Intellectual Property Counsel

This is a Full Time Job

The Intellectual Property team is seeking a Counsel to work in its TRA©K-IP department. Reporting to a senior lawyer in the department, the Counsel will focus on remake/sequel and ancillary rights research and analysis, communicating with the relevant SPE divisions via memos, emails and input into relevant company databases. The Counsel also will perform any/all other aspects of the department's work, as needed.

Responsibilities include:
• Advising SPE's various production divisions regarding SPE's rights to produce derivative productions based on its owned properties and exploit associated ancillary rights. Requires (a) researching and analyzing all relevant agreements, (b) thorough understanding of entertainment deals, copyright issues (including chain of title and statutory termination/reversion), and WGA separated rights issues, and (c) drafting a thorough and client-friendly communication summarizing the rights, obligations, and any legal issues.
• Participating in requirements-gathering sessions with SPE's Information Technology department regarding new functionality in SPE's rights application(s).
• Inputting, as needed, into SPE's rights application(s).
• Advising on proper interpretation of many types of entertainment contracts, including literary property purchase agreements, co-financing and distribution agreements, network license agreements, and talent agreements.
• Providing additional legal guidance to the team and business partners, as needed, including on issues related to chain of title, copyright registrations and recordations, distribution rights, and ancillary rights.

Qualifications:
• Law degree
• Member in good standing of the CA Bar
• Five years of experience practicing law; must include experience in copyright law and/or with entertainment contracts; experience with chain of title issues a plus
• Experience working with complex databases (including for purposes of research, analysis, and date entry) strongly preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent analytical and issue-spotting skills
• Excellent legal and business judgment
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact collaboratively
• Demonstrated ability to pay attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities