Trade Mark Counsel

Manpower are currently seeking an interim Trade Mark Counsel, to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, to become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment. The position is based at Blackfriars on London's Victoria Embankment, just a short walk from Blackfriars tube. This is a full-time temporary role for 12 months, requiring 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive. The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements. Company Overview Unilever is one of the world's leading fast-moving consumer goods companies, with products sold in over 190 countries. Every day, 3.4 billion consumers worldwide use Unilever brands. Our portfolio includes some of the most iconic brands such as Axe, Cif, Comfort, Dermalogica, Dove, Hellmann's, Horlicks, Lifebuoy, Knorr, Paula's Choice, Persil, TRESemmé and Vaseline. Our Legal team focuses on high-impact strategic business partnering and has recently been recognised as Most Innovative In-House Legal Team in Europe. We are at the forefront of innovation and digital transformation, leveraging GenAI tools, data, and Powerhouses to shape the future of legal operations and workflows across the IP team. Role Purpose We are seeking a Trade Mark Counsel to join our Intellectual Property team on a 12-month maternity cover. In this role, you will provide fast, accurate, and commercially focused advice on trade mark risk and strategy, working with some of our most loved brands including Persil/OMO, Dove, Axe and Lynx. You will lead global trade mark portfolio management across prosecution and contentious matters, while advising on adjacent areas such as advertising, sports marketing, ambush marketing, sponsorship, and partnership agreements. Collaboration is key—you will work closely with IP colleagues in China, the US, India, and Barcelona, as well as other legal specialists in licensing, litigation, competition law, privacy, and digital. Key Responsibilities Reporting to the Head of Trade Marks & Brand Protection, you will: Clearance: Conduct, develop strategies and advise on global IP clearance using industry tools and external legal support. Protection & Maintenance: Build strategies for IP protection and ownership structures; manage all aspects of prosecution and evidence requirements. Monitoring: Analyse watch results and ensure Unilever assets are safeguarded. Contentious Work: Handle oppositions, cancellations, invalidity actions, pre-action correspondence, enforcement (civil/criminal), customs, and online/offline monitoring. Portfolio Management: Manage trade mark portfolios within budget and oversee preparation of official and evidentiary documents. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work on licensing, copyright, designs, patents, and usage rights as needed. Education & Advocacy: Present at team meetings, educate colleagues and the business on IP issues and policy. Transactional Support: Advise Licensing and M&A teams on IP matters. Product Launch Support: Partner with Patent Attorneys, Design Counsels, and marketing lawyers on new launches. Risk Spotting: Identify wider legal risks including competition, design rights, and advertising law. Brand Protection: be involved with wider brand protection initiatives to safeguard Unilever's valuable brands. Person Specification Qualified Trade Mark Attorney/ qualified solicitor or foreign lawyer equivalent with trade mark prosecution experience. Proven experience in managing international trade mark portfolios, ideally within FMCG or sports marketing. Skilled in drafting commercial IP agreements (e.g., sponsorships). Strong organisational and prioritisation skills; able to manage multiple stakeholders and deadlines under pressure. Proficient in trade mark database systems and search tools (e.g., Corsearch, TM Now). Excellent communication skills—able to provide clear, jargon-free, commercial advice. Creative problem solver with attention to detail and integrity. Team player with strong project and stakeholder management skills, as well as being willing to throw themselves into a busy environment with a smile and bring others on the journey. Experience in global matrix organisations preferred; passion for technology is an advantage. Demonstrated ability to manage budgets effectively. Business Skills & Attributes Passion for brands and IP advocacy Strong business partnering and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to champion IP within the organisation and influence behavioural change where needed. Collaborative, proactive, and positive approach in a fast-paced environment. Blackfriars working environment: Iconic location on the Victoria embankment, modern working environment Short walk from Blackfriars station Staff shop discounted products Free tea & coffee facilities Onsite Deli and a restaurant open for breakfast and lunch Gym is available for use subscription required.