Trademark Paralegal

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 8,000 employees and U.S. operations headquartered in Chicago, we operate 31 sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. We’re 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.

About the role

The Trademark Paralegal will support the global intellectual property function and marketing teams, assisting with the management of a global trademark portfolio and associated administrative processes. This role involves global trademark clearance searches, supporting enforcement activities, and partnering with business stakeholders to ensure proper brand and trademark usage. The position requires collaboration with legal counsel, marketing, R&D, and external counsel across multiple jurisdictions, and reports directly to the VP Global Intellectual Property. Time flexibility and occasional travel are required.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Marketing & Advertising Review (Global Focus)
  • Review marketing, advertising, and promotional materials for use in the US, Australia, and broader ANZ region to ensure:
    • Proper trademark usage and brand consistency
    • Compliance with trademark 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 trademark and brand usage
  • Support development and maintenance of trademark usage guidelines and training materials
• IP Operations & Portfolio Management
  • Assist Senior IP Paralegal with maintaining and updating the global trademark docketing systems to track filings, deadlines, and renewals
  • Coordinate with internal legal teams and external counsel to ensure timely execution of trademark actions
  • Support trademark renewals, filings, and documentation processes across multiple jurisdictions
  • Assist with vendor management and coordination of trademark service providers
• 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
• 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 trademark initiatives and process improvements
  • Participate in cross-regional trademark/IP meetings and coordination efforts

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or trademark/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 trademark portfolios preferred
• Familiarity with Australian or APAC IP/advertising considerations is a strong plus
• Strong understanding of trademark principles and brand protection
• Experience with trademark/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 practical guidance
• Collaborative mindset with ability to partner across legal and business teams
• Flexibility to work overtime as needed, including evenings, weekends, and occasional travel

Pay

A good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $80,000.00 to $110,000.00. Placement in the range depends on experience, skills, geography, and internal equity.

Benefits

• Compensation: Competitive salary and bonus eligibility
• Insurance: Day-one health coverage including medical, dental, vision, and 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 & Community: Sustainability initiatives