Richemont Senior Intellectual Property Counsel

Bellevue • Switzerland

Friday, January 17, 2025

Richemont, a prestigious conglomerate in the luxury goods sector, is renowned for its portfolio of iconic brands, including Van Cleef & Arpels. As an employer, Richemont is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where creativity and innovation are paramount. The company values freedom, collegiality, loyalty, and solidarity, and it strives to cultivate an environment that encourages empathy, curiosity, courage, humility, and integrity.

1. Provide strategic business-oriented legal advice on IP-related matters to support Van Cleef & Arpels' strategic objectives.
2. Act as a trusted advisor to the Maison teams, offering insights and recommendations on IP strategy.
3. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate IP considerations into business plans and product development.
4. Develop and implement training programs to educate Maison teams on IP issues and best practices.
5. Conduct global searches and clearance checks for names and perform prior art searches in key markets for new designs.
6. Oversee trademark, copyright, and design rights strategies, filings, and registrations.
7. Work closely with the paralegal team on trademark and design prosecution, streamlining the process and maximizing efficiency.
8. Draft, review, and provide guidance on all types of IP agreements and IP aspects of commercial agreements.
9. Support agreement reviews and negotiations with the Maison’s teams as needed.
10. Review new products for IP clearance and ensure they have appropriate IP protection.
11. Provide IP clearance review and advice on all types of communication materials.
12. Manage contentious activity globally, coordinating with external counsels and building enforcement strategies.
13. Contribute to global enforcement efforts, including anti-counterfeiting actions.

1. Sound legal education with specialization in IP, admission to an EU Bar.
2. 8-10 years of experience in an international law firm with solid litigation experience; in-house experience is a plus.
3. Fluency in French and English, both written and spoken.

1. Strong organizational and analytical skills.
2. Attention to detail and rigor.
3. Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively and work autonomously.
4. Excellent communication skills.
5. Ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
6. High degree of integrity and professionalism.
7. Agility in approach, able to shift priorities as needed.
8. Creative thinking to advise internal stakeholders on communication strategies.

8-10 years of experience in an international law firm with solid litigation experience; in-house experience is a plus.

Sound legal education with specialization in IP, admission to an EU Bar.

The role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the success of Van Cleef & Arpels, work with a dynamic and diverse team of legal professionals, and develop expertise in IP law within the luxury industry.

Richemont prides itself on its rich diversity of arts, cultures, and human skills, fostering an environment that values empathy, curiosity, courage, humility, and integrity. The company is committed to caring for the world and its people, promoting a culture of freedom, collegiality, loyalty, and solidarity.