IP & Innovation Counsel – Europe & Africa in London
IP & Innovation Counsel – Europe & Africa

IP & Innovation Counsel – Europe & Africa in London

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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Diageo

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Advise on IP protection, marketing laws, and support innovation teams across Europe and Africa.
  • Company: Join the world's leading premium drinks company with a vibrant culture.
  • Benefits: Flexible work options, competitive salary, health insurance, and generous vacation days.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of iconic brands.
  • Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 5+ years of experience in international trademarks and advertising laws.
  • Other info: Embrace diversity and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

With over 200 brands sold in nearly 180 countries, we’re the world’s leading premium drinks company. Bring your passion and use your curiosity as you explore, collaborate, and innovate to build brands consumers love. Together with passionate people from all over the world, you’ll test new ideas, learn and grow, and unlock a brighter, more exciting future.

Diageo is looking for a talented and enthusiastic lawyer to join its global legal team and support the brand IP agenda in Europe and Africa. The role reports to the Senior IP & Innovation Counsel – Europe, Middle East and Africa and involves advising across a complex range of territories, including developed and developing markets. In addition to traditional IP, the counsel will advise on advertising laws, industry specific regulations such as the European Spirit Drinks Regulations, geographical indications and provide day‑to‑day support to Europe & African Innovation and Marketing teams.

Responsibilities
  • Conduct/review preliminary clearance searches (using industry tools and external legal support).
  • Manage all aspects of IP protection and prosecution, dealing with examination reports and supporting documentation via our dedicated agent.
  • Handle opposition, revocation, cancellation actions and pre‑litigation disputes.
  • Review and approve advertising and marketing materials, product packaging and labels.
  • Review and/or draft IP agreements, including licensing, settlement, co‑existence and partnership agreements.
  • Build IP awareness and provide training to educate our business on IP matters.
Qualifications

Qualified lawyer with 5+ years of PQE, extensive experience across international trademarks, designs and copyright (contentious and non‑contentious). Must be qualified in the UK or the EU. Experience on advertising/marketing laws is highly appreciated.

The Role Also Requires
  • High levels of independent work and self‑motivation.
  • Team player energized to work with a dynamic team of 30 IP professionals worldwide.
  • Ability to anticipate and contribute to the strategy of the Global IP team.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and confidence in interacting with stakeholders across Legal, Marketing, Innovation and Regulatory functions.
  • Manage relationships with external counsels cost‑efficiently.
  • Proven ability to work with agility and pace.
  • Manage demanding workloads, prioritise what matters most.
  • Excellent communication skills, providing clear and business‑oriented advice.
  • Demonstrates deep personal accountability for great performance, stays focused on commercial priorities.
Working with Us

Flexibility is key to success. From part‑time and compressed hours to different locations our people work flexibly in ways to suit them. Talk to us about what flexibility means to you and we’ll work together so that you’re supported from day one.

Benefits
  • Contemporary work‑life balance policies and wellbeing activities.
  • On‑site gym or subsidised gym membership.
  • Contributory pension scheme.
  • Comprehensive health insurance for you and your family.
  • On‑site nursery or vouchers.
  • Annual bonus of circa 20% of base salary (dependent on performance).
  • Share options.
  • 28 days’ vacation per annum.

We recognise and value performance, offering our people a highly competitive Rewards and Benefits package. Our purpose is to celebrate life, every day, everywhere. Creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and can belong is crucial. We embrace diversity in the broadest sense. You’ll be welcomed and celebrated for who you are by being you. You’ll be part of and help build an inclusive culture that celebrates people of different gender, ethnicity, ability, age, sexual orientation, social class, educational backgrounds, experiences, mindsets, and more.

Our ambition is to create the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products company in the world. Join us and help transform our business as we take our brands to the next level and build new ones as part of shaping the next generation of celebrations for consumers around the world.

IP & Innovation Counsel – Europe & Africa in London employer: Diageo

At Diageo, we pride ourselves on being a leading premium drinks company that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. Our London office offers exceptional employee benefits, including flexible working arrangements, comprehensive health insurance, and a commitment to personal growth through training and development opportunities. Join our dynamic team of IP professionals and be part of a company that values diversity and innovation while celebrating life every day.
Diageo

Contact Detail:

Diageo Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land IP & Innovation Counsel – Europe & Africa in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your responses. The more comfortable you are speaking about your experience and skills, the better you'll perform when it counts.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.

We think you need these skills to ace IP & Innovation Counsel – Europe & Africa in London

Intellectual Property Law
Advertising Law
International Trademarks
Copyright Law
Legal Research
Contract Drafting
Stakeholder Management
Team Collaboration
Agility in Work
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Self-Motivation
Training and Development
Strategic Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for IP and innovation shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission to build brands consumers love.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in international trademarks, designs, and copyright. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so showcase your skills that match the role!

Be Clear and Concise: In your cover letter, get straight to the point. We appreciate clear communication, so outline your qualifications and how you can contribute to our dynamic team without any fluff.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.

How to prepare for a job interview at Diageo

Know Your IP Basics

Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of intellectual property laws, especially those relevant to the drinks industry. Familiarise yourself with the European Spirit Drinks Regulations and geographical indications, as these will likely come up in conversation.

Showcase Your Experience

Be ready to discuss your previous experience with trademarks, designs, and copyright. Prepare specific examples of how you've handled contentious and non-contentious IP matters, and be sure to highlight any advertising law experience you have.

Demonstrate Team Spirit

This role requires collaboration with various teams, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment. Highlight your ability to manage relationships with stakeholders across different functions, showcasing your interpersonal skills.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the company's approach to innovation and how the legal team supports that vision. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their goals.

IP & Innovation Counsel – Europe & Africa in London
Diageo
Location: London
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