Senior IP Counsel

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 a senior, commercially minded Intellectual Property and Data Protection Lawyer to join our in-house Legal team. In this role, you’ll help shape and support JetBrains’ intellectual property and data protection strategy across multiple jurisdictions. The role combines deep expertise in intellectual property law, privacy and data protection compliance, technology transactions, and regulatory risk management. You’ll primarily support the Platform Project Office and its technology-driven products, strategic growth projects, and startup initiatives, with a particular focus on intellectual property structuring, data protection compliance, commercialization, and the scaling of innovative products and services throughout different stages of their life cycle. The ideal candidate will be a strategic legal advisor who can partner effectively with other functional and executive leadership teams to protect the group’s intellectual assets, ensure compliance with global privacy laws, and support innovation and growth.

Key responsibilities

• Advise on all aspects of intellectual property law, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, trade secrets, domain names, licensing, and brand protection.
• Develop and maintain the group’s global IP strategy in line with business objectives.
• Provide legal support to the Platform Project Office, technology startups, and innovation initiatives within the group throughout their life cycle, including product development, commercialization, scaling of new business directions, strategic partnerships, operational expansion, and related technology platform matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related agreements, including:
  ○ Licensing agreements.
  ○ SaaS and software agreements.
  ○ Technology transfer agreements.
  ○ NDAs and confidentiality agreements.
  ○ Development and collaboration agreements.
  ○ Open-source software policies and compliance documentation.
• Provide legal guidance on ownership and protection of company-created intellectual property.
• Monitor and advise on infringement risks, enforcement actions, disputes, and litigation matters.
• Conduct IP due diligence in strategic partnerships, investments, acquisitions, and commercial transactions.
• Advise on IP risks related to software development, AI tools, open-source software, and emerging technologies.
• Advise on IP ownership, protection, licensing, and data protection considerations for new products, technologies, platforms, AI solutions, and emerging business initiatives.
•  Provide practical legal support for early-stage and scaling technology initiatives, including structuring of IP rights, technology transfers, setting up data governance frameworks, and conducting regulatory risk assessments.
•  Lead the group’s privacy and data protection compliance program.
• Advise on compliance with applicable privacy laws and regulations, including:
  ○ GDPR.
  ○ UK GDPR.
  ○ ePrivacy requirements.
  ○ CCPA/CPRA.
  ○ International data transfer requirements.
  ○ Other global privacy frameworks, as applicable.
• Draft, review, and maintain privacy policies, notices, consent mechanisms, and internal governance documentation.
• Support and oversee data processing agreements (DPAs), standard contractual clauses (SCCs), and vendor privacy assessments.
• Conduct and advise on:
  ○ DPIAs.
  ○ Legitimate interest assessments.
  ○ Data mapping exercises.
  ○ Records of processing activities.
• Partner with internal teams on privacy and security governance matters, including support in relation to data protection risk assessment, preparedness, and response processes where required.
• Advise on privacy-by-design principles for products, systems, and commercial initiatives.
• Monitor regulatory developments and provide practical implementation guidance.
• Support audits, regulatory inquiries, investigations, and compliance reporting.
• Provide practical, risk-based legal advice to internal stakeholders.
• Support complex commercial and technology transactions.
• Collaborate with external counsel and regulatory authorities where necessary.
• Contribute to legal operations, policy development, and governance initiatives.
• Assist in building scalable legal frameworks to support international growth.
  
  What we're looking for
• Qualifications as a solicitor in England and Wales, or an equivalent European jurisdiction.
• At least 8–12 years PQE in IP, technology, and data protection law, gained in-house or at a leading technology/IP practice, or both.
• Strong experience advising software, SaaS, or digital product businesses.
• Solid knowledge of UK and EU IP law and GDPR frameworks.
• Proven experience negotiating complex commercial technology agreements.
• Experience managing cross-border legal and regulatory matters.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred

• Experience with AI, cloud computing, open-source software, or platform businesses.
• Familiarity with AI governance and emerging technology regulations, such as the EU AI Act, Data Act, Digital Services Act, and NIS2 Directive.
• Experience acting as or supporting a data protection officer (DPO).
• Experience supporting technology startups, venture initiatives, or innovation-driven business units, particularly in relation to IP strategy, commercialization, and privacy/data governance.
• Additional language skills.

Who you are

• Commercially pragmatic – you advise the business, not just protect it.
• Confident in drafting and negotiating agreements.
• Comfortable working independently with senior and C-suite stakeholders.
• Calm, organized, and effective in a fast-paced technology environment.
• Sharp, analytical, and able to think critically.
• Diligent, self-reliant, and good at managing priorities.
• Open, transparent, and committed to acting with integrity within your team and the group as a whole.

What we offer

• The opportunity to work on complex international legal and regulatory matters.
• Exposure to innovative technologies and high-growth business initiatives.
• A collaborative and dynamic working environment.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• Remote work and flexible schedules.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.

JetBrains is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristics.

         Why join JetBrains? 

• Strong base salary. We offer competitive pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Flexible work location. Enjoy the freedom to work from home or from the office.
• Remote work. Spend up to 30 days per year working remotely from abroad.
• Extra time off. More days to relax, recharge, and do the things you love.
• Medical insurance allowance. Enjoy peace of mind for you and your family
• Learning and development opportunities. Access to conferences, courses, and language classes.
• Relocation support. We help make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. 
• Language classes. Pick up the local language or sharpen your English skills.
• Fuel your day. Enjoy a hot meal or receive a lunch allowance on workdays.
• Mental health support. To help you feel your best, we provide easy access to professional mental health services.
• Sports benefit. Enjoy an on-site gym or sports club stipend.
• Internal events. Join company-wide celebrations and team gatherings.

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