Executive

Executive Legal/Assistant Manager – Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

ROLE OBJECTIVE:

To proactively manage, protect, and enforce the Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) of Adani Wilmar Limited across jurisdictions, including trademarks, copyrights, and related assets. This role also involves strategic filings, oppositions, litigation coordination, brand enforcement, licensing, and overall IP risk mitigation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

A.      Intellectual Property Protection & Prosecution:

Ø  Secure, protect, and enforce the Company’s IP portfolio, including trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs, both in India and globally.

Ø  File and manage applications for registration of trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs domestically and internationally (including under the Madrid Protocol).

Ø  Prepare and file recordals including Assignment Deeds, Trademark License Agreements, and Authorizations with relevant IP offices.

Ø  Maintain IP ownership records and databases for filings, renewals, oppositions, and litigation.

B.      Opposition, Hearings & Legal Filings:

Ø  Conduct clearance searches, monitor third-party filings, and file oppositions/rectifications against similar or infringing marks.

Ø  Attend hearings before IP authorities and lead evidence submissions to prove usage, acquired distinctiveness, and brand strength.

Ø  Draft and file documents in contentious IP matters including legal notices, written statements, and affidavits.

C.       Enforcement & Litigation:

Ø  Issue Cease and Desist notices to infringers, counterfeiters, and unauthorized users across physical and digital platforms.

Ø  Initiate and support legal actions for infringement, passing off, counterfeiting, and domain name disputes.

Ø   Coordinate with external counsel, enforcement agencies, and internal teams for evidence collection, raid actions, and litigation strategy.

Ø  Support briefing of senior counsel and monitor litigation progress.

D.      Advisory & Compliance:

Ø  Advise on trademark adoption, filing strategy, enforcement, and brand risk mitigation in India and abroad.

Ø  Prepare SOPs, compliance notes, and internal training modules related to IP, advertising, and digital brand use.

Ø  Provide legal opinions on enforcement of foreign judgments/decrees, cyber infringements, intermediary liability, and cross-border disputes.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

Ø   Familiar with IPR management tools and online filing platforms (Indian IP Portal, WIPO, EUIPO, USPTO, etc.).

Ø   Experienced in leveraging legal research databases such as SCC Online, Manupatra, and other legal information systems for case law analysis and statutory interpretation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Ø  Education: LL.B. / LL.M

Ø  Experience: 3-8 years of post-qualification experience in IPR law, preferably with a mix of in-house and law firm exposure, involving domestic and international trademark portfolios, enforcement, and IP litigation.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

Ø  Strong drafting, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Ø  Sound understanding of Indian and global IPR regimes

Ø  High level of ownership, independence, and attention to detail

Ø  Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Ø  Ability to multitask and manage external counsel and vendors efficiently