Trademark Secretary

A Secretarial role has become available in the Johannesburg, Durban or any of our Africa offices of ENS within the Trade Mark Prosecution team of the IP department.

Responsibilities:

Handling general administrative tasks on a day-to-day basis in support of principal and team, including, but not limited to:

• Effective end-to-end prosecution of South African and foreign trade mark applications, including filing applications, processing official actions, arranging for publication of trade marks, arranging for registration of trade marks
• Ability to effectively draft correspondence and official forms
• Diary and email management
• Handling of all scanning and copying of documents
• Maintaining an effective administration and filing system, including on the Patricia trade mark database and management system
• Attending to tariff rate capturing for professionals in the team
• Assisting with billing procedures, accounts management, itemised billing, adjustments and final accounts, and assist in following up with clients regarding overdue account payments
• Establishing cohesive working relationships with professionals, support staff, internal/external clients, foreign trade mark agents and other service providers

Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience in the Patricia software package (or a similar software package)
• Competent in computer packages including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Excel
• Experience in the software package 3E will be highly advantageous
• Ability to use initiative and be proactive in offering assistance and following up to ensure an efficiently run practice
• Strong administrative skills, attention to detail and excellent typing skills
• Possess well-developed interpersonal and communication skills (including good telephone etiquette)
• Strong written and speaking communication skills in English
• A team player, professional, flexible, reliable, proactive and friendly
• Sound PA skills and strong administration and organisational abilities
• Sense of absolute confidentiality, urgency and ability to work under pressure
• Flexible and mature approach with ability to work unsupervised
• Trade mark secretarial experience at senior level is essential, including foreign and South African trade mark prosecution experience

Qualifications:

• Matric Certificate
• Candidate should preferably have at least 5 years experience in a trade mark department
• Secretarial qualification/diploma or other related qualification is preferred

ENS is committed to transformation and achieving equity in its workplaces. Preference will therefore be given to suitably qualified and skilled EE candidates. The closing date for all applications is close of business on 31 July 2024.