IP Counsel Global Whiskies

The role will report into our IP Counsel: ESG & Breakthrough Innovation, and further to the core whisk(e)y responsibilities, support on strategic, ground-breaking and exciting above market and above brand projects, including sustainability related initiatives. We're looking for an individual who can deliver exceptional commercial advice and help drive forward our Scotch Whisky agenda, lead key strategic projects and advise on our innovation pipeline.,

• Provision of pro-active and fit for purpose legal management and support in relation to global protection, enforcement and exploitation of certain of our IP assets relating to Scotch and Irish Whisk(e)y brands globally, including markets with widely varying degrees of sophistication and complexity, particularly in developing markets.
• Navigation of the Scotch Whisky Regulations and other Scotch related legislation and guidelines and their global applicability and enforcement, with a strong focus on the development of a modern approach to Scotch whisky that still preserves the value of the category.
• Provide strategic support to the relevant Global Brand Directors, Global Brand Team members, and the Market lawyers to help establish and maintain great relationships and ensure that there is the opportunity to input at the right stage on matters which require IP judgement and experience.
• Supporting our key relationship with, and membership of, the Scotch Whisky Association (and Irish Whiskey Association).
• Ensuring the long term value of our key brand assets by delivering commercially astute advice with the appropriate risk profile.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key specialist IP law firms, to ensure they understand business needs and provide fit for purpose advice at the right level of staffing and cost
• Help lead London based IP paralegals by role modelling the Diageo Leadership Standard. Mentor and motivate them and embed the our key behaviours with them.
• Assisting the IP Counsel ESG & Breakthrough Innovation on other strategic above market and above brand projects, as required.
This role offers world class IP work in a vibrant industry and brings with it an opportunity to shape the role.

Diageo is looking for an independent and enthusiastic IP lawyer to join its global legal team and lead the IP support to our highly valuable and business critical global whisk(e)y portfolio, including our Scotch Whisky brands., We are looking for a qualified attorney, admitted to practice in a leading global jurisdiction, with at least 5 years' post-qualification experience in brand/trade mark and design IP (and ideally advertising) legal work. You will have spent time in private practice at a leading law firm working with large brand rich corporates. Previous in-house experience is preferred, but not essential. Experience of strategic commercial thinking, effectively influencing business stakeholders is required.,
• Proven capability of dealing independently with sophisticated IP issues, challenges, and litigation.
• Proven track record of managing complex legal transactions and dealing effectively with external legal service partners in multiple jurisdictions; experience of complex negotiations, cross-border transactions and commercial structures.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to interact confidently with a diverse range of senior stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, drafting and negotiating skills, good commercial and pragmatic approach.
• Being decisive.
• Excellent professionalism, commitment and integrity, passion for and experience of inspiring and leading people confident in and sensitive to different cultures and a passion for Diageo's success.
• Someone who enjoys working with ambiguity.
• An ability to manage demanding workloads and timelines, and to prioritise work.
• A willingness to take ownership and responsibility for "end-to-end" delivery of legal support.
• An ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
  
  With over 200 brands sold in nearly 180 countries, we're the world's leading premium drinks company. Bring your passion and use your curiosity as you explore, collaborate, and innovate to build brands consumers love. Together with passionate people from all over the world, you'll test new ideas, learn and grow, and unlock a brighter, more exciting future., The Diageo IP team comprises 29 roles, based across GB/Europe, Asia and the Americas. This exciting role will primarily lead on IP and broader legal aspects relating to Diageo's Whisk(e)y brands, most importantly on its Scotch whisky brands.
Scotch Whisky is Diageo's largest category, and we produce over 100 individual Scotch brands, including Johnnie Walker, the world's number 1 selling Scotch Whisky. As Scotland's largest exporter of Scotch whisky, we also produce other high-quality blended Scotch whisky brands such as J&B and Bell's, along with a range of single malts, including Lagavulin, Talisker, Mortlach and The Singleton. We continue to apply the same care, skill and entrepreneurial spirit to creating our Scotch whiskies as the founders of our legendary brands. The role will provide primary legal counsel support to at least four Global Brand Directors on all global Scotch and Irish whisk(e)y innovations, including renovation, the development and launch of new variants and new to world products and global marketing initiatives (traditional and digital). The person will be responsible for the global Scotch IP filing programmes and support the regional IP counsels on brand enforcement. It will also play a leading role in partnering with our luxury teams which would include supporting on, for example, talent and brand ambassador agreements. Diageo has set an ambitious 2030 action plan to help and create a more inclusive and sustainable world - Society2030: Spirit of Progress. The Scotch whisky business is key to Diageo's delivery of this action plan and the Johnnie Walker brand takes a leading role in these endeavours. Breakthrough Innovation is critical to Diageo and our Scotch business to deliver on these ambitions. The role will provide legal support on global Scotch sustainability and breakthrough innovation initiatives. In addition, it will have the opportunity to work with the IP Counsel ESG & Breakthrough Innovation on other exciting and strategic global projects that support Diageo's Society 2030 ambitions., Our purpose is to celebrate life, every day, everywhere. And creating an inclusive culture, where everyone feels valued and that they can belong, is a crucial part of this. We embrace diversity in the broadest possible sense. This means that you'll be welcomed and celebrated for who you are just by being you. You'll be part of and help build and champion an inclusive culture that celebrates people of different gender, ethnicity, ability, age, sexual orientation, social class, educational backgrounds, experiences, and more. Our ambition is to create the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world. Join us and help transform our business as we take our brands to the next level and build new ones as part of shaping the next generation of celebrations for consumers around the world! Feel inspired? Then this may be the opportunity for you! If you require a reasonable adjustment, please ensure that you capture this information when you submit your application.