Hermès Intellectual Property Legal Trainee

About Hermès

Hermès is an independent, family-owned Maison renowned for its artisanal craftsmanship, discretion and long-term approach to luxury. The company operates across multiple métiers—creation, manufacture and distribution—and is supported at group level by Hermès International. The Legal Department provides in-house counsel across the Maison’s product lines and international footprint.

Role & Responsibilities

• Support validation and legal clearance of new product projects and collection plans (availability analysis, competitor watch, legal risk assessment).
• Perform trademark, design and other IP clearance searches and analyse prior rights in France and internationally.
• Draft and manage contracts transferring or licensing intellectual property rights for new projects and products.
• Monitor and follow up on industrial property filings and third-party notifications and oppositions.
• Assist with surveillance and defence actions (oppositions, cancellations, revocations) and with pre-litigation and litigation files in IP matters.
• Contribute to coexistence agreement analyses and transactional protocols; assist in trademark freeing actions (cancellation, revocation procedures).
• Advise and support operational teams across Leather Goods, Ready-to-Wear, Accessories, Footwear, Jewellery and Equestrian on IP-related questions.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in or holder of a Master 2 (LL.M. equivalent) in Intellectual Property Law or equivalent programme.
• Ideally at least 6 months’ prior internship experience in-house or in a law firm, preferably in IP law.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Highly organised, pragmatic, reactive and able to respect strict confidentiality.
• Strong team spirit with ability to become quickly autonomous in day-to-day tasks.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and comfortable using legal databases.

Skills

Experience

Beginners accepted; ideally at least 6 months’ prior internship experience in a company or law firm with exposure to intellectual property matters.

Education

Master 2 in Intellectual Property Law (in progress or completed) or equivalent.

Workplace

Culture

Hermès emphasises craftsmanship, discretion and long-term commitment; its culture blends rigorous standards with creativity and respect for artisanal methods. The Legal Department operates as a business partner to creative and operational teams and values confidentiality, collaboration and professional development.

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.