Overview

The International Office of the General Counsel (IOGC) is growing and high‑performing with personnel in five countries. The team provides legal advice on strategic matters and regulatory, reputational issues and risks, and supports critical business decisions by KPMG. This role focuses on product and innovation aspects of Intellectual Property (IP), Technology and Data within IOGC, advising on development, protection, enforcement, acquisition and licensing of technology, software and data, with emphasis on patent considerations in KPMGI's IP, technology and data strategy.

While primarily focused on product and innovation, the role may support other IOGC lawyers on strategic initiatives and commercial technology transactions, especially where licensed technology is patented, highly patented, or involves artificial intelligence and blockchain.

The role operates under the supervision of the most senior patent lawyer in IP, Technology and Data and other senior IP/technology lawyers, delivering value to business and technology teams contributing to over $17 billion in annual revenue. The role involves analysing KPMGI's IP and technology assets and advising on patent protection and IP enforcement, while assisting IOGC’s senior leadership in managing legal and reputational risk.

Responsibilities

• Intellectual Property (IP) Protection & Monetization: identify proprietary assets (including AI), determine the best legal methods to protect them, and execute protection processes.
• Patent filings and external counsel management: support filings with the UK Intellectual Property Office and European Patent Office and manage external counsel for filings outside those jurisdictions.
• IP enforcement and monetization: identify infringing third parties, enforce KPMGI’s rights, and explore licensing opportunities for IP rights separate from KPMGI technology solutions.
• Connect patent protection to marketing and selling patent-protected technology solutions.
• Intellectual Property & Technology Advice: understand technical aspects and business plans for KPMG-developed solutions; advise on freedom to operate, enforcement, and protection across copyrights, patents and trade secrets.
• Third‑party technology use analysis: assess potential infringement by KPMGI’s use of emerging third‑party technologies (including AI and blockchain) and evaluate third‑party patent strength for KPMG services.
• AI governance and compliance: advise on implementing AI in KPMGI technology solutions with respect to laws, data and IP rights and the Trusted AI framework.
• Technology Legal Rights Assessments: verify IP and data rights to license or provide use rights to member firms and clients, and ensure licensing terms align with global quality and risk policies.
• Collaboration: work with global technology, architecture, risk management, procurement, branding/marketing teams and IP lawyers across member firms.
• Training & Education: assist in preparing and delivering training on protecting KPMGI IP, avoiding third‑party IP misuse, and managing use of KPMG IP by third parties.
• Requirement: Mid-level qualified IP and technology lawyer, including patent practice before UK and European Patent Offices, with freedom-to-operate analysis.

Requirements

• Proficient knowledge of on‑premises and cloud IT businesses, services, and products.
• Strong understanding of IP and technology law across multiple jurisdictions with enforcement and portfolio management experience.
• Experience handling day‑to‑day matters with minimal supervision on less complex issues and driving forward cross‑border matters under supervision.
• Ability to absorb large amounts of information quickly and manage many matters with competing deadlines and stakeholders.
• Awareness of global business, geopolitical, legal, regulatory and technology issues relevant to KPMG and the Audit & Accounting profession.
• Experience working on cross‑border matters with cultural sensitivity.
• Technical skills: IP and technology law with focus on patents, software, and trade secrets; experience negotiating and drafting technology/IP agreements; advising on AI, data and analytics; trademark and blockchain experience is a plus; strong legal drafting and communication skills; some negotiation experience.
• Based in London or other key site with hybrid working; location per KPMG network.

Location & About KPMG

Based: London or other key site – hybrid working. See KPMG office locations.

About KPMG International

With over 273,000 colleagues in 143 countries, KPMG International sets strategy and protects the organization’s reputation. Joining provides exposure to a global organization, standards, best practices and tech-enabled solutions. We encourage flexible working arrangements and balance between home and work demands. You will be part of a global team changing how the business operates.

Inclusion & Diversity

KPMG International is committed to inclusion and diversity, recruiting from diverse talent pools, removing barriers, and fostering a fully inclusive environment. If you require reasonable adjustments during recruitment, discuss with your recruitment contact.