Advisor, Intellectual Property And Technology Law at MTN Nigeria

Employment Status: Permanent
Department: Corporate Services Management

Job Description

• Protect the organization’s assets in the area of intellectual property and protect the organization from all IP related claims
• Responsible for preparing patent or trademark documents, licensing agreements, service agreements, transfer agreements and other contracts or agreements as necessary.
• Also responsible for preparing legal documents, reviewing company policies and litigating matters regarding intellectual property (IP)
• Ensure continuous liaison with external solicitors for regular updates, compliance with procedural rules of court, stipulated time limits for actions, etc. To minimize the cost and adverse effect of ip related claims and litigation.
• Assist in the development of appropriate ip strategies for the company’s business
• Conduct IP clearance for safe use of all new product names and designs, and trademark and design protection as appropriate.
• Docket and review actions relevant to the company’s ip portfolio
• Engage and manage external counsel to handle ip filings and portfolio maintenance services.
• Draft and negotiate ip agreements and other IP-related contractual provisions
• Provide advice on compliance with applicable laws, legal obligations and implications on the company’s business conduct, transactions and policies as it relates to IPR and technology
• Manage IP enforcement, including litigation, anti-counterfeiting, cease & desist letters, competitor monitoring etc.
• Protect the organization's assets in the area of intellectual property.
• Provide legal opinion on intellectual property issues and technology-related commercial agreements
• Carry out legal (administrative) services work including liaison/correspondence with external bodies and organizations.
• Continuously engage and manage relevant stakeholders within the IP/Technology ecosystem including but not limited to the trademarks registry, Nigerian copyrights commission, the patents and design registry, world intellectual property rights organization..
• Continuously seek self-professional development to sharpen skills and capabilities in a versatile and evolving digital landscape.
• Foster active collaboration and relationships with employees across all levels and divisions in line with MTN’s vb and values.

Job Condition

• Normal MTNN working conditions.

Requirements, Experience & Training

• Licensed to practice Law in Nigeria (Nigerian Law school certificate)
• Relevant IP law certifications
• Experience in IP/Technology Law and practice.

Experience:

• 3-7 years’ experience in the area of specialisation; with experience in supervising others
• Experience working in a medium organization
• Experience in ip/technology law and practice
• Knowledge of telecommunications environment will be an advantage.
• In depth experience and understanding of the Nigerian framework,

Training:

• Basic GSM technology
• Contract drafting and negotiation skills
• Opposition applications involving ipr assets
• Contemporary issues on copyrights, trademarks, patents, and other ipr assets.

Minimum Qualification

• B.Eng, B.Sc, B.Tech or HND