ZIMMERMANN is one of Australia's leading and most respected fashion labels. Zimmermann's ready-to-wear collections and swimwear are sold through Zimmermann boutiques and high-end retailers both in Australia and internationally. Zimmermann maintains around 70 stand-alone retail stores throughout Australia, Europe, the US, China and the Middle East, and a successful online business.
Zimmermann’s collections are designed by its talented team of designers based in its Sydney and Paris offices. Its garments are protected by intellectual property rights including trade marks, copyright and design registrations.
Working closely with the Zimmermann’s legal team based in Australia, this position will play a vital role in enforcing Zimmermann’s intellectual property rights in China.
The objective of this role is to minimize the production of garments in China which are either copies or counterfeits of Zimmermann’s original garments.
This is an important role within the business, with significant potential for a motivated and resourceful individual who has strong communication skills. It will involve some travel, primarily within China. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Relationship building and training - Play a key role in building strong relationships with relevant organisations and authorities within China who can assist with brand enforcement within China, including educating them on the Zimmermann brand. - Develop and strengthen Zimmermann’s relationships with key platforms in China, including Alibaba and Douyin. - Attend meetings of the QBPC on Zimmermann’s behalf and report on these - Conduct in-person training of Customs officials at key ports.
Brand enforcement - Identify and investigate counterfeiting operators, to prepare the initial brief of evidence for investigators and counsel. - Online take downs on Chinese based platforms, including on Douyin, Xiaohongshu, WeChat and others. - Monitor the Chinese market (including industry trade shows and markets) for production and sale of copies and counterfeits of Zimmermann products. - Monitor the Chinese market for developments in the behaviours of counterfeiters and customers. - Identify and visit stores suspected of copying Zimmermann’s garments as a *** step in the enforcement process. - Attend Court hearings in China, along with Zimmermann’s external counsel. Working with Zimmermann teams - Work closely with the Legal team based in Sydney on all work, including investigations, relationship development and reporting. - Provide regular updates and reports on brand protection activities, trends, and outcomes in China. - Contribute to the development of Zimmermann's overall brand protection strategy in China. - Potentially some limited visits to Zimmermann’s key production suppliers regarding brand security. - Note: the role will continue to evolve. For example, it may expand in future to supervise supply chain security matters.
SKILLS & SPECIFICATIONS
This role would suit someone with a background in brand protection, investigations, fraud management, fashion, production, compliance, intellectual property or working as a paralegal. The role will involve on-the-job learning and will require energy, adaptation and proactivity from the individual. We are looking for someone who can passionately represent the brand and is invested in combating the theft of the brand’s intellectual property. As such, the skills and personality of the individual are more important than prior experience.
Required skills include:
- Knowledge of Chinese marketplaces and social media. - Technologically savvy. - Love of learning and finding improved ways to solve problems. - Fluency in Mandarin and English. - Strong communication skills – oral and written. - Strong organizational skills. - Strong negotiation and diplomacy skills. - Ability to build and maintain strong relationships within and outside of the business. - Ability to work independently. - Motivated and resourceful, with the ability to think laterally and creatively to find information and solve problems (strictly within legal confines). - Ability to represent the Zimmermann brand well.
