Senior IP Counsel

Overview

Richemont is a global luxury goods group composed of renowned maisons across jewelry, watches, leather goods and accessories. The group places a premium on heritage, exceptional craftsmanship and long-term brand stewardship, operating through autonomous maisons while providing centralized legal, commercial and operational support across international markets.

Role & Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global intellectual property strategy to protect and enhance the value of the group’s brands and designs.
• Manage prosecution and maintenance of trademarks, designs and patents across multiple jurisdictions, in coordination with external counsels and local teams.
• Lead enforcement actions including anti‑counterfeiting initiatives, oppositions, cancellations, customs recordations and domain disputes.
• Provide pragmatic IP advice to product, marketing, commercial and e‑commerce teams on clearances, launches, branding, packaging and collaborations.
• Draft, negotiate and review IP‑related agreements such as licensing, coexistence, confidentiality and technology transfer contracts.
• Oversee outside counsel selection, budgets and litigation strategy for complex disputes and cross‑border matters.
• Conduct IP due diligence for commercial transactions, retail partnerships and acquisitions; advise on risk mitigation.
• Design and deliver IP training and policies to raise awareness and ensure consistent enforcement across regions.

Qualifications

• Law degree (JD, LLB or equivalent) with admission to practice in a recognised jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 7 years’ post‑qualification experience focused on intellectual property law, with a mix of private practice and in‑house exposure.
• Proven experience managing global trademark and patent portfolios and leading enforcement actions.
• Demonstrable experience negotiating IP and commercial agreements and managing contentious proceedings.
• Strong commercial acumen, sound judgment and the ability to translate legal risk into business solutions.
• Experience in luxury, fashion, consumer goods or high‑value brands preferred.

Skills

Experience

At least seven years of post‑qualification experience with substantial exposure to trademark, patent and design matters; hands‑on experience in enforcement, litigation strategy and managing outside counsel across multiple jurisdictions. Prior work with luxury or consumer brands is highly valued.

Education

Law degree (JD/LLB or equivalent) and admission to the bar or equivalent professional qualification.

Culture

Richemont fosters a culture that values craftsmanship, brand stewardship and long‑term thinking. The group combines the entrepreneurial spirit of independent maisons with a collaborative, multinational legal and commercial environment focused on protecting heritage and driving premium brand value.