At Suntory Global Spirits, we craft spirits of the highest quality and deliver brilliant experiences to people around the world. Suntory Global Spirits has evolved into the world's third largest leading premium spirits company ... where each employee is treated like family and trusted with legacy. With our greatest assets - our premium spirits and our people - we're driving growth through impactful marketing, innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. Suntory Global Spirits is a place where you can come Unleash your Spirit by making an impact each and every day.

What makes this a great opportunity?

As part of the US-based Global IP Team, the Trademark Paralegal - Global IP will provide strategic and creative legal support to the business by administering and maintaining SGS's IP portfolio which covers over 75 brands in various aspects, including prosecution and maintenance. You will be a part of a dynamic, best-in-class Legal Department that includes members in Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Germany, India, China, and Singapore. In this global role, you will help to manage and protect an international IP portfolio, including over 6,000 trademarks and design patents.

Role Responsibilities

• Manage correspondence with our primary outside counsel and foreign associates on matters relating to prosecution, maintenance, docketing, monitoring, licensing, contract preparation, and conflicts, among others and monitor associated deadlines.
• Prepare, review the particulars for, and instruct the filing of IP applications, renewals, and statements of use.
• Prepare, review the particulars for, and instruct the recordal of assignments and changes of name/address.
• Review and complete IP tasks in Cost Reduction/Manufacturing Driven, Mandatory Change, and Geographic Expansion projects.
• Prepare and review portfolio reports.
• Support Brand Protection Team with trademark document requests and customs filings.
• Prepare and manage brand authorization letters.
• Conduct foreign counterpart filing (Paris Convention) checks.
• Represent the IP Team and take notes at biweekly project management meetings.
• Maintain and update IP tools and resources (e.g., training decks, intake forms, topic-specific one-pagers, template agreements).
• Assist senior IP Team members with the following:
  • Conducting clearance;
  • Investigating infringement;
  • Preparing for litigation; and
  • Tracking and managing IP prosecution deadlines.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of paralegal experience gained in a law firm and/or corporate law department in IP matters.
• Proficient with IP docketing software, Microsoft Office, and SAEGIS or other trademark screening software.
• A BA/BS degree and/or a paralegal certificate from ABA accredited program preferred but not required.
• Experience with Planisware (project portfolio management software) and eFileCabinet (document management software) preferred but not required.
• Clear and efficient communicator, both oral and written, who attempts to anticipate questions, offers proactive explanations, and can simplify and explain complex topics.
• Well organized with excellent attention to detail (a "measure twice, cut once" mentality).
• Sound, well-reasoned judgment; analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• A self-starter who is able to manage a high volume of projects, multiple deadlines, and shifting priorities.
• Exhibits initiative, resourcefulness, a service orientation, and a focus on continuous development/improvement.
• High-integrity individual able to maintain confidentiality.
• Exudes a spirit of cooperation, collaboration, and teamwork (puts "we over me").
• Intellectually curious and enjoys creative problem-solving.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, fun, and dynamic office environment.

At Suntory Global Spirits, people are our number one priority, and we believe our people grow together in diverse and inclusive environments where their unique insights, experiences and backgrounds are valued and respected. Suntory Global Spirits is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, military veteran status and all other characteristics, attributes or choices protected by law. All recruitment and hiring decisions are based on an applicant's skills and experience.