Sr. Counsel, Global Intellectual Property and Brand Protection

Overview

The Sr. Counsel, Global Intellectual Property and Brand Protection partners closely with the VP, Global Intellectual Property and Brand Protection and the entire Global Intellectual Property team to manage and oversee the brand enforcement and protection program for the CROCS, JIBBITZ and HEYDUDE brands worldwide.

What You'll Do

• Direct and oversee global enforcement for the CROCS, JIBBITZ and HEYDUDE brands both online and offline, including guiding strategy, evaluating targets for action and managing disputes end-to-end.
• Build relationships with internal regional partners and work collaboratively to develop and implement regional brand protection strategies.
• Determine strategy and lead and oversee global trademark oppositions and related disputes in collaboration with team.
• Support regional trademark and design patent clearance, filing, prosecution and strategy as needed.
• Handle extensive network of external Intellectual Property legal counsel, agents and service providers.
• Supervise, develop and support a dedicated team of Intellectual Property specialists.
• Oversee and track budget allocation and spending for all managed projects.
• Maintain relationships with customs authorities, law enforcement, distributors, and informants, including developing and communicating training materials and respond to customs suspensions, detentions, and seizures.
• Track metrics and generate reports related to brand enforcement including ensuring enforcement cases are tracked in the global brand enforcement case management system.
• Collaborate with broader Global Intellectual Property team in developing and driving global brand protection and enforcement strategy.
• Defend company against IP claims including investigating allegations, preparing response letters, determining strategy and negotiating settlements.
• Develop and deliver ongoing intellectual property training for internal partners and respond to partners on day-to-day intellectual property inquiries.
• Negotiate and draft contracts including licensing, collaboration, consulting, non-disclosure, agency and development agreements.

What You'll Bring to the Table

• Minimum (8) eight years as an intellectual property attorney focused on global brand protection and enforcement with significant anti-counterfeiting experience. 
• In house legal department experience preferred.
• Proven flexibility and ability to multi-task and handle shifting priorities.
• Strong Ability to work and be a self-starter/self-motivated to work independently.
• Ability to lead a team of brand protection staff and agents both internally and externally.
• Ability to provide and communicate effectively practical and solutions-based legal advice.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills.
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in Law from an accredited university
• Preferred: Master’s Degree or equivalent experience in Law with a focus on Intellectual Property Law; Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law 
• Excellent written and spoken English language skills.