Intellectual Property (Trademark) Associate / IPR Executive
Location: Kochi, Kerala
Salary: ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 per month
Joining: Immediate Joiners Preferred
Employment Type: Full-Time
About HA&Co.:
HA&Co. is a rapidly growing legal, corporate, and cross-border advisory firm with operations across India and international jurisdictions. The firm provides services in Litigation, Corporate Advisory, Intellectual Property, Cyber & Technology Law, Regulatory Compliance, Business Advisory, Investigations, and Cross-Border Legal Services.
As part of our expansion, we are seeking an experienced Intellectual Property (Trademark) Professional to lead and manage trademark matters from initial consultation through registration, protection, enforcement, and portfolio management.
Preference will be given to Advocates, Trademark Attorneys, IPR Professionals, or candidates with substantial practical experience in trademark prosecution and management.
Position Overview:
The Intellectual Property (Trademark) Associate will be responsible for handling trademark matters end-to-end, including trademark searches, filing strategies, prosecution, objections, oppositions, hearings, renewals, portfolio management, brand protection, and client advisory services.
The role requires strong knowledge of Indian trademark laws, procedures before the Trade Marks Registry, IP India portal operations, and practical experience in handling trademark applications from filing to registration.
Key Responsibilities:
Trademark Filing & Registration
- Handle trademark registration matters from initial consultation to final registration.
- Conduct trademark availability searches, clearance searches, and risk assessments.
- Advise clients regarding trademark selection, classification, registrability, and protection strategies.
- Identify appropriate trademark classes and prepare filing strategies.
- Draft, prepare, review, and file trademark applications before the Trade Marks Registry.
- Ensure accurate preparation of specifications, descriptions, user claims, affidavits, and supporting documents.
- Coordinate domestic and international trademark filings where required.
Trademark Prosecution & Follow-Up
- Monitor trademark applications at every stage of prosecution.
- Track examination reports, objections, hearing notices, and procedural requirements.
- Draft and file replies to examination reports and objections.
- Prepare written submissions and supporting documentation for trademark hearings.
- Coordinate hearing preparations and follow-up actions.
- Monitor acceptance, advertisement, opposition, registration, and certification stages.
- Ensure timely compliance with all statutory deadlines.
Opposition, Rectification & Enforcement
- Draft and manage trademark opposition proceedings.
- Handle counter-statements, evidence filings, and related documentation.
- Assist in rectification, cancellation, and infringement matters.
- Coordinate with litigation teams regarding trademark disputes and enforcement actions.
- Support cease-and-desist notices, infringement complaints, and brand protection measures.
Trademark Portfolio Management
- Manage trademark portfolios for individuals, startups, SMEs, and corporate clients.
- Track renewal deadlines, assignments, licensing matters, and ownership changes.
- Maintain trademark databases and monitoring systems.
- Prepare trademark status reports and portfolio summaries for clients.
- Conduct periodic audits of client trademark portfolios.
Client Advisory & Business Development
- Advise clients on trademark protection strategies and brand-building considerations.
- Conduct consultations regarding trademark registration, objections, oppositions, and enforcement.
- Support the firm's intellectual property practice development initiatives.
- Coordinate with startups, businesses, entrepreneurs, and corporate clients regarding IP protection needs.
- Assist in developing trademark service packages and client awareness programs.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate records of all trademark matters.
- Ensure proper documentation, filing records, and prosecution tracking.
- Prepare client reports, status updates, and registration summaries.
- Ensure strict compliance with applicable trademark laws, procedural requirements, and registry timelines.
Required Qualifications
- LL.B. preferred.
- Registered Trademark Attorney preferred.
- Certification or specialization in Intellectual Property Rights will be an added advantage.
- Minimum 2+ years of practical experience in trademark prosecution, filing, and portfolio management.
- Strong working knowledge of the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and related rules.
- Practical experience with the IP India portal and trademark filing systems.
- Excellent drafting, analytical, and communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and deadline management abilities.
Preferred Candidate Profile
- Advocate with active involvement in Intellectual Property practice.
- Trademark Attorney handling independent trademark portfolios.
- Experience managing large volumes of trademark applications.
- Knowledge of copyright, design, domain name, and broader IP matters will be an added advantage.
- Ability to independently manage trademark matters from filing to registration.
- Immediate joiners will be given preference.
Additional Exposure
The selected candidate will have opportunities to work on:
- Trademark Registration & Prosecution
- Brand Protection & Enforcement
- Startup & Corporate IP Advisory
- Cross-Border Trademark Strategy
- IP Portfolio Management
- Copyright & Related Rights
- Design Registration Matters
- Domain Name Disputes
- Technology, Digital Asset & Emerging Brand Protection Matters
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 per month (depending on experience and expertise).
- Performance-based growth opportunities.
- Exposure to diverse national and international clients.
- Opportunity to build and lead the Intellectual Property vertical within the firm.
- Long-term leadership opportunities within the HA&Co. ecosystem.
Work Location: Kochi, Kerala
Joining Requirement: Immediate Joining Preferred
Pay: ₹25,000.00 - ₹45,000.00 per month
Work Location: In person