Legal NBA General Counsel & Intellectual Property

To assist in all IP matters handled by the Legal Department, including enforcement of the company's IP rights (including internet infringement, content piracy and anti-counterfeiting), administration of the NBA's trademark prosecution docket, management of IP litigation, including trademark, copyright and patent cases, and research/client advice regarding a variety of IP issues (including trademark, copyright, advertising/marketing and right of publicity).

Major Responsibilities: 

• -- Provide advice and assistance regarding IP issues arising in connection with various worldwide merchandising/consumer product initiatives.
• -- Manage domestic and international litigations/arbitrations involving IP issues.
• -- Oversee domestic and international IP rights enforcement program, including coordinating investigations of counterfeiting and infringements on a global basis.
• -- Conduct legal research and provide analysis and advice regarding all intellectual property matters.
• -- Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements, including coexistence agreements, assignments, work for hire agreements, and settlement agreements.
• -- Participate in quality control review of consumer products/packaging and marketing review of all advertising and promotional materials featuring the NBA brand.
• -- Conduct trademark search/clearance of all proposed league and team brand identities (including logos, names, mascots, slogans).
• -- Supervise international and domestic trademark registration and prosecution.
• -- Provide advice and assistance with internet-related issues.

Required Skills/Knowledge 

• -- Strong knowledge of substantive trademark and copyright law and procedures; computer skills; excellent research, writing and communication skills; knowledge of IP litigation and litigation skills.
• -- Experience in content piracy, trademark search/clearance, trademark prosecution, anti-counterfeiting and international trademark practice preferred.
• -- Prior in-house experience preferred.
• -- At least 2 years of experience in the field of Intellectual Property (including trademark, copyright and right of publicity law), with an emphasis on litigation.

Educational Background Required: Juris Doctorate; bar admission