Director Intellectual Property

The Business & Employment Centre on behalf of its client Business Barbados, is recruiting for the full-time role of Director Intellectual Property (IP).

Business Barbados is designed to modernise and enhance the way the business is conducted in Barbados. The entity is responsible for corporate and intellectual property registration, with an expanded portfolio of services to come. The statutory corporation is at the forefront of making Barbados’ business landscape accessible to all, helping companies start, maintain and protect their businesses and investments. Business Barbados is at the heart of business for local and global investors, redefining business facilitation.

Job Title: Director of Intellectual Property
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Direct Reports: Strategic Advisors, General Counsel, Examiners, Legal Administrator

Key Responsibilities:
IP Strategy and Management:

• Develop and implement strategies to protect and manage the national intellectual property assets, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Issue practice directions and guidance notes and establish the policies and working procedures to be followed.
• Identify and access various technical assistance and consultancy services offered by international organizations, including WIPO.
• Oversee Barbados’ IP portfolio, ensuring that IP assets are effectively utilized and protected.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the value of Barbados’ IP assets.

IP Protection and Enforcement:

• Develop and implement policies and procedures for Barbados’ IP protection and enforcement.
• Ensure the timely filing and maintenance of IP registrations.
• Monitor and enforce IP rights, including managing litigation and disputes related to IP infringement.
• Hear and adjudicate legal disputes between parties in opposition hearings in intellectual property proceedings initiated under intellectual property statutes.

Legal Advice:

• Provide expert legal advice on IP matters to other governmental agencies, regulators clients, senior management and other departments.
• Advise on the IP aspects of business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, licensing agreements, and partnerships.
• Review and negotiate IP-related contracts and agreements.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with local and international IP laws and regulations.
• Identify and mitigate IP-related risks.
• Conduct IP audits and risk assessments to ensure ongoing compliance and protection.

IP Education and Training:

• Develop and implement training programs to educate on IP matters and the importance of IP protection through various media
• Develop and implement training programs for various stakeholder groups through IP seminars, webinars
• Work with Group Marketing and Advisory Services in developing sound bites, podcasts and other online education on IP matters and the importance of IP protection.
• Research and prepare academic papers for presentation at various World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Workshops and other international fora.
• Keep stakeholders informed about changes in IP laws and regulations.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Liaise with external IP counsel, government agencies, and industry organizations.
• Represent Barbados in IP-related discussions, negotiations, and public forums.
• Research and prepare academic papers for presentation at various World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Workshops and international fora.
• Render technical and administrative advice to WIPO and to various intellectual property offices using experience gained in administering Barbados’ regime.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to advance the national IP interests.

Innovation Support:

• Support innovation initiatives by providing IP advice and ensuring that new innovations are protected.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to identify and protect new IP assets.

• Perform any other job related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) and Legal Education Certificate (LEC) from a recognized institution.
• Master’s degree in Intellectual Property Law or a related field is preferred.
• Admission to practice law in Barbados/ Attorney at law of not less than 10 years’ standing.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in IP law, with at least 5 years in a senior management role.
• Extensive knowledge of Barbadian and international IP laws and regulations.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of integrity and professional ethics.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Proficiency in legal research and legal drafting.

Key Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with a proactive approach.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with stakeholders.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and staying updated with IP trends and changes.

Working Conditions:

• This position operates primarily in an office environment, with occasional travel for client meetings or presentations.
• Flexibility in working hours may be required to accommodate client needs or deadlines.
• Professional demeanour and adherence to confidentiality standards are essential.

Application Deadline Date: March 9, 2025