Swatch Group Senior Legal Counsel – Brand Protection & Online IP Enforcement
- Location
- BienneBernSwitzerland
- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Senior
- Department
- Legal & Compliance
- Industry
- Fine Watches & Horology
- Posted
- Aug 18, 2026
About Swatch Group
Swatch Group stands as one of the world’s foremost watchmaking groups, uniting Swiss industrial excellence with a portfolio of distinguished maisons spanning accessible design, prestige horology, and high complication craft. As an employer, the Group offers a uniquely integrated environment, from research, manufacturing, and movement development to brand management, retail, and global operations. Rooted in Biel/Bienne and present worldwide, it values technical mastery, creative curiosity, and long-term commitment. Employees contribute to a culture where heritage, innovation, precision, and entrepreneurial energy converge, supporting iconic brands while shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking on an international stage.
Swatch Group seeks Senior Legal Counsel (Brand Protection/Online IP Enforcement) in Bienne, Switzerland. Lead IP enforcement strategy across 16 global watch brands.
Role & Responsibilities
- Develop and execute comprehensive brand protection and online IP enforcement strategies across Swatch Group's 16 watch brands
- Lead anti-counterfeiting initiatives, including litigation, takedown notices, and collaboration with e-commerce platforms and law enforcement agencies
- Monitor and enforce intellectual property rights in the digital space, including trademark infringement, domain disputes, and unauthorized online sales
- Advise internal stakeholders on brand compliance, licensing agreements, and IP portfolio management
- Represent Swatch Group in IP-related disputes and negotiations with external parties
- Coordinate with external counsel, brand teams, and business units to protect brand integrity and commercial interests
Qualifications
- Advanced law degree (Master's or equivalent) with specialization in intellectual property or commercial law
- Minimum 8–10 years of in-house or private practice legal experience in brand protection, IP enforcement, or related fields
- Proven expertise in online IP enforcement, anti-counterfeiting strategies, and e-commerce platform compliance
- Strong knowledge of Swiss, EU, and international trademark and intellectual property law
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex IP litigation or enforcement cases
- Fluency in English and French; German highly advantageous
Skills
Experience
Minimum 8–10 years of progressive legal experience in brand protection, intellectual property enforcement, or related commercial law practice, ideally within a multinational luxury goods, watches, or consumer products company. Prior experience with online IP enforcement, e-commerce compliance, and anti-counterfeiting strategies is essential. In-house counsel experience in a regulated or high-volume IP enforcement environment is strongly preferred.
Education
Advanced law degree (Master's or equivalent qualification in law); additional certification in intellectual property law or international commercial law is advantageous.
Workplace
This position is based in Bienne, Bern, Switzerland.
Culture
Swatch Group offers a dynamic, multicultural workplace rooted in Swiss precision, creativity, and a deep passion for watchmaking. As an employer, it brings together craftsmanship, industrial expertise, and brand diversity, giving teams the opportunity to contribute to both iconic heritage maisons and forward-looking innovation.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Swatch Group, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Senior Legal Advisor – Intellectual Property Protection», «IP Enforcement Counsel», «Brand Legal Specialist», «Intellectual Property Counsel – Online Enforcement», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.