Legal Counsel, Intellectual Property (12-month FTC)

Canva; United States; Remote; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Canva is seeking a Legal Counsel to join our global legal team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role involves supporting our IP team with content licensing, negotiating commercial contracts, and advising on marketing campaigns. Ideal candidates will have 3-5 years of post-qualification experience in intellectual property law.

Benefits

Annual Vibe & Thrive allowance

Flexible leave options

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of post-qualification experience in IP law.
• Experience in contracts and advisory work.
• Technologically confident and adaptable.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate IP-related commercial contracts.
• Advise on marketing campaign materials.
• Collaborate with product and marketing teams.

Skills

Commercial contracts negotiation

Intellectual property law

Communication skills

Problem solving

Collaborative mindset

Tools

Canva

Jira

Slack

Job description

Join the team redefining how the world experiences design.

Hello, hey, g'day, mabuhay, kia ora, 你好, hallo, vítejte!

Thanks for stopping by. We know job hunting can be a little time consuming and you're probably keen to find out what's on offer, so we'll get straight to the point.

What you’d be doing in this role

As Canva scales, change continues to be part of our DNA. But we like to think that's all part of the fun. So this will give you the flavour of the type of things you'll be working on when you start, but will likely evolve.

About the Group

At Canva, we’re setting crazy big goals and making them happen to help our millions of monthly active users create beautiful designs.

With big goals, come big ideas. And our Legal team is there every step of the way - ideating, providing strategic legal advice and collaborating with Canvanauts across the globe to bring our ideas to life.

Our Intellectual Property (IP) team protects and defends Canva’s valuable IP and prides itself on delivering strategic legal solutions that empower Canvanauts to create and innovate with confidence.

About the Role

Canva is looking for a collaborative Legal Counsel to join our tight-knit global legal team on a 12-month fixed-term contract . This role sits within our IP team and will support Canva’s content licensing and marketing campaign work.

You’ll partner closely with our Content & Discovery and Marketing teams on their missions to empower the world to design with the best content and to make Canva the most loved brand in the world. You’ll offer pragmatic legal advice while managing IP risk and supporting Canva’s continued growth.

What you’ll do:

Reporting to Lead Counsel, you’ll:

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts with a focus on IP licenses for visual content, music and brand partnerships, and talent engagements
• Review and advise on copy and content for brand marketing campaigns (including television, radio, OOH and social) and major events like Canva Create
• Partner with our Product & Privacy Legal Team to review product marketing
• Draft IP-related terms and conditions for the Canva platform, such as content licenses
• Support with IP training and awareness initiatives
• Advise on other IP issues as required, includingthe use of AI technologies

What we're looking for:

• Minimum 3–5 years of post-qualification experience, ideally with a strong background in intellectual property
• Demonstrated exposure to contracts and advisory work
• A practical, business-oriented approach to legal problem-solving, with an ability to balance legal risk and commercial outcomes
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly and succinctly
• A collaborative mindset and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Technologically confident, with experience using (or a willingness to learn) tools like Canva, Jira, Slack and generative AI

Bonus if you have:

• In-house experience
• Experience in music, film, television or other creative industries
• Experience advising a SaaS or other technology company
• Knowledge of AI-related legal considerations, particularly around IP

What's in it for you?

Achieving our crazy big goals motivates us to work hard - and we do - but you'll experience lots of moments of magic, connectivity and fun woven throughout life at Canva, too. We also offer a range of benefits to set you up for every success in and outside of work.

Here's a taste of what's on offer:

• An annual Vibe & Thrive allowance to support your wellbeing, social connection, office setup & more
• Flexible leave options that empower you to be a force for good, take time to recharge and supports you personally

Check out lifeatcanva.com for more info.

Other stuff to know

We make hiring decisions based on your experience, skills and passion, as well as how you can enhance Canva and our culture. When you apply, please tell us the pronouns you use and any reasonable adjustments you may need during the interview process.

We celebrate all types of skills and backgrounds at Canva so even if you don’t feel like your skills quite match what’s listed above - we still want to hear from you!

Please note that interviews are conducted virtually.