IP Legal Advisor - Department of Research and Innovation at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: 

Negotiate and draft legal research contracts, commercialization contracts and formalize collaborations with industry partners:

• Serve as the dedicated Intellectual Property (IP) Legal Advisor for DRI. Ensure strict compliance with the University of Pretoria’s (UP) IP policy, current IP legislation, and other pertinent laws and regulations;
• Oversee the implementation of the Contract Research Policy, the Intellectual Property Policy, and the Intellectual Property and Compliance Regulations, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and legal requirements;
• Promote and facilitate contract research and innovation at the University of Pretoria. This includes developing strategies to access research and innovation opportunities, and defining and implementing pathways to market for UP’s technological innovation;
• Identify industry partners and provide expert legal advice on potential licensing agreements. Work proactively to establish beneficial collaborations and agreements that advance UP's research and innovation objectives;
• Negotiate, draft, review, and approve research contracts. Ensure that all documents meet legal standards and protect the interests of the university;

Intellectual property due diligence and support: 

• Analyse and evaluate new invention disclosures for potential IP protection and commercialization;
• Organize and actively participate in IP evaluation committee meetings to assess the viability of IP protection and commercialization strategies;
• Prepare comprehensive IP due diligence reports to support decision-making processes for IP protection and commercialization;
• Ensure analysis of needs and implementation of interventions as per needs;

General management of UP IP portfolio and stakeholder management:

• Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders involved in IP management and commercialization;
• Ensure robust protection and enforcement of UP IP rights;
• Expand and diversify the UP IP portfolio;
• Identify and mitigate risks related to UP IP management;
• Complete the relevant NIPMO forms to inform NIPMO of the intention to lapse specific patents;
• Conducting IP audits. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant Bachelor’s / BTech Degree; with
• A total of five years’ experience in:
• Technology transfer;
• Working with intellectual property registration.