We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Brand Protection Counsel to lead and advance our intellectual property protection and anti-counterfeiting strategy across the EMEA region.
As a key member of the Legal team, you will partner closely with business leaders, external authorities, enforcement agencies, and legal colleagues to safeguard the integrity of our brands and intellectual property assets. You will drive proactive enforcement programs, advise on complex brand protection matters, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of our global intellectual property strategy.
As the Brand Protection Counsel you will:
- Establish and execute a comprehensive EMEA brand protection strategy aligned with global business objectives.
- Strengthen relationships with customs authorities, law enforcement agencies, marketplaces, and key industry partners across the region.
- Reduce the prevalence and impact of counterfeit products and online infringement activities through effective enforcement initiatives.
- Build scalable monitoring, investigation, and takedown programs leveraging technology and data-driven insights.
- Serve as a trusted legal advisor to internal stakeholders on brand protection and intellectual property matters.
- Deliver meaningful reporting and analytics that influence strategic decisions and demonstrate program effectiveness.
- Enhance awareness of IP protection through training, education, and cross-functional engagement programs.
Location: This role is based in-person at our Paris office.
Travel Expectations: Occasional travel (approximately 10-20%).
Brand Protection and Enforcement
- Contribute to the development and lead the execution of brand protection strategies across the EMEA region, ensuring alignment with broader business and intellectual property objectives.
- Direct and oversee investigations into counterfeit and infringing activities, supporting effective civil and criminal enforcement actions while protecting brand equity and consumer trust.
- Drive the implementation and continuous enhancement of online monitoring and takedown programs across websites, online marketplaces, social media platforms, phishing sites, and sponsored advertising channels.
- Evaluate emerging market trends, technologies, and service providers to identify and deploy effective brand protection tools and solutions.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with customs authorities, law enforcement agencies, online marketplaces, and other key external stakeholders to strengthen enforcement outcomes.
- Develop and deliver anti-counterfeiting education and training programs for retail teams, cross-functional business partners, external agencies, and government authorities.
- Collaboration with stakeholders across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America, and Asia-Pacific.
Familiarity with: EU intellectual property frameworks, EU Customs Regulation, Digital Services Act (DSA), E-commerce and online platform enforcement.
Intellectual Property Advice
- Serve as a trusted legal advisor to the Brand Protection team, providing practical and commercially informed guidance on enforcement matters and intellectual property risks.
- Draft, manage, and oversee cease-and-desist communications and related enforcement activities to protect the company's intellectual property rights.
- Manage and coordinate outside counsel across EMEA, ensuring effective handling of cease-and-desist matters, civil litigation, and criminal enforcement actions.
- Partner with the Managing Counsel, Intellectual Property, on a range of intellectual property matters, including IP asset clearance, portfolio maintenance, renewals, and related prosecution support activities.
Reporting, Analysis and Legal Watch
- Oversee matter management processes and enforcement tracking to ensure accurate, timely, and meaningful reporting.
- Analyze enforcement activity and market trends to identify risks, uncover opportunities, and support the achievement of team objectives.
- Prepare and present reports and insights on brand protection and enforcement activities to support strategic decision-making and stakeholder awareness.
- Maintain awareness of relevant legal, regulatory, and marketplace developments affecting intellectual property and brand protection across EMEA.
- Represent the company through participation in industry conferences, educational forums, trade associations, advocacy groups, and other organizations that advance intellectual property protection efforts.
Leadership Competencies Successful candidates will demonstrate:
Strategic Perspective: Ability to anticipate emerging risks and design proactive solutions that protect business and brand value.
Influencing & Relationship Building: Ability to develop trusted partnerships across cultures, functions, and jurisdictions.
Business Acumen: Strong understanding of how legal decisions impact commercial objectives, customer experience, and brand reputation.
Ownership & Accountability: Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to independently manage complex matters.
Analytical Thinking: Uses data, trends, and insights to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.
Global Mindset: Comfortable operating in a highly international environment with diverse stakeholders and legal systems.
The hiring range for this position ranges from € 75,140 - € 98,280 . The rate of pay offered will be dependent upon candidates’ relevant skills and experience and is eligible for a bonus.
Required Qualifications:
- Masters in Law or Juris Doctor from accredited school
- 8 years of professional experience with a law firm, in-house legal department or brand protection team; a mix of law firm and in-house legal experience preferred
- Experience with handling brand protection matters in a retail environment strongly preferred
- Outstanding English written and oral communication skills
- Ability to use good judgment and demonstrate attention to detail
- Ability to balance a large volume of work through effective time management and prioritization
- Ability to work with a global team
Preferred:
- Qualified lawyer admitted to practice in Europe or the United Kingdom
- Experience supporting consumer products, luxury goods, retail, fashion, beauty, apparel, or other brand-centric industries.
- Familiarity with trademark portfolio management and broader intellectual property strategy.
- Ability to write and speak additional languages other than English