Senior IP Counsel

<p>JetBrains is a global software company that creates intelligent tools for software developers and teams. Since 2000, we’ve built products that help developers work more productively, write higher-quality code, and stay focused on solving real problems. We are looking for <strong>a senior, commercially minded Intellectual Property and Data Protection&nbsp;Lawyer</strong> to join our in-house Legal team. In this role, you’ll help shape and support JetBrains’&nbsp;intellectual property and data protection strategy across multiple jurisdictions. The role&nbsp;combines deep expertise in intellectual property law, privacy and data protection compliance,&nbsp;technology transactions, and regulatory risk management.&nbsp;You’ll primarily support the Platform Project Office and its technology-driven products, strategic&nbsp;growth projects, and startup initiatives, with a particular focus on intellectual property structuring,&nbsp;data protection compliance, commercialization, and the scaling of innovative products and&nbsp;services throughout different stages of their life cycle.&nbsp;The ideal candidate will be a strategic legal advisor who can partner effectively with other&nbsp;functional and executive leadership teams to protect the group’s intellectual assets, ensure&nbsp;compliance with global privacy laws, and support innovation and growth.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Key responsibilities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Advise on all aspects of intellectual property law, including copyrights, trademarks,&nbsp;patents, trade secrets, domain names, licensing, and brand protection.</li> <li>Develop and maintain the group’s global IP strategy in line with business objectives.</li> <li>Provide legal support to the Platform Project Office, technology startups, and innovation&nbsp;initiatives within the group throughout their life cycle, including product development,&nbsp;commercialization, scaling of new business directions, strategic partnerships, operational&nbsp;expansion, and related technology platform matters.</li> <li>Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related agreements, including:<br>○ Licensing agreements.<br>○ SaaS and software agreements.<br>○ Technology transfer agreements.<br>○ NDAs and confidentiality agreements.<br>○ Development and collaboration agreements.<br>○ Open-source software policies and compliance documentation.</li> <li>Provide legal guidance on ownership and protection of company-created intellectual&nbsp;property.</li> <li>Monitor and advise on infringement risks, enforcement actions, disputes, and litigation&nbsp;matters.</li> <li>Conduct IP due diligence in strategic partnerships, investments, acquisitions, and&nbsp;commercial transactions.</li> <li>Advise on IP risks related to software development, AI tools, open-source software, and&nbsp;emerging technologies.</li> <li>Advise on IP ownership, protection, licensing, and data protection considerations for new&nbsp;products, technologies, platforms, AI solutions, and emerging business initiatives.</li> <li>&nbsp;Provide practical legal support for early-stage and scaling technology initiatives, including structuring of IP rights, technology transfers, setting up data governance&nbsp;frameworks, and conducting regulatory risk assessments.</li> <li>&nbsp;Lead the group’s privacy and data protection compliance program.</li> <li>Advise on compliance with applicable privacy laws and regulations, including:<br>○ GDPR.<br>○ UK GDPR.<br>○ ePrivacy requirements.<br>○ CCPA/CPRA.<br>○ International data transfer requirements.<br>○ Other global privacy frameworks, as applicable.</li> <li>Draft, review, and maintain privacy policies, notices, consent mechanisms, and internal&nbsp;governance documentation.</li> <li>Support and oversee data processing agreements (DPAs), standard contractual clauses&nbsp;(SCCs), and vendor privacy assessments.</li> <li>Conduct and advise on:<br>○ DPIAs.<br>○ Legitimate interest assessments.<br>○ Data mapping exercises.<br>○ Records of processing activities.</li> <li>Partner with internal teams on privacy and security governance matters, including&nbsp;support in relation to data protection risk assessment, preparedness, and response&nbsp;processes where required.</li> <li>Advise on privacy-by-design principles for products, systems, and commercial initiatives.</li> <li>Monitor regulatory developments and provide practical implementation guidance.</li> <li>Support audits, regulatory inquiries, investigations, and compliance reporting.</li> <li>Provide practical, risk-based legal advice to internal stakeholders.</li> <li>Support complex commercial and technology transactions.</li> <li>Collaborate with external counsel and regulatory authorities where necessary.</li> <li>Contribute to legal operations, policy development, and governance initiatives.