THE ROLE: The Counsel - Intellectual Property Review is a junior level attorney position that will serve as the primary counsel for intellectual property matters, advising the business about strategic protection of IP assets and identifying and advising about risks arising out of third-party rights. This person will lead and manage all worldwide trademark and patent searches and filings and file any needed infringement actions to protect the Company's intellectual property assets.
HOW YOU WOULD CONTRIBUTE:
• Work closely with VP, Legal Advertising & Marketing to develop a comprehensive IP Brand Protection and Risk Mitigation Strategy. This includes developing, implementing and managing strategies for protecting the Company's intellectual property portfolio including trademark and patent portfolios for (1) cost-effective protection of new brands, designs, and inventions; (2) defense of assets from infringement and dilution; and 3) protection of intellectual property assets including product formulas and other trade secrets.
• Support sales and marketing groups in clearance and protection of new brands, images, taglines, and other public-facing assets.
• Lead in preparation of worldwide trademark and patent searches and applications, managing communication with respective government patent and trademark offices, as needed.
• Provide support to global regional counsel to ensure robust and timely registration and protection of the company's IP portfolio in the 90+ countries.
• Develop, coordinate and implement legal department global training curricula and course materials designed for internal business stakeholders and other lawyers.
• Manage outside counsel to budget and department expectations. Enforce adherence by outside counsel to Company and Legal Department policy.
• Provide additional support on team projects and perform additional duties as assigned.
WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT THE TEAM:
This is a truly unique opportunity to work as part of the Legal advertising team, a dynamic group of diverse and well-established individuals, all of whom share advertising expertise and the common goal of supporting and helping to drive our business. The team meets and calibrates on a weekly basis and always has a can-do first attitude in trying to meet the requests of its business partners. That is not to say that they can always approve proposals, but they work collaboratively with business partners to provide a risk-based alternative.
In addition, the Counsel - Intellectual Property Review will work with several other cross-functional teams, such as Sales, Marketing, Events, Corporate Communications, and MPC. These teams work hard, but also enjoy taking the time to get to know one another. Working closely with these individuals one a day-to-day basis and at corporate events builds a sense of unity and long-lasting relationships.
SKILLS AND BACKGROUND REQUIRED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:
Skills:
• Knowledge of intellectual property law
• Strong project management and technical writing skills, including superior spelling, punctuation, and grammar
• Ability to research, interpret, analyze and apply legal and regulatory requirements
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to handle strict deadlines under pressure and ability to remain flexible in order to adapt to changing procedures, systems and priorities
• Team player and strong interpersonal skills; able to effectively communicate with all levels, up through executive management
• Bilingual in Spanish and English
Experience:
• 0-3 years of experience as an attorney (1 year or more large law firm or inhouse experience preferred)
• Experience in intellectual property registration and protection matters, including coursework on intellectual property
• Experience leading and managing efficiency projects pertaining to technological efficiencies/improvements (e.g., matter management tool implementation; development/maintenance of claims repositories/search tools; etc.) is a plus.
• Familiarity with the following is not a requirement, but a plus:
• USPTO registration and protection matters.
• Experience in developing and conducting legal training courses for internal and external stakeholders.
Education:
• LLB from accredited law school or above
• Bachelor's Degree
• Licensed to practice law
