Chanel Intellectual Property & Design Counsel

About Chanel

Chanel is a privately held Parisian maison renowned for couture, ready-to-wear, accessories, fragrances and beauty. As an employer, the brand emphasizes creativity, artisanal craft and rigorous protection of its aesthetic heritage, operating globally with cross‑functional teams that support design, marketing and commercial activities.

Role & Responsibilities

• Secure and protect creative developments, products, and launches through prior art searches, product clearances, risk evaluations, freedom-to-operate strategies, and appropriate protection filings
• Advise operational teams on strategic IP matters, including analyses, pragmatic counsel, and consultations; raise awareness of intellectual property considerations across the organization
• Manage, optimize, and enhance the intellectual property rights portfolio for the Fragrance & Beauty division
• Serve as a central coordination point across IP teams, delivering recommendations with pedagogical approach and diplomatic acumen
• Draft and negotiate contracts and agreements related to product creation and intellectual property, including designer contracts, creative agency agreements, artist and consultant agreements, coexistence accords, licenses, assignments, and related instruments
• Handle pre-contentious and contentious matters related to design and intellectual property, including case file preparation, research and analysis, cease-and-desist letter drafting, opposition and cancellation proceedings, and settlement negotiations
• Prepare presentations, guidelines, processes, and supporting documentation for senior stakeholders
• Contribute to cross-functional projects within the Legal Department at global or regional level
• Manage budget and oversee the international network of external counsel and service providers

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of demonstrated experience in intellectual property law and contract law, developed in law firms and/or corporate settings
• Fluent English proficiency, both written and oral
• Strong analytical and interpersonal capabilities enabling strategic thinking, actionable planning, and trust-based relationships with operational stakeholders
• Advanced proficiency with standard IT tools (Office suite, legal databases, Internet)
• High business acumen, proactivity, adaptability, and demonstrated interest in emerging trends and innovation
• Team player with collaborative mindset and commitment to team cohesion and collective momentum
• Responsiveness and pragmatism in addressing business needs with agility

Skills

Experience

Minimum 5 years of professional experience in intellectual property law and contract law, acquired in law firms and/or in-house corporate environments. Prior exposure to the luxury sector, particularly fragrance and beauty, is advantageous but not required.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree (Master's in Law or equivalent qualification). Qualification as an attorney or admission to a bar association is expected.

Workplace

Culture

The workplace culture blends haute couture creativity with rigorous brand stewardship. Teams operate with discretion and cross‑disciplinary collaboration, valuing craftsmanship, excellence and a proactive approach to protecting the maison’s creative assets.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.