advertising strategy.

- Advise on global Domain Name Policy and Strategy.

- Maintain current awareness of applicable legislation/case law.

HOW WILL YOU EXPERIENCE SUCCESS WITH US?

Technical skills:
- Qualified lawyer in a relevant jurisdiction (eg. Switzerland, England & Wales, France) with 1-5 years of post-qualification experience (specific experience in brand protection not necessary if willing to learn and can demonstrate interest in the area)
- Advanced systems experience, i.e. Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- French and English speaking
- Personal Skills
- Good team player with a positive “can do” approach
- Ability to develop effective working relationships across the department and business
- Ability to use initiative and work consistently without close supervision
- Meticulous attention to detail and takes pride in work
- Ability to manage competing priorities
- Strong organisational/time management skills
- Forward thinking and able to plan ahead
- Excellent communication (oral and written)
- Flexible approach to work and working hours

WHAT MAKES OUR GROUP DIFFERENT?

Our true power does not lie in our similarities but in the rich diversity of our arts, cultures, and human skills, as well as our specific ability to foster untapped potential.

- We value freedom, collegiality, loyalty, and solidarity.
- We foster empathy, curiosity, courage, humility, and integrity.
- We care for the world we live in.

YOUR JOURNEY WITH US

1.   If your application is selected, we will reach out to you ASAP for an informal introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner.

2.    The next step from there would be a panel interview with the Hiring Manager, some team members, and the HR Manager.

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