Sr. Corporate Counsel, IP Enforcement

The Pokémon Company International; Bellevue (WA); Hybrid; USD 154,000 - 233,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pokémon Company International is seeking a Senior Corporate Counsel for IP enforcement to manage legal strategies and partnerships. This role involves advising on IP law, managing vendor contracts, and executing anti-counterfeiting initiatives. Ideal candidates should possess significant legal experience and a strong understanding of the Pokémon brand.

Benefits

100% employer-paid healthcare premiums

Generous paid family leave

Employer-paid life insurance

Employer-paid long and short-term income protection insurance

401k Employer Matching

Fitness reimbursement

Comprehensive relocation package for certain roles

Hybrid work environment

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of practice focused on IP enforcement and litigation.
• Bar license in good standing in Washington state or ability to qualify.
• Knowledge of U.S. IP law, particularly copyright and trademarks.

Responsibilities

• Counsel and train on IP enforcement matters and develop strategies.
• Manage enforcement partnerships and legal processes.
• Review internal metrics and draft legal documents.

Skills

Strategic analytical skills

Strong communication skills

Understanding of IP law

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Get to know The Pokémon Company International

The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children's entertainment properties in the world.

• Job Title: Senior Corporate Counsel, IP Enforcement
• Job Summary: The Legal department of The Pokémon Company International, Inc. (TPCi) has a Senior Corporate Counsel role opening in our intellectual property (IP) enforcement team, based in the U.S. and supporting all TPCi subsidiaries and offices. Working in constant alignment with Legal team members and internal and external stakeholders, both domestic and international, this role leverages multidisciplinary knowledge to strategically guide and execute IP enforcement and anticounterfeiting activities in an evolving global landscape.
• FLSA Classification (US Only): Exempt
• People Manager: No

What you’ll do

• Apply legal, industry, and brand knowledge to counsel and train internal and external partners as well as vendors on IP enforcement matters, including proactive IP protection strategies, while demonstrating a keen understanding of the Pokémon brand, products, business objectives and operations, and stakeholder needs.
• Develop strategic recommendations and execute on IP enforcement and anticounterfeiting initiatives in cooperation with internal teams as well as outside counsel, vendors, and external partners.
• Identify and drive development of collaborative enforcement partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, platforms, and other relevant entities.
• Deliver accurate, rapid verification and legal assessment of questioned products and content. Provide formal review and documentation of infringing products for internal and external evidentiary purposes as needed.
• Nominate targets and develop and execute practical case strategies to achieve positive legal action and litigation outcomes with efficient deployment of outside counsel and resources. Liaise with and support internal and external stakeholders while handling each stage of the legal process, including providing depositions, affidavits, or other representation on behalf of TPCi if needed.
• Review and refine internal data collection and anti-counterfeiting program performance metrics. Draft and deliver meaningful program reporting and presentations to stakeholder groups on a regular cadence.
• Oversee enforcement vendor performance and handle vendor contract review and negotiation.
• Draft, review, and/or revise relevant legal templates, letters, agreements, training documents, and policy language.
• Other tasks related to the legal management and support of the IP enforcement program as needed.
• Stay up to date and advise on relevant developments and trends in law and policy as well as anticounterfeiting measures, practices, and consumer behavior.

What you’ll bring

• Attorney with 8 - 10 years of practice focused on IP enforcement and litigation.
• J.D. from an accredited law school or equivalent educational qualification for admission to practice in a jurisdiction.
• Bar license in good standing in Washington state or another jurisdiction is required. If not currently admitted to practice in Washington, qualified to seek admission to practice in Washington and successfully register with the Washington State Bar upon hire.
• Knowledge and experience in advising on U.S. IP law, particularly copyright and trademarks. IP knowledge and experience in non-U.S. jurisdictions is a plus. Knowledge and experience in related practice areas, such as licensing transactions, is a plus.
• Dedication to confidentiality and professional judgment and ethics.
• Strategic analytical skills with the ability to translate detailed analysis into practical advice.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal; able to effectively share advice and information with legal and non-legal audiences while working across international business cultures.
• Enthusiasm for engaging with and learning the Pokémon business and products.
• Other professional experience or knowledge in relevant areas, such as entertainment, gaming, law enforcement, or consumer products licensing, is a plus.
• Written and spoken legal fluency in Japanese, Spanish, or other languages is a plus.
• Ability to engage in domestic or international business travel as required.

Base Salary Range: For this role, new hires generally start between $154,400.00 - $183,500.00 per year. The full range is $154,400.00 - $232,100.00 per year. This range is applicable for the labor market where the role is intended to be hired. The final base salary is directly related to the candidate’s qualifications and professional experience uniquely.

#LI-MK1 #LI-Hybrid

How you’ll be successful

• Passion for Pokémon: Develops an understanding of the Pokémon brand, the impact it has on our people, culture, business, fans, and communities, and applying that knowledge and passion to everything you do.
• Challenging the Expected: Approaches challenges with curiosity and creativity, embracing the possibility of failure as an opportunity to learn something new, develop innovative ideas, solve complex problems and identify unique opportunities.
• Integrity and Respect: Demonstrates integrity and respect by leading with empathy, listening to others, seeking out different perspectives, and taking personal responsibility for decisions, actions, and results.
• Dedicated to Quality: Takes ownership to maintain and promote high standards, looks for new ways to learn and improve, and embraces a growth mindset to seek and apply feedback from others in an effort to continuously improve.
• Building Relationships: Develops and strengthens relationships, adopting a “team first” mentality and working collaboratively to solve problems and meet shared goals.
• Delighting Customers: Listens and understands the interests and needs of our customers and stakeholders, making them feel heard and important, and embracing these learnings to continue delivering a unique Pokémon experience.

What to expect

• An innovative culture driven by impact, delivering meaningful outcomes.
• Company events that celebrate the spirit of Pokémon.
• Competitive cash-based compensation programs.
• 100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for you.
• Generous paid family leave.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Employer-paid long and short-term income protection insurance.
• US Employees: 401k Employer Matching.
• UK/IRE/MX Employees: Pension Employer Contributions.
• Fitness reimbursement.
• LinkedIn learning.
• Comprehensive relocation package for certain roles.
• Hybrid work environment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this role. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. For roles in the United Kingdom, candidates will need the right to work. In some cases, and for some roles, the Company may be able to arrange a visa. For roles in Ireland, this role requires candidates to have the right to live and work in the Republic of Ireland. However, we welcome applications from all nationalities and may consider supporting an employment permit application, in appropriate and suitable cases.

The Pokémon Company International is committed to the inclusion of all qualified applicants for consideration in our job application process. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail] .

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