Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property

The Walt Disney Company; Burbank (CA); On-site; USD 177,000 - 229,000; Full time

Job summary

The Walt Disney Company in Burbank, CA, is seeking a Senior Counsel in its Corporate Legal Department, Intellectual Property group, to advise on copyright, trademark and right of publicity issues across the company’s media businesses. You will provide strategic IP guidance, draft and review agreements, and collaborate with global teams to protect and monetize IP assets.

The role requires strong IP transaction or litigation experience, First Amendment knowledge, and excellent communication skills

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of IP experience (transactional or litigation) with a law firm and/or in-house department.
• Experience handling copyright, trademark, defamation and right of publicity issues.
• Knowledge of First Amendment and fair use issues as related to intellectual property law.
• Familiarity with social media and other content applications and platforms.
• Experience working with and managing paralegals.
• Experience giving presentations and public speaking. This position involves educating business units on intellectual property topics from time to time.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate risk; exercise sound legal judgment; and advise business executives and other attorneys on IP issues.
• Ability to work independently and with supervision from senior attorney(s).
• A collegial and collaborative lawyer who is committed to delivering outstanding results for his or her clients and The Walt Disney Company while building a positive working environment with clients and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling to clients on numerous intellectual property matters, including copyright, trademark, defamation, and right of publicity issues.
• Analyze and advise on complex rights questions.
• Advise on IP aspects of legal agreements.
• Perform trademark clearances; some trademark prosecution; supervision and work with in-house IP paralegal staff and outside counsel in multiple countries.
• Consultation regarding legal developments in multiple countries on trademark and copyright issues.
• Analyze and resolve intellectual property claims.

Skills

IP experience

Copyright law

Trademark law

Right of publicity

Defamation

Public speaking

Legal drafting

Client counseling

Paralegal supervision

Education

J.D.

CA Bar admission

Job description

Job Requirements

The Disney Corporate Legal Department, Intellectual Property group, is seeking highly qualified candidates for a position as Senior Counsel advising its businesses on copyright, trademark and right of publicity issues.

Disney is one of the most innovative global businesses in any industry today. At Corporate, you’ll work across different lines of business across the Company on issues related to IP development, clearance, acquisition, protection, and management. We work on cutting edge ideas and initiatives with supportive colleagues across the enterprise globally.

The position will primarily involve advising on a range of copyright, right of publicity and trademark issues related to the media industry. The position will provide support and strategic legal advice to business units, such as analyzing complex rights matters, reviewing and drafting IP related language for agreements, analyzing IP issues related to emerging technologies and other strategic business initiatives. The position will collaborate with and elevate issues to more senior IP attorneys.

What You Will Do:

• Provide counseling to clients on numerous intellectual property matters, including copyright, trademark, defamation, and right of publicity issues.
• Analyze and advise on complex rights questions.
• Advise on IP aspects of legal agreements.
• Perform trademark clearances; some trademark prosecution; supervision and work with in-house IP paralegal staff and outside counsel in multiple countries.
• Consultation regarding legal developments in multiple countries on trademark and copyright issues.
• Analyze and resolve intellectual property claims.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of IP experience (transactional or litigation) with a law firm and/or in-house department
• Experience handling copyright, trademark, defamation and right of publicity issues.
• Knowledge of First Amendment and fair use issues as related to intellectual property law.
• Familiarity with social media and other content applications and platforms.
• Experience working with and managing paralegals.
• Experience giving presentations and public speaking. This position involves educating business units on intellectual property topics from time to time.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate risk; exercise sound legal judgment; and advise business executives and other attorneys on IP issues.
• Ability to work independently and with supervision from senior attorney(s).
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task and work quickly, efficiently, and collaboratively under multiple, high-priority deadlines.
• A collegial and collaborative lawyer who is committed to delivering outstanding results for his or her clients and The Walt Disney Company while building a positive working environment with clients and colleagues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate complex concepts and practical issues effectively with all levels of management, as well as a knack for smooth client relationships and diplomatic, creative resolution of conflicting needs.
• Excellent work ethic and interpersonal skills, including a healthy sense of humor and the ability to build professional, interdepartmental relationships at multiple levels.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Experience at a major law firm and/or in-house experience at a major multi-national Company.
• Experience representing a major consumer brand or entertainment IP owner in production clearance matters and claims.
• Adaptability to changes in workflow and intellectual property related support systems and technology is critical.
• Technology-forward attorney.

Education

• JD or equivalent
• Strong academic credentials
• Admission to California State Bar in good standing or willingness and qualification to be Registered In-House Counsel

#twdcmedia #corp_media

Disclaimer

PAY TRANSPARENCY

The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $177,100 to $229,100 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

This position is with Disney Worldwide Services, Inc., which is part of a business we call The Walt Disney Company (Corporate).

Disney Worldwide Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs (https://support.disneycareers.com/hc/en-us/sections/32131060143380-Candidate-Disability-Accommodations-FAQs). We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email [e-mail] with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.