</li> <li>Assist in building scalable legal frameworks to support international growth.<br><br><strong>What we're looking for</strong></li> <li>Qualifications as a solicitor in England and Wales, or an equivalent European jurisdiction.</li> <li>At least 8–12 years PQE in IP, technology, and data protection law, gained in-house or at&nbsp;a leading technology/IP practice, or both.</li> <li>Strong experience advising software, SaaS, or digital product businesses.</li> <li>Solid knowledge of UK and EU IP law and GDPR frameworks.</li> <li>Proven experience negotiating complex commercial technology agreements.</li> <li>Experience managing cross-border legal and regulatory matters.</li> <li>Excellent drafting, negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.</li> <li>The ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives.</li> <li>Strong project management and organizational skills.</li> <li>Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.</li> </ul> <p><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Preferred</strong></p> <ul> <li>Experience with AI, cloud computing, open-source software, or platform businesses.</li> <li>Familiarity with AI governance and emerging technology regulations, such as the EU AI Act, Data Act, Digital Services Act, and NIS2 Directive.</li> <li>Experience acting as or supporting a data protection officer (DPO).</li> <li>Experience supporting technology startups, venture initiatives, or innovation-driven&nbsp;business units, particularly in relation to IP strategy, commercialization, and privacy/data&nbsp;governance.</li> <li>Additional language skills.</li> </ul> <p><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Who you are</strong></p> <ul> <li>Commercially pragmatic – you advise the business, not just protect it.</li> <li>Confident in drafting and negotiating agreements.</li> <li>Comfortable working independently with senior and C-suite stakeholders.</li> <li>Calm, organized, and effective in a fast-paced technology environment.</li> <li>Sharp, analytical, and able to think critically.</li> <li>Diligent, self-reliant, and good at managing priorities.</li> <li>Open, transparent, and committed to acting with integrity within your team and the group as a whole.</li> </ul> <p><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;What we offer</strong></p> <ul> <li>The opportunity to work on complex international legal and regulatory matters.</li> <li>Exposure to innovative technologies and high-growth business initiatives.</li> <li>A collaborative and dynamic working environment.</li> <li>Competitive compensation and benefits.</li> <li>Remote work and flexible schedules.</li> <li>Professional development and career growth opportunities.</li> </ul> <p><br>JetBrains is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse&nbsp;workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender,&nbsp;age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristics.</p> <p><strong><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Why join JetBrains?&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Strong base salary. We offer competitive pay that reflects your skills and experience.</li> <li>Flexible work location. Enjoy the freedom to work from home or from the office.</li> <li>Remote work. Spend up to 30 days per year working remotely from abroad.</li> <li>Extra time off. More days to relax, recharge, and do the things you love.</li> <li>Medical insurance allowance. Enjoy peace of mind for you and your family</li> <li>Learning and development opportunities. Access to conferences, courses, and language classes.</li> <li>Relocation support. We help make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.&nbsp;</li> <li>Language classes. Pick up the local language or sharpen your English skills.</li> <li>Fuel your day. Enjoy a hot meal or receive a lunch allowance on workdays.</li> <li>Mental health support. To help you feel your best, we provide easy access to professional mental health services.</li> <li>Sports benefit. Enjoy an on-site gym or sports club stipend.</li> <li>Internal events. Join company-wide celebrations and team gatherings.</li> </ul> <p><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>#LI-HYBRID #LI-EY1</strong></span></p><div class="content-conclusion"><p><strong>We are an equal opportunity employer</strong><br><br>We know great ideas can come from anyone, anywhere. That’s why we do our best to create an open and inclusive workplace – one that welcomes everyone regardless of their background, identity, religion, age, accessibility needs, or orientation.</p> <p><em data-stringify-type="italic">We process the data provided in your job application in accordance with the <a href="https://www.jetbrains.com/legal/docs/privacy/privacy-recruitment/">Recruitment Privacy Policy.</a></em></p></div>