Intellectual Property Legal Counsel

Direct message the job poster from Stoli Group Job Title: Legal Counsel, IP (Intellectual Property)Reports to: Group General Counsel Territory: Global About STOLI GROUP Stoli Group has an incredible portfolio of brands, including our premium vodka Stoli & an amazing stable of ultra-premium wine, spirit & non-alcoholic brands. The ultra-premium category is the fastest growing & most dynamic part of the beverage alcohol market. Stoli Group is looking to reshape the market landscape by becoming the acknowledged global leader in extraordinary adult beverages. Established in the late 1990's Stoli Group is headquartered in Luxembourg and has manufacturing facilities & wineries in Latvia, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Tuscany, Provence, Scotland & the USA and sells its Brands in over 170 countries globally. Position Overview The Legal Counsel, Intellectual Property (IP) will be responsible for safeguarding and advancing the company's global brand portfolio, with a focus on intellectual property management, commercial agreements, and regulatory matters. Based in Switzerland, this role will play a critical function in ensuring the protection, enforcement, and strategic use of the company's IP assets, while also providing legal support on global commercial and compliance matters. The successful candidate will combine deep expertise in IP law with strong experience in commercial and regulatory frameworks in the FMCG or spirits industry. Responsibilities, Capabilities and Experience Intellectual Property Management Oversee global trademark and copyright portfolios, ensuring timely registration, renewals, and enforcement. Manage IP-related disputes, oppositions, and infringement matters, working closely with external counsel. Support brand development and innovation by advising on IP clearance, protection strategies, and licensing agreements. Collaborate with marketing, innovation, and commercial teams to ensure brand integrity across all jurisdictions. Commercial & Transactional Support Draft, review, and negotiate licensing, distribution, and partnership agreements involving IP assets. Provide legal support to commercial teams on cross-border transactions and joint ventures. Advise on IP aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. Regulatory & Compliance Ensure IP-related compliance with spirits industry regulations, including advertising, labeling, and responsible marketing. Monitor evolving regulatory requirements impacting IP and brand protection, advising leadership accordingly. Support global compliance programs and ensure adherence to international trade, sanctions, and competition laws. Identify and mitigate risks relating to brand misuse, counterfeiting, or infringement. Manage disputes and litigation concerning IP and commercial issues. Maintain cost-effective collaboration with external legal advisors. Corporate & Departmental Support Contribute to group-level governance of IP assets and policies. Lead strategic IP projects, ensuring integration with business and brand strategies. Support department operations, including budgeting, reporting, and legal tech systems. Qualifications & Experience Education Law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent) from a recognized institution. Legal qualification in Switzerland and/or an EU jurisdiction highly preferred. Postgraduate specialization in Intellectual Property Law desirable. Experience 10–15 years' post-qualification experience, ideally in IP-heavy industries such as spirits, FMCG, luxury goods, or consumer brands. Proven track record in managing global IP portfolios and disputes. Strong experience in cross-border transactions and licensing. Languages Additional European languages (especially French, Italian, or Spanish) are an advantage. Knowledge & Skills Expert understanding of IP law, particularly trademarks, copyrights, licensing, and enforcement. Strong grasp of regulatory frameworks in spirits and FMCG sectors. Excellent negotiation, drafting, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to balance IP strategy with broader business objectives. Personal Attributes Results-driven professional with a proactive, strategic mindset. Integrity, sound judgment, and resilience under pressure. Collaborative and culturally sensitive, able to operate across multiple jurisdictions. Agile, business-oriented thinker who can navigate complexity with pragmatism. Disclaimer: Stoli Group is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity. By embedding diversity into all aspects of our culture, we maximize the opportunity to achieve sustainable business success. The duties and responsibilities described in the role profile might not be a comprehensive list. Seniority level Not Applicable Employment type Full-time Job function Legal Industries Beverage Manufacturing #J-18808-Ljbffr