Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property

Overview

As a Senior IP Counsel, you shape how Hitachi Rail protects and maximises the value of its technologies across global projects. You’ll advise senior leaders on strategically important IP matters spanning AI, software, data, and engineering solutions, while shaping governance, policy, and risk management. This role sits at the centre of innovation, legal strategy and commercial decision-making to create long-term value worldwide. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive responsible adoption of emerging tech and strengthen IP governance.

Pay / Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Annual bonus potential
• 25 days holiday
• Pension scheme up to 9%
• Private medical insurance
• Group Life Insurance

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of global IP strategy, governance frameworks, policies and operating models
• Provide practical, commercially focused IP advice to R&D, engineering, digital, procurement, sales and innovation teams
• Advise on IP ownership, licensing, software, data, AI, confidentiality and know-how protection
• Identify and mitigate IP risks in commercial projects, bids, partnerships and customer engagements
• Support negotiation of IP provisions across technology, software, procurement, collaboration and commercial agreements
• Provide IP support on mergers, acquisitions, restructurings and integrations, including due diligence and risk assessments
• Manage IP disputes, enforcement actions and pre-litigation matters with external counsel
• Advise on emerging technologies including software, AI, data and open-source governance for responsible use
• Develop and deliver training on IP awareness and governance across the organisation

Key requirements

• Qualified lawyer or senior IP professional with substantial in-house experience
• Strong commercial judgement and ability to influence stakeholders
• Extensive experience in IP law including contracts, licensing, software and digital tech
• Experience supporting complex international commercial transactions and cross-border IP matters
• Understanding of patents, trademarks, copyright, trade secrets, designs and related IP rights
• Exposure to M&A, integrations and IP asset management
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Interest in AI, digital products and data governance
• Clear, business-friendly communication in English
• Extra language skills (French, Italian, German or Japanese) advantageous

• Commercially minded
• Strategic thinking
• Stakeholder influence
• IP contracts and licensing
• Software and digital technology project governance
• Data governance related to IP and AI

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