Trademark Paralegal
Chicago, IL - USA
Job Summary
James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions with a portfolio that includes fiber cement fiber gypsum composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie TimberTech AZEK Exteriors Versatex fermacell and StruXure.
With over 8000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago we boast 31 operating sites 6 recycling facilities and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce were united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All through sustainable innovation a Zero Harm culture and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.
For more information visit .
The Trademark Paralegal will support the global intellectual property function and marketing teams with responsibility for assisting with the management of a global trademark portfolio and the associated administrative processes. This role will be responsible for global TM clearance searches supporting enforcement activities and partnering with business stakeholders to ensure proper brand and TM usage.
This role will also assist with reviewing marketing advertising and promotional materials from all regions to ensure compliance with trademark IP and consumer protection requirements. The position requires strong collaboration with legal counsel marketing R&D and external counsel across multiple jurisdictions.
The role reports directly to VP Global Intellectual Property. The role involves championing and supporting teams across the US EU and APAC regions so time flexibility is required and the ability to travel. Diligence and a keen eye for detail are essential. The role is full-time as based at our corporate offices in Chicago USA
Trademark & Brand Support
- Assist in the preparation filing and prosecution of global trademark applications renewals and maintenance activities
- Conduct trademark clearance searches and compile summaries for attorney review
- Maintain accurate trademark records and documentation across internal systems
- Support global trademark portfolio management including coordination with outside counsel
2. Marketing & Advertising Review (Global Focus)
- Review marketing advertising and promotional materials for use in US Australia and broader ANZ region to ensure:
- Proper trademark usage and brand consistency
- Compliance with TM rights licensing terms and legal guidelines
- Alignment with regional regulatory requirements and consumer protection standards
- Partner with marketing and communications teams to provide practical business-aligned guidance on TM and brand usage
- Support development and maintenance of trademark usage guidelines and training materials
3. IP Operations & Portfolio Management
- Assist Senior IP Paralegal with maintaining and updating the global TM docketing systems to track filings deadlines and renewals
- Coordinate with internal legal teams and external counsel to ensure timely execution of TM actions
- Support TM renewals filings and documentation processes across multiple jurisdictions
- Assist with vendor management and coordination of TM service providers
4. Brand Protection & Enforcement
- Monitor potential trademark infringements and coordinate initial response actions
- Support takedown requests and enforcement initiatives in collaboration with legal counsel
- Assist in gathering evidence and documentation for disputes oppositions or enforcement matters
5. Cross-Functional & Global Collaboration
- Partner with:
- Marketing and Communications (brand usage campaign reviews)
- Regional legal teams (ANZ EU NA)
- Provide administrative and project support for global TM initiatives and process improvements
- Participate in cross-regional TM/IP meetings and coordination efforts
- Bachelors degree or TM/IP Paralegal Certification preferred
- 2-5 years of experience in intellectual property trademark or legal support role (in-house or law firm)
- Experience supporting global TM portfolios preferred
- Familiarity with Australian or APAC IP/advertising considerations is a strong plus
- Strong understanding of trademark principles and brand protection
- Experience with TM/IP docketing systems and legal review tools
- High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced global environment
- Strong communication skills with the ability to translate legal concepts into practival guidance
- Collaborative mindset with ability to partner across legal and business teams
- Flexibility to work overtime as needed including evenings weekends and occasional travel
As of the date of this posting a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $80000.00 to $110000.00. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience skills geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan.
At James Hardie we recognize that our success depends on our people. Weve worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.
- Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
- Insurance: day-one health coverage medical dental vision life insurance
- Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
- Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
- Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
- Work-Life Balance: parental leave wellness programs
- Purpose. Impact. Community:Sustainability Initiatives James Hardie
James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color gender sex age national origin religion sexual orientation gender identity/expression genetic information veterans status marital status pregnancy disability or any other basis protected by law.
James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits including but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act in accordance with its plans and policies.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties responsibilities and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.
About Company
Discover the world leader in fiber cement products and enhance your home's beauty with trusted durability. Visit us now!