Trademark Paralegal

Description

The Estée Lauder Companies seeks an experienced, highly motivated, and proactive Trademark Paralegal to join its fast-paced global trademark and brand protection team. This role serves as a key partner to trademark counsel and business stakeholders, supporting the protection and enforcement of one of the world's leading beauty trademark portfolios. The ideal candidate will possess strong domestic and international trademark experience, excellent judgment, outstanding organizational skills, and the ability to independently manage a high volume of matters while balancing competing priorities. The position requires frequent interaction with attorneys, marketing and business teams, and outside counsel around the world.

Key Responsibilities: 

Trademark Clearance & Counseling

• Conduct preliminary domestic and international trademark clearance searches and prepare draft clearance opinions and recommendations for attorney review
• Review and analyze full trademark search reports
• Assist in developing and implementing global trademark filing strategies
• Investigate third-party trademark use and assess potential risks
• Perform design clearance searches and related analysis

Trademark Portfolio Management

• Coordinate domestic and international trademark filings, prosecution, maintenance, renewals and enforcement activities
• Monitor global trademark portfolios and manage critical deadlines
• Provide instructions and strategic direction to foreign associates and outside counsel regarding trademark filings, prosecution, renewals, and conflict matters
• Oversee annual trademark renewal programs and assist in portfolio optimization initiatives
• Conduct trademark portfolio audits and prepare reports and recommendations

Trademark Enforcement & Disputes

• Review trademark watch notices and exercise sound judgment in identifying matters requiring attorney review
• Coordinate with outside counsel regarding trademark oppositions, cancellations, and other trademark disputes
• Gather, organize and analyze evidence relating to trademark disputes
• Assist with investigations involving potentially infringing third-party activity

Client Support & Operations

• Serve as a day-to-day contact for attorneys and internal business clients regarding trademark matters
• Provide practical guidance on trademark processes, timelines, and requirements
• Generate and analyze trademark portfolio reports using IPfolio, Saegis, and related systems
• Review and process trademark-related invoices and outside counsel billing
• Assist with departmental reporting, data management, and operational projects

Qualifications

Qualifications: 

• Minimum 7+ years of trademark experience, including substantial domestic and international trademark clearance, prosecution, maintenance, and enforcement work
• College Degree and/or Paralegal Certificate
• Proficiency with Saegis or similar search database, TM management system (preferably IPfolio or general Salesforce experience), Legal Tracker and Microsoft Office applications
• Familiarity with AI tools and other emerging technologies, with a willingness to leverage it to improve efficiency and support business objectives
• Exceptional attention to detail, judgment and organizational skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects, adapt to changing business needs and work effectively under pressure
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working directly with business clients and cross-functional teams
• Experience with brand protection, anti-counterfeiting and/or domain name issues preferred
• In-house experience preferred