Description:
The role of the Corporate Counsel, Intellectual Property (IP) as more fully described below in the Responsibilities, is to support An Apparel Company Legal Department and An Apparel Company domestic and international business teams, primarily by: (1) executing or coordinating and assisting on all aspects of a sophisticated and high-volume domestic and foreign intellectual property portfolio; and (2) independently or assisting with (a) negotiating, drafting, reviewing, summarizing, researching, and executing a wide variety of business agreements and operational documents applicable to the consumer products and licensing industry; (b) reviewing marketing content and social media postings. The Corporate Counsel, Intellectual Property will also advise and support all company departments in a variety of legal issues, including customs issues, collections matters, customer issues, and other general business matters as well as all day-to-day legal issues that arise, providing significant business value to An Apparel Company.Responsibilities:
- Execute, coordinate, and assist on all aspects of a sophisticated and high-volume domestic and foreign intellectual property portfolio:
- Perform full range of general IP and trademark counseling (e.g., clearance, selection, and prosecution; due diligence; assignments and acquisitions);
- Perform full range of IP enforcement (e.g., watch notices, cease and desist letters, co-existence and settlement agreements, trademark oppositions/cancellations, litigation, and customs clearances);
- Instruct, coordinate, and manage outside counsel, foreign agents, and other service providers relevant to the scope of duties;
- Supervise and coordinate legal interns, junior attorneys, and other legal and support staff concerning the scope of duties;
- Coordinate with internal Managers of Intellectual Property and Contracts to support design approval search/clear functions, and prosecution and maintenance of IP applications and registrations;
- Coordinate with and assist the Brand Protection team with Customs clearances and registrations and investigating and enforcing counterfeit product cases;
- Coordinate with and assist the Social Compliance and Production/Sourcing Teams on factory approvals with Customs offices.
- Either independently, or by assisting others, negotiate, draft, review, advise on, and manage marketing agreements, marketing agency agreements, agreements for events and contests, collaboration agreements, custom product orders
- Review marketing content and social media posts for compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and An Apparel Company and its partners'/licensors' brand standards
- Either independently, or by assisting others, negotiate, draft, review, and advise on general business contracts, license agreements, distribution agreements, confidentiality agreements, trademark consent agreements, manufacturing agreements, real estate lease agreements, and other general business and operations contracts
- Interact with, advise, and counsel internal business clients on legal and business matters including customs issues, collections matters, customer service issues, and other general business matters as well as all day-to-day legal issues that arise
- Review, process, and coordinate terms and conditions in customer account onboarding documents, including vendor compliance agreements, purchase agreements, and service agreements
- Provide assistance with retail store license and franchise agreements as well as other global joint ventures, strategic partnership deals, and mergers and acquisitions through performance of due diligence and advising on integration strategies
- Support the Legal Department and outside counsel with ongoing litigation and related discovery responses, as applicable
- Advise and update the Legal Department as well as internal clients (including upper management as needed) on contract status, legal risks, and business terms of various deals
- Support Legal Department and Finance Department in various internal corporate agreements
- Interact with outside law firms as necessary concerning the scope of duties
- Ensure consistency of business and legal objectives and An Apparel Company policies and procedures in all contracts
- Ensure high-quality legal analysis and business advice to internal business clients
- Assist in implementation, input, and management of Legal Department's contract processes and procedures, including an electronic database of contracts
- Assist in research and review of legal issues affecting An Apparel Company product designs
- Research unique legal issues affecting the organization by identifying applicable statutes, judicial decisions, and codes
- Facilitate cross-functional interaction with and support Coordinators, Assistant Managers, Managers, Senior Managers, Directors, Senior Directors and Executives within the company, including Sports Licensed Categories, Marketing, Production and Sourcing, Operations, Sales, Human Resources, Business Development, IT, and the International Divisions
- Coordinate other legal issues and responsibilities and perform other duties as directed or assigned
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Proven background and experience in intellectual property law
- Thorough knowledge of likeness and image rights and intellectual property rights as they relate to consumer products, marketing, and licensing
- Working knowledge of false advertising law
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels of the organization
- Excellent business sense and ability to counsel colleagues and management on legal and business matters independently
- Strong academic background and a demonstrated record of accomplishments and achievements
- Superior contract drafting, reviewing, and negotiation skills
- Knowledge of legal compliance involving general business law
- Strong research, administrative, writing, analytical, and reporting skills
- Superb project management, time management, and prioritization skills and ability to multi-task and handle a high volume of projects simultaneously while meeting demanding deadlines
- Excellent organizational skills and reliability with strong diligence and follow through
- Proficient in MS Office suite – Outlook, Word, Excel, & PowerPoint; proficiency in major social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snap Chat, TikTok)
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a collegial, fast-paced, and high energy environment
- Demonstrated ability to serve as a trusted legal and business advisor to the Legal Department and business teams
- Strong business acumen and business savvy
- Sound judgment and a hands-on, reasonable, and practical approach to the law
- Natural ability to use creativity and a practical approach to propose solutions to complex situations
- Self-starting, mature, focused, confident, resilient, and resourceful
- Demonstrated ability to manage highly confidential information
Education and Experience:
- Undergraduate and JD Degree required
- Active member of New York State Bar in good standing
- Minium of 3 (three) years of practical experience in the legal profession (in-house corporate experience preferred)
- Experience working successfully in a rapidly growing, fast paced environment
