Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Paralegal manages TMC's worldwide intellectual property portfolio and the US parent company's contracts, insurance, compliance and corporate records. The role supports outside general counsel and IP counsel and serves as the main liaison with all outside counsel, international lawyers and all TMC subsidiaries.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Intellectual property

• The Paralegal owns day-to-day management of a portfolio of about 3,200 trademarks in more than 130 countries and 14 active patents.
• Manage the worldwide IP portfolio, including new applications, renewals, oppositions, and deadline tracking.
• Manage trademark oppositions worldwide, including gathering and organizing evidence.
• Assist outside counsel and subsidiaries in defending IP assets.
• Conduct internal trademark searches for availability and non-infringement.
• Manage US patent clearances.
• Legalize documents (notarization, apostille and consular legalization) for foreign filings.
• Review and prepare legal documents such as interrogatories and discovery materials.
• Review product labeling and artwork for correct TM and ® designations.
• Maintain digital and hard-copy IP filing systems.
• Act as liaison between international lawyers and all TMC subsidiaries.
• Serve as main point of contact for trademark firms CGT-IP Law and Justin Care.
• Artwork review for IP (TM TM and R®)

Contracts and corporate matters

The Paralegal reviews and manages all US contracts and keeps corporate records current.

• Review all contracts and liaise with general counsel and IP counsel on contractual matters related to the US Parent Company; interpret contract terms and draw accurate conclusions.
• Draft legal contracts and documents, including but not limited to:
• • Customer and retailer contracts
  • Supplier and vendor agreements
  • NDAs and confidentiality agreements
  • Real estate leases
• Maintain and improve standard contract templates.
• Manage and review all US contracts, physical files and the electronic contract management system.
• Manage timely filing of all state business registrations.
• Document corporate records and board meeting minutes.

Compliance, complaints and insurance

The Paralegal handles product complaints and adverse events in line with FDA and GMP requirements and coordinates all insurance matters.

• Handle complaints and adverse events in compliance with FDA and GMP requirements, escalating significant complaints to outside counsel.
• Maintain the product liability and adverse event tracking system used in-house and by the insurance carrier.
• Support product labeling and regulatory matters, including product recalls and related documentation.
• Coordinate data gathering for the timely annual renewal of all insurance policies.
• Act as liaison with the insurance carrier and broker, including on product liability claims.

Litigation and administration

• Support litigation management, including document preparation, discovery and deadline tracking.
• Coordinate with outside counsel across IP, contract, product liability and corporate matters.
• Process and mail accounts payable checks for the legal department.

Required

• Associate's degree in Paralegal studies, or a Paralegal certificate with equivalent experience.
• 2-5 years of paralegal experience, including international trademark portfolio management.
• Working knowledge of contract review and drafting.
• Experience with IP docketing and contract management software.
• Strong organization, accuracy and deadline management across many jurisdictions.
• Clear written and verbal communication with attorneys, executives and international counsel.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Paralegal studies
• Experience in an FDA-regulated or consumer products company, including complaint handling, adverse events and GMP.
• Familiarity with patent clearance, oppositions and document legalization (apostille).
• Experience with insurance renewals and product liability claims.
• Spanish as a second language useful for international correspondence.

The Mentholatum Company is a global marketer and manufacturer of consumer health-care products.

Company Description

The Mentholatum Company is a global marketer and manufacturer of consumer health-care products.