Senior Legal Counsel – IP Disputes

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.

WHERE YOU SIT

As our Senior Legal Counsel – IP Disputes, 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

• IP disputes & enforcement: Manage end-to-end IP litigation and disputes across markets (with external counsel), lead settlement negotiations and agreement enforcement, and drive aligned global enforcement strategies.
• Brand protection & portfolio management: Oversee trade mark disputes, trade dress strategy and portfolio actions; collaborate with Brand Protection and commercial teams to safeguard brand integrity and address IP risks in-market.
• Strategic insight & collaboration: Partner with market leaders and external networks, monitor legal and industry developments, align IP strategy with business growth, and maintain robust reporting and knowledge‑sharing across the IP team.

Key Skills & Capabilities

• Qualified IP specialist: UK‑qualified solicitor PQE in contentious IP, with strong end-to-end case management, litigation exposure and IP contracts expertise; postgraduate IP qualification and in‑house experience advantageous.
• Deep IP & commercial expertise: Strong knowledge across trade marks, trade dress, copyright/design rights and brand protection; able to translate IP risks into practical, commercially aligned actions that support growth while protecting brand value.
• Influential & delivery‑focused: Trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across markets, with strong programme management, clear communication and training capability, and a global mindset with multi‑jurisdictional awareness.

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.