Senior Specialist (Paralegal) - Marketing & Innovation

The Senior Specialist (Paralegal) - Marketing & Innovation is responsible for the collaborative development and execution of the holistic Petcare marketing brand and innovation strategies, projects and initiatives to ensure they are aligned with our end-to-end demand strategy and support our overall growth, innovation, demand and marketing agenda within Petcare. The role will partner with the Petcare divisions and brand teams to oversee and manage the Marketing & Innovation work, including but not limited to intellectual property matters, trademark counseling, watch notices review, enforcement, training, trade dress, online/social media activities and claims along with other general legal matters.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 12+ years of experience as a paralegal in-house or at a major law firm.
• Prior experience in the food or consumer product industry preferred.
• Demonstrated success in supporting the day-to-day in-house activities of a global trademark and intellectual property practice, or a portion thereof, in an active and challenging environment that services multiple global business units.
• Competency in the development and implementation of global IP & Brand and Innovation strategies, a company’s brand assets and related trademark and copyright portfolios.
• Competency in the execution of brand visual identity (trademark, copyright, design, trade dress) and related strategy.
• Evidence of use gathering for trademark prosecution and enforcement matters and ability to collect and sustain an evidence library.
• Working in a global business environment, with requisite sensitivity and organizational savviness.
• Trademark databases and legal billing software such as Symphony and Legal Tracker, respectively, as well as PowerPoint and Excel.
• Proficiency in working with CoPilot in an efficient and responsible way in accordance with Mars Responsible AI Policy.
• Ability to learn and master additional computerized programs as needed.
• Written and verbal skills and experience with working collaboratively with global, regional and local business units and marketing professionals as required.
• Ability to work independently on complex projects with little oversight.
• Takes initiative while prioritising conflicting demands from multiple stakeholders and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High-level working knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, Power Point, and Internet research capability.
• Willingness to obtain job-related continuing education as needed.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Managing and executing brand strategy of the assigned business segment/brands through commercially-focused IP and Legal support, guidance and training which will include providing input into brand strategy development.
• Participating in marketing and/or brand community meetings as necessary, and liaising with others across Petcare and Mars and developing collaborative relationships and credibility, including providing ongoing training.
• Implementing and sustaining brand strategy that promotes the consistent use of our brands and supports business, brand and innovation strategies.
• Assisting in resolving critical brand challenges across local, regional, and global business teams.
• Providing support and working autonomously to perform the legal tasks necessary to implement our enforcement strategy, such as the investigation of potential infringements, trademark oppositions and cancellations, cease and desist letters, litigation and related consents, co-existence agreements and settlements, gathering evidence of use supporting the above, and assisting with local counsel relations as requested.
• In collaboration with the AGC – Marketing & Innovation, serving as the primary point of contact and support for certain brands.
• Ensuring the consistent use of our brands globally in collaboration with the Mars Center of Legal Excellence (CoLE), in particular through artwork review.
• Developing and executing global guidance, clearance and filing programs and collaborating with the CoLE team and business to implement same.
• Monitoring and following up on dates associated with the U.S. and foreign dockets, including clearing dates and providing follow-up for agreed upon activities in particular enforcement and dispute matters.
• Working with and managing outside counsel.
• Adhering to billing guidelines and completing invoice review as required.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.