Assistant Corporate Counsel - Brands

Job Title: Assistant Corporate Counsel - Brands

The successful candidate for this position will play an important role in maintaining and growing our intellectual property portfolio and zealously protecting our brands, assets, and brand relationships. We are looking for a candidate with a proactive and positive attitude and the desire and ability to collaborate effectively with senior members of the legal team and internal business partners in a positive and productive manner. A good fit for this position will also have keen attention to detail, be comfortable with and thrive in a fast-paced environment and possess the ability to be flexible and agile as we continue to grow toward the future. The role requires a self-motivated and highly collaborative individual who excels in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Specifically, you will:

• Provide legal support for all aspects of branded product lines from design and development, concept acquisition and packaging, to marketing and advertising

• Counsel brand teams on a broad range of legal issues, including intellectual property (trademark, patent, copyright, trade secrets), licensing, marketing, advertising, promotions, entertainment, social media, digital media, regulatory/compliance matters and contract negotiation and interpretation

• Negotiate and draft a variety of contracts, including influencer agreements, consulting agreements, development agreements, sponsorship agreements, marketing and promotion agreements, talent and music rights agreements and confidentiality agreements

• Review, clear, and give advice on product development, packaging, and all manner of advertising and marketing materials, including claim substantiation, digital media campaigns, contests, sweepstakes and other promotions

• Advise senior legal leadership on all aspects of IP such as trademark, design, and copyright clearance, brand protection, anti-counterfeiting, and enforcement, IP aspects of new ventures, marketing campaigns and product launches

• Assist on global portfolio management including filing, prosecution, maintenance, assignments, and renewal of all aspects of the IP portfolio, including trademarks, copyrights, patents, and domain names

• Negotiate and draft a variety of agreements for international partner uses of AEO intellectual property rights

• Handle IP infringement, enforcement, and anti-counterfeiting issues, including online takedowns, drafting and sending or responding to cease-and-desist letters, opposition / cancellation strategy, domain name enforcement (including UDRP actions), and preparing settlement agreements

• Second-chair IP and marketing litigation, oppositions, and cancellations

• Partner with internal business clients to proactively identify and further business strategies in transactions

• Provide client education and training on relevant legal topics

• Work with other attorneys and paralegals on group/departmental and/or ad hoc projects as required

Key Skills:

• Doctor of Law (JD) Degree from an accredited law school

• Membership of a state bar in good standing

• 1-2 years' experience with a top tier law firm and/or Law review / Moot Court preferred

• Experience negotiating and drafting a variety of intellectual property and marketing transactions preferred

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills and people skills

• Ability to engage in practical evaluations and explanations of risks and engage in collaborative problem-solving

• Ability to issue spot intellectual property laws and issues, especially copyright, trademark and rights of publicity, as well as marketing laws and issues including advertising and entertainment law issues

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize substantial and diverse workload and complete tasks within deadlines

• Commercial acumen, understanding commercial realities/priorities of the business and be able to give balanced advice on legal and commercial risk, adapting approach where necessary

• Manage and be comfortable working with ambiguity

• Results-driven, consistently achieving goals/meeting deadlines, and pursuing goals with a sense of urgency/energy and an emphasis on excellence

• Balance and prioritize multiple stakeholders

• Proactive in liaising with colleagues and to formulate plans or policies that may not already exist

• Self-confidence and ability to build a network within the legal team and across the business, understanding who to go to for advice and knowledge

PAY/BENEFITS INFORMATION:

• Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.

• Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.

• Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click here.

• AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.

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