Associate Principal Counsel – Intellectual Property, Trademarks

The Walt Disney Company

Burbank, United States

Type

Attorney

Experience Level

Associate

Industry

Hospitality & Travel

Position Description

Flex Type: Hybrid 

This role is considered hybrid, which means the employee will work a portion of their time on-site from a Company designated location and the remainder of their time remotely.

Job Summary:

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

Disney is one of the most innovative global businesses in any industry today and one of the world’s largest trademark owners. 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 be primarily responsible for prosecution and maintenance of our U.S. trademark portfolio and working with our international outside trademark counsel on title and trademark clearance for our productions. In addition, the position will offer advice on a range of copyright, right of publicity and trademark issues related to the development, production, marketing and distribution of motion pictures, television, online content, and related consumer products.

Responsibilities:

  • Supervise paralegals and outside counsel in all aspects of trademark prosecution, conflict/dispute matters, and post-registration maintenance of the domestic and foreign day-to-day trademark matters.
  • Review watch notices and draft and review trademark pleadings and documents related to third-party trademark filings.
  • Work with foreign counsel on international clearance of titles and trademarks.
  • Provide counseling and education to clients on numerous intellectual property matters, including copyright, trademark, and right of publicity issues.
  • Analyze and advise on complex rights questions.
  • Advise on IP aspects of legal agreements.
  • Consultation regarding legal developments in multiple countries on trademark and copyright issues.
  • Analyze and resolve intellectual property claims.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 4+ years of relevant IP experience (transactional or litigation) with a law firm and/or in-house department.
  • Experience handling large global trademark portfolios.
  • Experience handling copyright, trademark 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 or supervising paralegals, and leveraging paralegal support for issues of varying complexity.
  • 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.
  • Admission to California State Bar or willingness and qualification to be Registered In-House Counsel.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience at a major law firm and/or in-house experience at a major multi-national Company.
  • Experience representing a major entertainment IP owner.
  • Adaptability to changes in workflow and intellectual property related support systems and technology is critical.
  • Technology-forward attorney.
  • Familiarity with foreign languages is a plus
  • Experience working as an Examining Attorney at the USPTO is a plus

Required 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

Additional Information:

LegalAffairs

About the Organization

The Walt Disney Company entertains, informs and inspires people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds and innovative technologies families have come to love for over 90 years. Whether you’re looking to create magic in our Parks and Resorts, support business growth and development, work behind-the-scenes on your favorite TV shows or upcoming movies, or anything in-between, this is your opportunity to start the next chapter of your career story and help create the exhilarating experiences Disney is known for worldwide.

How to Apply

Apply on Disney’s Career Site at the link below!

Apply Here