Commercial & IP Legal Counsel

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Germany.

📋 Description

• Drafting, revising, negotiating, and providing counsel on a diverse range of commercial agreements with our customers, suppliers, and strategic partners;

• Assisting and implementing legal team strategy initiatives aimed at enhancing global operations;

• Reviewing software packages for compliance with licensing before their release, ensuring our processes remain solid and in line with industry standards;

• Converting intricate engineering requirements into clear legal language and, conversely, clarifying how legal concepts (such as copyleft or derivative works) influence specific coding and product choices;

• Keeping abreast of the legal and regulatory environment regarding open source software, including new cybersecurity requirements, while proactively shaping SUSE’s approach and policies related to open source license compliance;

• Advising on SUSE’s strategic stance within the open source community, including backing SUSE’s thought leadership and advocacy on licensing matters within the open source realm;

• Creating and delivering training sessions for the business and support functions regarding topics like contract processes, the implications of various contractual terms, negotiation techniques, open source compliance, and group policies.

⛳️ Requirements

• A qualified lawyer with approximately 1-5 years of post-qualification experience.

• A German qualification is preferred, although qualifications from other jurisdictions will be considered.

• Experience in-house is advantageous but not mandatory.

• Proficient in both German and English.

• Knowledge of commercial contracts and/or intellectual property licenses.

• Familiarity with open source licensing is preferred, particularly regarding how different license types influence product strategy and risk.

• An eagerness to learn about the software supply chain and cybersecurity regulations.

• Exceptional drafting, research, and negotiation abilities, with a solid foundation in intellectual property and commercial contracting.

• Strong collaborative abilities and a good sense of humor - we appreciate team players who can engage across departments and jurisdictions.

• A business-oriented approach with the capability to articulate complex legal and technical issues in straightforward, accessible terms.

🏝️ Benefits

• We empower you to take bold steps, guiding your career to shape the future you envision.

• We acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments.

• SUSE operates in a dynamic environment that is rapidly evolving, necessitating agility, strong entrepreneurial spirit, and an open mindset.

• This is an exciting opportunity for the right individual to join us as we continue to grow and thrive.

• We provide you with the freedom to express your true self.

• You will be part of a global community filled with unique individuals – like you – possessing diverse backgrounds, talents, skills, and viewpoints.

• A genuinely open community where everyone is welcomed, has a voice, and is encouraged to reach their full potential, irrespective of age, gender, race, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristics.