Closing Date: 16th July, 2026

Description:

From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion and are guided by their service to others.

The Starbucks Intellectual Property Group has an opening for a generalist Intellectual Property attorney who will advise global brand and product teams on some of Starbucks most visible product launches, brand campaigns, and consumer experiences. The attorney's practice will focus on trademark counseling, clearance, and portfolio development. Serving as a trusted legal counselor, the attorney will guide trademark strategy for new beverage launches around the world and partner with the product and marketing teams to develop protectable names for new platforms and iconic beverages.  Additionally, the attorney will advise the marketing teams who deliver partnerships, campaigns, and moments that put Starbucks at the center of culture.  While focusing primarily on trademark counseling, portfolio development, and clearance matters, the attorney will also manage IP disputes, identify patentable innovations, and advise on trade secret and open-source matters.  The attorney will join a collaborative, award-winning team of legal professionals and deliver timely, clear, actionable, and pragmatic legal advice in a fast-paced business environment.

As a corporate counsel Intellectual Property, you will…

Grow the world-class Starbucks trademark portfolio through trademark clearance, availability analysis, prosecution, and counseling.
Give pragmatic, business-centered advice that enables the brand organization to make informed decisions and execute successful campaigns.
Manage IP enforcement and inbound claims of infringement.
Identify patentable innovations and counsel on trade secret and open-source questions.

We'd love to hear from people with:

Six to twelve years of relevant substantive legal experience in intellectual property (preference for at least some time at a law firm)
Deep experience in trademark clearance and portfolio building.
Broad competence across multiple IP areas, making you ready to handle patent, trade secret, and open-source matters.
Experience working on IP disputes.
A law degree from an accredited law school.
A license to practice law in Washington or an in-house counsel registration in Washington, or eligibility to obtain these credentials

As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits. Partners have access to short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement, paid vacation from date of hire*, sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year. Starbucks also offers eligible partners participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well-being tools. Additionally, Starbucks offers 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor's degree through Arizona State University's online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, student loan management resources, and access to other educational opportunities. You will also have access to backup care and DACA reimbursement. Starbucks will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, and in accordance with its plans and policies. This list is subject to change depending on collective bargaining in locations where partners have a certified bargaining representative. For additional information regarding partner perks and more detailed information about benefits, go to starbucksbenefits.com.

If you are working in CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND or RI, you will accrue vacation up to a maximum of 120 hours (190 in CA) for roles below director and 200 hours (316 in CA) for roles at director or above. For roles in other states, you will be granted vacation time starting at 120 hours annually for roles below director and 200 hours annually for roles director and above.

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity.  At Starbucks, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

We believe we do our best work when we're together, which is why we're onsite four days a week.

Join us and inspire with every cup. Apply today!