Sun World International is a California-based agriculture and technology firm engaged in fruit variety development, technology, intellectual property, and licensing. Its technology and IP pursuits include one of the world's leading fruit breeding/genetics programs, a broad-based portfolio of plant patents and trademarks, and investments in agriculture technology start-ups benefiting our global licensees. Licensing consists of sharing new proprietary table grape varieties, stone fruit, mangoes, avocado, and citrus, and the IP they comprise, with like-minded fruit growers and marketers in more than 17 countries around the world. The Company prizes creativity, innovation, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Its people strive for excellence by demonstrating leadership, passion, kindness, authenticity, courage, initiative, and curiosity. We are growing, come and join us
Position Summary
We are seeking an energetic Associate Legal Counsel to support our efforts in China. This role will report directly to the VP of Legal in the U.S, and ensure legal compliance, assist with commercial and IP contracts, and act as a local legal liaison. This is a permanent position.
Location: Shanghai
Key Responsibilities
* Legal Compliance & Representation
* Act as the local legal representative for Sun World China, ensuring compliance with Chinese laws and regulations.
* Maintain and update company legal documents (e.g., business licenses, filings).
* Liaise with local authorities (CNIPA, MARA, SAMR, AIC, etc.) as needed.
* Contract Drafting & Review
* Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts (supplier agreements, NDAs, service contracts, etc.) in compliance with Chinese law.
* Assist with IP-related contracts (licensing, trademark filings, patent agreements).
* Ensure contracts are China-centric, accounting for local legal requirements and enforcement.
* Intellectual Property (IP) Support
* Work with VP and outside IP counsel to file and maintain trademarks, utility patents, PVP and copyrights in China.
* Monitor and mitigate IP infringement risks.
* Be a local contact for surveillance and litigation
* Advise on data privacy (PIPL) and cybersecurity compliance.
* Internal Legal Support
* Provide preliminary legal guidance to internal teams (HR, Finance, Operations) on China-specific matters.
* Assist with dispute resolution and litigation coordination (if necessary).
* Strong research practices
* Excellent writing ability
* Conduct legal research on regulatory changes affecting the business
Requirements
* University degree in Law
* Passed National Judicial Exam and have completed a one-year internship (ideally with an internationally focused or Intellectual Property-focused firm or corporation)
* Legal Practice Certificate
* The candidate must be fluent in both English and Mandarin (verbal and written) and have a strong understanding of Chinese corporate and IP law.
Work schedule: Role will initially be 100% remote, until Sun World has an office in Shanghai. Then the work schedule will be hybrid.
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