Legal Manager - Design Attorney

Job Title: Legal Manager - Design Attorney

Job Location: Bangalore

About Unilever

Be part of the world s most successful, purpose-led business. Work with brands that are well-loved around the world, that improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We promote innovation, big and small, to make our business win and grow; and we believe in business as a force for good. Unleash your curiosity, challenge ideas and disrupt processes; use your energy to make this happen. Our brilliant business leaders and colleagues provide mentorship and inspiration, so you can be at your best.

Every individual here can bring their purpose to life through their work. Join us and you ll be surrounded by inspiring leaders and supportive peers. Among them, you ll channel your purpose, bring fresh ideas to the table, and simply be you. As you work to make a real impact on the business and the world, we ll work to help you become a better you.

Who we are and what we offer

In order to unlock our full potential and accelerate business performance, Unilever has set out a Growth Action Plan. It outlines the steps we are taking to deliver faster growth, drive productivity and simplicity, and dial up our performance culture. Our 30 Power Brands are front and centre of our Growth Action Plan, as is unmissable brand superiority across and accelerating science and technology.

We are at the forefront of innovation and digitalisation with GenAI tools, data and Powerhouses shaping the future of how we work. The Legal Powerhouses are part of the legal function and provide defined, structured services to our other lawyers and to the broader business. Unilevers legal team has recently been awarded Most Innovative In-House Legal Team in Europe and In-House Legal Team using GenerativeAI.

Job Purpose:

The role of the Legal Group is to protect Unilever and help it to win. This role reports into a Senior Patent Attorney and is one of two newly created roles that will, as part of the Legal Powerhouse, provide legal support for our global R&D function and the wider business in ensuring protection of the design of our products to deliver unmissable superiority.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Unilever at a pivotal moment for the company. In order to deliver the ambitions of Unilever s Growth Action Plan, Unilever R&D will need to create differentiated products and packs that stand out on shelf. This role will be responsible for protecting that differentiation through creative use of registered designs globally.

Responsibilities

Together with the other Powerhouse colleagues and members of the Patents team, you will be responsible for:

• Day-to day building and management of a global design portfolio (including filing and prosecution) for several of Unilever s global Business Groups.

• Working closely with Patents, Trade Marks, R&D colleagues and marketing to align design strategies with the business priorities and the wider IP strategy.

• Assisting Brand Protection, Trade Mark and Patent colleagues in enforcement actions that involve design rights.

• Raising IP awareness (including through training) across R&D and the wider business on the need to protect the design of our products and ensuring compliance with our Code of Business Principles.

About You:

Essential

• Legally qualified with 10+ years PQE in working with IP, including registered designs.

• Strong English language drafting and legal advisory skills.

• Working knowledge of the global designs system, including EU, US and Hague systems.

• Attention to detail.

• Ability to work with colleagues across multiple time zones and countries and at all levels.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to distil complex issues simply.

• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills to cope with multiple stakeholders, competing deadlines and priorities.

Preferable

• Patent attorney or trademark attorney qualification.

• Experience in handling assignments and licences.

• Working knowledge of copyright and unregistered design systems.

• Experience of working in a multi-national and/or consumer goods company.

• Experience of handling contentious matters.