Senior Legal Counsel - IP Portfolio Management

Department: Legal Affairs
Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
Contract Type: Open-ended

Activity Level: 100%

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the guardian of the Olympic Games and the leader of the Olympic Movement.A truly global organisation, it acts as a catalyst for collaboration between all Olympic stakeholders, including the athletes, the National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the International Sports Federations (IFs), Organising Committees for the Olympic Games (OCOGs), the Worldwide Olympic Partners and Media Rights-Holders. It also works with public and private authorities,including the United Nations and other international organisations.

If you are experienced in IP Portfolio Management, and the vision to build a better world through sports inspires you, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to the Olympic Movement within the IOC.As a Senior Legal Counsel - IP Portfolio Management you will be ensuring the effective management of the IOC's IP portfolio and related matters leading the IOC's IP Division dedicated unit and its members.

In this pivotal role, you will report to the Head of IP and work closely with the IP Division to oversee the IOC’s global IP portfolio, including trademarks, designs, domain names, and non-registered rights. You will manage the IP Portfolio Management Unit and coordinate with external consultants and suppliers. Additionally, you will partner with Olympic Movement stakeholders—such as Organizing Committees, National Olympic Committees, Sponsors, and Media Rights-holders—to ensure the protection and strategic use of Olympic Properties. Your responsibilities will include providing expert advice on IP registrations, disputes, licensing, and litigation, as well as drafting and negotiating legal agreements like settlements, coexistence arrangements, and licensing contracts. A key aspect of this role is developing and implementing policies to safeguard the Olympic brand.

To succeed in this role, you must have a law degree, bar qualification, and ideally an LL.M or master’s degree in IP or a related field. You should bring at least 15 years of progressive experience in international IP matters, particularly cross-border issues related to trademarks, designs, and domain names. Exceptional drafting and negotiation skills are essential, along with fluency in English; proficiency in French or other languages is an advantage.

This role requires outstanding organizational and communication skills, a solutions-driven and business-oriented mindset, and the ability to navigate multicultural and politically sensitive contexts. Proven experience, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to excellence are crucial, alongside a dedication to upholding the Olympic values of integrity and teamwork

Come and join an organisation where the spirit of inclusion, gender equality and diversity is embedded in its DNA and which focuses on what unites us – a passion for sport and its values. Work in a flexible and rewarding environment which offers competitive employee benefits and numerous incentives to live a sustainable, healthy and active life. By joining us, you become part of the Olympic Movement and help to build a better world through sport. You will have the opportunity to work with people of more than 70 nationalities.