Trademark Paralegal

James Hardie•Chicago, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Trademark Paralegal will support the global intellectual property function and marketing teams, with responsibility for assisting with the management of a global trademark portfolio and the associated administrative processes. This role will be responsible for global TM clearance searches, supporting enforcement activities, and partnering with business stakeholders to ensure proper brand and TM usage. This role will also assist with reviewing marketing, advertising, and promotional materials from all regions to ensure compliance with trademark, IP, and consumer protection requirements. The position requires strong collaboration with legal counsel, marketing, R&D, and external counsel across multiple jurisdictions. The role reports directly to VP Global Intellectual Property. The role involves championing and supporting teams across the US, EU and APAC regions, so time flexibility is required, and the ability to travel. Diligence and a keen eye for detail are essential. The role is full-time as based at our corporate offices in Chicago, USA.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or TM/IP Paralegal Certification preferred
2-5+ years of experience in intellectual property, trademark, or legal support role (in-house or law firm)
Experience supporting global TM portfolios preferred
Familiarity with Australian or APAC IP/advertising considerations is a strong plus
Strong understanding of trademark principles and brand protection
Experience with TM/IP docketing systems and legal review tools
High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, global environment
Strong communication skills with the ability to translate legal concepts into practival guidance
Collaborative mindset with ability to partner across legal and business teams
Flexibility to work overtime as needed, including evenings, weekends, and occasional travel

Responsibilities

Assist in the preparation, filing, and prosecution of global trademark applications, renewals, and maintenance activities
Conduct trademark clearance searches and compile summaries for attorney review
Maintain accurate trademark records and documentation across internal systems
Support global trademark portfolio management, including coordination with outside counsel
Review marketing, advertising, and promotional materials for use in US, Australia and broader ANZ region to ensure: Proper trademark usage and brand consistency, Compliance with TM rights, licensing terms, and legal guidelines, Alignment with regional regulatory requirements and consumer protection standards
Partner with marketing and communications teams to provide practical, business-aligned guidance on TM and brand usage
Support development and maintenance of trademark usage guidelines and training materials
Assist with maintaining and updating the global TM docketing systems to track filings, deadlines, and renewals
Coordinate with internal legal teams and external counsel to ensure timely execution of TM actions
Support TM renewals, filings, and documentation processes across multiple jurisdictions
Assist with vendor management and coordination of TM service providers
Monitor potential trademark infringements and coordinate initial response actions
Support takedown requests and enforcement initiatives in collaboration with legal counsel
Assist in gathering evidence and documentation for disputes, oppositions, or enforcement matters
Partner with Marketing and Communications (brand usage, campaign reviews)
Partner with Regional legal teams (ANZ, EU, NA)
Provide administrative and project support for global TM initiatives and process improvements
Participate in cross-regional TM/IP meetings and coordination efforts