Manager- Legal

Our commitment to Diversity Equity and Inclusion At Mahindra and Mahindra Limited we believe that diversity drives innovation and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do We are committed to cultivating a workplace where every individual feels valued respected and empowered to thrive We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age caste race religion color ethnic origin gender identity nationality physical or mental disability medical condition sexual orientation educational background marital or domestic partnership status pregnancy or childbirth veteran status citizenship status ancestry financial status or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law We actively encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply and bring their unique perspectives to our teams We are committed to ensuring an accessible and inclusive experience for all applicants Together we rise by embracing differences and building a future that reflects the communities we serve Responsibilities Key Deliverables As the Manager - Legal within the Group Legal Division your core responsibilities will encompass comprehensive management and protection of Intellectual Property Rights IPR and related legal affairs mixed with strategic advisory functions for our business units Primary Responsibilities Conduct thorough in-house trademark searches to assess availability and risk providing detailed recommendations to business stakeholders to facilitate informed branding decisions Lead the filing and prosecution process for trademarks and copyrights domestically and internationally coordinating with both internal accounts teams and external legal counsel to ensure timely and accurate filings Manage all proceedings related to trademark enforcement such as oppositions hearings renewals and infringement actions working closely with attorneys and the Trademark Registry Draft review and negotiate a wide array of legal documents including legal notices plaints affidavits and contracts tied to trademarks copyrights domain names and other IPR issues Handle domain name disputes and complaints e g WIPO proceedings providing expert guidance on emerging IP challenges related to digital assets Advise on brand adoption strategies safeguarding trademarks across multiple jurisdictions and integrating legal risk assessments into business decision-making Draft and vet IPR clauses in agreements such as distributor dealer vendor franchisee and technical collaboration contracts ensuring alignment with business objectives and legal compliance Produce and review privacy policies website terms conditions in compliance with applicable laws notably the Information Technology Act to protect company interests in digital spheres Maintain and organize comprehensive databases of trademark searches filings registrations litigations and legal correspondence to enable effective monitoring and reporting Oversee processing of invoices and billing related to attorneys fees for intellectual property matters ensuring budget adherence and financial control Secondary Responsibilities Support continuous improvement initiatives for IP management systems and processes to enhance operational efficiency Collaborate cross-functionally to embed IP awareness throughout the organization through training and knowledge sharing Keep abreast with evolving IP laws and regulatory changes proactively updating internal stakeholders to mitigate risks Experience Ideal candidates will demonstrate 7-9 years of combined experience within law firms and corporate legal environments specifically focusing on intellectual property rights management Experience should include substantial involvement in handling trademark filings oppositions renewals and infringement litigation as well as negotiation and drafting of complex contracts involving IPR components Exposure to managing cross-border IP registrations and collaborating with external counsel on international jurisdictions will be highly valued Applicants with experience in digital rights management domain name disputes and privacy law compliance will be at an advantage The role requires a track record of working effectively under stringent timelines while maintaining attention to detail and delivering quality legal advice that supports business objectives Qualifications A minimum educational qualification of LLB along with an LLM degree or a relevant diploma certification in Intellectual Property Rights IPR is essential for this role Legal professionals who possess specialized training in trademark law patent law copyright law and related regulatory frameworks will be preferred Additional certifications or continuous professional development in corporate law contract law or technology commercial law enhance candidacy Demonstrated commitment to staying current with evolving IPR laws and regulatory updates through formal or informal channels is expected Functional skills required to execute the role The successful candidate will possess the following functional skills essential to effectively execute the role Comprehensive knowledge of Indian and international Intellectual Property laws including procedures for registration renewal oppositions and enforcement Strong familiarity with contract law and corporate legal frameworks to confidently draft and negotiate complex agreements related to IPR Excellent drafting capabilities to create precise clear and enforceable legal documents notices and opinions Effective communication skills to articulate complex legal matters in an accessible manner to non-legal stakeholders Proficiency with legal research tools IP databases and case management systems to streamline workflows Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment Behavioural Competencies required The role requires key behavioural competencies to contribute positively within the team and wider organizational culture Collaboration Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with cross-functional teams and external partners towards shared objectives Passion for IPR A genuine interest and enthusiasm for intellectual property matters with a proactive approach to deepening expertise Proactivity and Accountability Taking ownership of tasks and delivering high-quality outcomes within established deadlines Attention to Detail Meticulous focus on precision in legal drafting compliance and case management Adaptability Flexibility to adjust to changing legal landscapes and business priorities Integrity and Confidentiality Upholding ethical standards and maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information Key Interactions Internal Interactions Business teams including Senior Vice Presidents and other leadership for discussions concerning brand strategies trademark enforcement and contract negotiations External Interactions Engagement with external attorneys specializing in trademark protection copyright enforcement and intellectual property litigation Networking and collaboration with external IP professionals and Senior Counsels to exchange best practices and remain updated on industry developments