Director Intellectual Property

Ahold Delhaize•Geneva, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

About Ahold Delhaize We’re Ahold Delhaize, one of the world’s largest food retail groups. Together with our seventeen strong local retail brands in Europe, the United States, and Indonesia, we share a passion for delivering great food, value and innovations. By bringing ideas to the table and acting on them, you help create a healthier tomorrow. Together, we make better choices accessible for millions of people every day. Your new team As Director Intellectual Property, you will be joining our Legal team. Ahold Delhaize Licensing SàrL (ALICE), located in Geneva, Switzerland is responsible for the centralized management and coordination of the protection of Ahold Delhaize’s intellectual property (IP) assets and licenses, with a particular focus on trademarks. Key focus areas of your role: Manage all aspects of the IP portfolio of Ahold Delhaize Licensing SàrL including the related Development, Enhancement, Maintenance, Protection, Exploitation, etc. of such company owned IP. Maintain accurate and up-to-date data regarding the development, enhancement, marketing, registration, and protection of all Company IP assets, including the maintenance of an IP database. Initiate and lead periodic meetings with all stakeholders across the Ahold Delhaize Group, ensuring an accurate and updated data trail of the subjects discussed and decisions made, and provide support to the Ahold Delhaize Group companies on related IP matters. Responsible for the evaluation and reporting on the compliance of Company IP assets with agreed requirements as defined in the policies. Coordinate and manage Swiss corporate legal aspects and non-IP related agreements under Swiss law with outside legal counsel. Budgetary planning, including the review and approval of sales figures and royalty allocation. Develop and maintain global IP legal policies and procedures, while ensuring that they are fully aligned with, and complement, any finance, fiscal, internal control, and administrative processes and procedures developed by Group Treasury. Manage the local IP team. Ensure consistent and timely reporting to the ALICE Management Team, including the delivery of key data and reports periodically and at the quarterly ALICE Board Meetings.

Requirements

Master’s degree in law with a specialization in IP or legal experience in IP with an emphasis on trademark law and licensing
10 years of experience in an international legal environment, gained within a corporate legal department and/or a law firm
Knowledge of US and EU IP law including basic knowledge of copyright and designs
Should be confident in all aspects of trademark management, such as clearance and availability searching, prosecution work, managing a license program, managing oppositions and infringements, effectively managing an IP database, etc.
Working knowledge of domain name management and domain name enforcement
Ability to perform in a complex, international environment and build relationships with business colleagues across several corporate departments and operating companies
Proven ability to effectively and successfully manage an IP team
Willingness to travel (US / Europe)
Fluent in English

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the Swiss Code of Obligations and Swiss corporate compliance laws and regulations is a distinct advantage
Knowledge of consumer data privacy laws is a plus
Knowledge of design, marketing, and accounting with respect to brands and licensing would also be considered an advantage
Knowledge of Dutch and French are a plus
strong analytical skills
excellent written & verbal communication skills
independence

Responsibilities

Manage all aspects of the IP portfolio of Ahold Delhaize Licensing SàrL including the related Development, Enhancement, Maintenance, Protection, Exploitation, etc. of such company owned IP.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date data regarding the development, enhancement, marketing, registration, and protection of all Company IP assets, including the maintenance of an IP database.
Initiate and lead periodic meetings with all stakeholders across the Ahold Delhaize Group, ensuring an accurate and updated data trail of the subjects discussed and decisions made, and provide support to the Ahold Delhaize Group companies on related IP matters.
Responsible for the evaluation and reporting on the compliance of Company IP assets with agreed requirements as defined in the policies.
Coordinate and manage Swiss corporate legal aspects and non-IP related agreements under Swiss law with outside legal counsel.
Budgetary planning, including the review and approval of sales figures and royalty allocation.
Develop and maintain global IP legal policies and procedures, while ensuring that they are fully aligned with, and complement, any finance, fiscal, internal control, and administrative processes and procedures developed by Group Treasury.
Manage the local IP team.
Ensure consistent and timely reporting to the ALICE Management Team, including the delivery of key data and reports periodically and at the quarterly ALICE Board Meetings.