Description:
Position Objective:KnitWell Group is seeking to hire a highly skilled and experienced attorney to join our Legal team as Senior Director, Counsel – IP/Marketing based in Fort Myers, FL. This individual will lead the IP & Marketing group, reporting to the General Counsel. Working in a highly collaborative manner, this individual will be accountable for delivering holistic legal support to grow the businesses, manage legal risks and protect the KnitWell brands and reputation.
Responsibilities:
- Leading and managing the IP & Marketing group and clearly articulating and communicating straightforward advice on IP and Marketing issues to senior business leaders.
- Managing the global trademark, copyright & patent portfolios of the companies within KnitWell Group, beginning with the Chico's FAS, Inc. portfolio, including counseling internal clients and acquisition, clearance, prosecution, maintenance, and enforcement of rights.
- Reviewing and advising on company advertising materials, and communications with respect to IP use and risks.
- Coordinating with the marketing teams and overseeing outside counsel as needed on domestic and international trademark and patent prosecution, oppositions, and cancellation actions.
- Conducting and reviewing trademark clearance searches and providing recommendations and advice to our marketing and creative teams regarding infringement risks, registrability and risk mitigation strategies.
- Counseling and advising design teams on creating original works.
- Managing and providing legal advice regarding contests, sweepstakes, and charitable promotions, including structuring, drafting rules and disclaimers, and completing all required registrations and bonding.
- Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contractual agreements, including license agreements, co-existence agreements, joint promotion agreements, co-development agreements and non-disclosure agreements and providing advice and support on IP provisions on a wide range of contracts as needed.
- Values individuality and the diverse talents of their team. Leads the team by communicating expectations, providing guidance, delivering feedback, and empowering the team to be their best.
Qualifications:
- JD Degree required
- 8+ years of substantive experience as a transactional legal counsel in IP & marketing
- Successful candidate must be admitted to Florida Bar as Authorized House Counsel within one year of being hired
- Experience with a corporate legal department or a nationally recognized law firm preferred
- Currently licensed to practice law and in good standing with bar of at least one U.S. state
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Proven presentation and training skills
- Ability to resolve complex, highly sensitive work-related issues
- Ability to effectively coach and leverage internal resources, outside counsel and subordinates
- Exceptional project management skills
- Ability to develop positive partnerships and influence at all levels of an organization
