Attorney (Intellectual Property, Marketing, & Contracts) - 11215 Metro Pkwy

With approximately 1,300 boutiques and outlets throughout the U.S., as well as an online presence for each of our brands, it takes sophisticated technology, resources and infrastructure to ensure the continued success of our businesses. From finance and accounting to technology and merchandising careers, we have diverse opportunities available for talented professionals to join our team of nearly 16,000 associates who share our commitment to excellence.

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

The Intellectual Property, Marketing & Contracts Attorney is a business-minded and self-motivated attorney with 3-6 years of experience (prior in-house experience a plus). The position is responsible for all legal aspects of the Company's marketing, advertising, PR and creative matters in support of the Company's brands (Chico's®, White House Black Market®, Soma®) , and managing the Company's domestic and foreign Intellectual Property portfolio and a steady volume of contracts . The position reports to the Senior Director, Corporate Counsel and provide support to that role on various business development, contracts and litigation matters.

This candidate must be able to effectively provide strategic legal advice to business partners on business initiatives and issues particularly with regard to international franchising, domestic licensing, marketing and the Company's intellectual property portfolio; proactively identify potential liability and reputational risks and collaborate with business partners on creative and practical solutions. In addition, the position helps develop and drive playbooks and trainings to mitigate risk, increase speed and efficiency to market, and further the long-term interests of the Company; manages complex legal matters, and represents the Legal Department on cross-functional teams and projects.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position is responsible for overseeing, assessing, developing, managing, and maintaining an effective IP, marketing and product design compliance program across the Company with a special focus on omni-channel retail, including store, digital, social, email and print assets;and drafting and negotiating a wide variety of contracts for the business.

Marketing

• Working directly with the marketing organization, conducting marketing asset reviews, structuring compliant marketing programs, and providing legal advice to internal stakeholders related to the Company's marketing programs. Including expert legal advice on the full range of marketing, advertising and promotional initiatives across all Chico's FAS retail brands.
• Provide high quality pre-publication review of all marketing, PR and advertising materials.
• Oversee all charitable, sweepstakes and contest initiatives, drafting all relevant documentation, manage governmental registrations, bonding and reporting.
• Work to develop easy-to-follow templates and trainings to create efficiencies across all marketing channels and stakeholders.
• Work closely with other stakeholders to ensure compliance with FTC, TCPA, CAN-SPAM and related legal requirements, social channel requirements and guidelines and all other applicable laws and regulations applicable to marketing and charitable initiatives.
• Work closely with colleagues to ensure compliance with other relevant laws.

Intellectual Property

• Reviewing, protecting, prosecuting, enforcing and managing the Company's intellectual property portfolio and all IP-related licensing, infringement and litigation matters globally.
• Provide regular guidance to the Brands on all matters concerning the creation of original works, including trademarks, copyrights,product designs with an emphasis on graphic/print designs and a small portfolio of product patents; performing and evaluating clearance searches and communicating with clients regarding availability for use and addressing potential risks.
• Securing co-venture, co-development, IP licenses and related agreements as necessary to secure or grant IP rights pertaining to our brands, products and marketing.
• Police trademark and copyright infringement activities by third parties. Coordinate the work of third party investigators in the U.S. and internationally relating to counterfeits and gray market products. Draft cease and desist letters and other correspondence relating to infringement of intellectual property and handle resolution of these matters.
• Develop education programs regarding IP matters, for example, trademark clearance processes, copyright infringement, endorsements and rights of publicity.
• Manage domain name & short code registrations, acquisitions and disputes.
• Manage complex, cross-functional and cross-brand initiatives.

Contracts

• Working directly with the business, review, draft, structure and negotiate various contracts, with an emphasis on marketing-related contracts, licensing, franchising and IT agreements. Including joint promotion, agency, PR, creative, talent, and influencer partnership agreements.
• Managing team responsible for conducting due diligence on prospective business development partners.

• Assist Senior Director, Corporate Counsel on a broad range of commercial transactions, regulatory matters and day-to-day advice for the Company's business initiatives.
• Resolving issues that arise in existing contractual relationships, including the Company's licensing and franchising relationships.

Other

• Handling pre-litigation legal disputes and inquiries pertaining to the organization's contractual relationships, IP portfolio and marketing related matters and customer disputes & assist in litigation case management.
• Support other subject matter areas & team members as needed; other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
• Bar admission in at least 1 U.S. state & ability to secure Florida Bar house counsel status within 1 month of hire.
• 3-6+ years of combined relevant experience at a top law firm and/or in-house corporate. Prior experience counseling omni-channel retailers preferred.
• Solid experience in conducting due diligence and drafting and negotiating a wide variety of contracts required, with particular emphasis on product licenses, marketing-related agreements, co-development agreements, IP-related agreements, in-bound and out-bound licensing, distribution and franchise agreements, and related legal documents.
• Experience conducting product and marketing/advertising reviews.
• IP portfolio management experience required. Trademark, copyright, domain, and social media experience required; patent experience helpful.
• A proven ability to balance multiple priorities, work independently, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to quickly assess potential risks and develop solutions that support the business strategy, critical objectives, and cultural norms of the Company.
• Must have creative, strategic mindset along with the ability to turn concepts into action and strong relationship building, communication and influence skills.
• Solid interpersonal skills. Must be detail oriented and resourceful with good follow-through skills.
• Ability to act autonomously and strong desire to learn the business and function smoothly as part of an interdisciplinary team.
  

Chico's FAS, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, lactation, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military service, veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law.

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