Legal Counsel – IP – Fixed Term – Maternity Full Time NEW

Dr. Martens is more than a brand – it’s a global icon with over 60 years of attitude, heritage, and cultural impact. We’re a thriving, values‑driven business powered by diverse thinkers, bold doers, and people who bring their whole selves to work. If you’re ready to make your mark, you’re in the right place.

At DM, our values guide everything we do: Be Yourself, Act Courageously, Show You Care. They’re not just words – they’re how we turn passion into progress.

WHERE YOU SIT

As our Legal Counsel – IP, you’ll be part of the Legal team working closely with brilliant people across the business. You’ll be right at the heart of fast‑moving projects that shape how we show up for our consumers – today and tomorrow.

WHERE YOU CONTRIBUTE

This role plays a pivotal part in driving our consumer centric strategy. Everything you do will help elevate the DM experience – whether you’re enabling teams, improving processes, influencing decision making, or crafting moments that matter for our consumers around the globe.

You’ll help us push boundaries, raise the bar, and keep the spirit of DM alive in everything we deliver.

Core Accountabilities

As our Legal Counsel – IP, you will be responsible for:

• Brand protection leadership: Lead global brand protection strategy (online/offline), manage team and vendors, and oversee enforcement against counterfeits and lookalikes across key marketplaces, platforms and social media.
• IP advisory & enforcement: Assess risks in new markets, support trademark strategy, handle IP contract work (T&Cs, distribution, settlements), and collaborate on disputes and enforcement with internal teams and external counsel.
• Strategic insight & governance: Drive alignment of IP strategy with business growth, maintain stakeholder relationships (e.g. ACG), monitor legal/industry developments, and ensure robust reporting and knowledge-sharing across the IP team.

Key Skills & Capabilities

• Qualified IP lawyer: UK-qualified solicitor PQE, strong contentious IP and brand protection experience, and capability in contract drafting (T&Cs, settlement agreements); postgraduate IP and in-house experience desirable.
• Technical & commercial expertise: Deep knowledge of trade marks, trade dress, copyright/design rights and online enforcement; able to translate IP risks into practical, commercially aligned actions that protect brand value.
• Influential & delivery-focused: Strong stakeholder management, programme delivery and process discipline, with clear communication and training skills, and a global, multi-jurisdictional mindset.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Hybrid working
• Welcome free pair of Docs
• Share scheme
• 65% off all Docs
• 50% off Accessories
• Pension Scheme through Aviva
• Life Assurance
• 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
• Private healthcare
• 2 paid volunteer days per year

READY TO FILL YOUR BOOTS?

If you’re excited to own your impact, shape the future of an iconic brand, and grow your career in a place that champions individuality – we’d love to hear from you.

Application closing date: Monday 29th of June 2026

At Dr. Martens, we are committed to creating an environment in which we can all be our best and bring our authentic selves to work. We encourage applications, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, or disability. Diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact on our brand; helping us to speak authentically to our consumers.

We strive to develop a business where our people can thrive and feel empowered to express themselves. Because we believe everyone should feel supported and included whatever their role in the Dr. Martens community.