Senior Associate - Commercial IP

Senior Associate (Commercial / IP) Competitive Salary + Bonus Southampton / Winchester / Bournemouth Hybrid Working, Healthcare, Generous Holiday The Job

A leading South Coast law firm is seeking a Senior Associate (minimum 5 years PQE) to join its well‑established and growing Commercial team. This is an excellent opportunity to join one of the largest commercial teams in the region, with a strong reputation for high‑quality IP and commercial advisory work. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing the firm’s IP offering, including oversight of its in‑house international trade‑mark practice.

The role can be based in Southampton, Winchester or Bournemouth.

• Managing trade‑mark prosecution work from application through to registration, including oppositions and appeals
• Navigating UK and EU IPO processes and procedures
• Supervising a CITMA‑qualified trademark paralegal within the in‑house trade‑mark practice
• Negotiating and drafting a wide range of IP agreements (licensing, assignment, ownership arrangements)
• Advising start‑ups and established businesses on protection and commercialisation of IP rights
• Drafting and reviewing commercial agreements including:
  • Software licensing (traditional and SaaS)
  • IT support and maintenance agreements
  • IT integration agreements
  • Distribution, agency and franchise agreements
  • Services agreements
• Advising on trademarks, designs, copyright and general IP strategy (with working knowledge of patents)
• Supporting IP dispute matters, including drafting pleadings, liaising with counsel and settlement negotiations
• Actively contributing to business development and winning new work
• Supporting and mentoring junior team members

This is a senior role offering significant responsibility, high‑quality work and genuine progression potential.

• Minimum 5 years PQE (flexibility considered for the right candidate)
• Strong and demonstrable experience in IP law, particularly trade‑mark prosecution
• Detailed knowledge of UK and EU IPO procedures
• Experience supervising junior team members or support staff
• Expertise in negotiating and drafting IP and commercial agreements
• Experience in IP dispute work
• Broad knowledge of commercial law
• International experience (pre‑Brexit) advantageous
• Commercially astute with strong business development skills
• Willingness to contribute to blogs, seminars and training initiatives
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills

• Competitive salary
• Bonus scheme
• Hybrid working
• Clear career progression pathway
• Generous holiday allowance
• Healthcare provision
• City centre office locations
• Active social and charity initiatives