IP Licensing Counsel

Overview

A legal team is seeking a Retail & Brand Licensing Counsel to support leading consumer brands in the retail, apparel, footwear, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and technology sectors. This role involves advising clients on complex brand licensing, intellectual property, and commercial transactions, with a focus on strategic partnerships involving globally recognized brands, entertainment companies, sports organizations, athletes, and celebrity collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements, including:
  • Brand licensing agreements
  • Trademark licensing agreements
  • Collaboration and co-branding agreements
  • Sponsorship and endorsement agreements
  • Merchandise and promotional licensing agreements
  • Distribution and commercial contracts
• Advise business teams on licensing strategy, intellectual property protection, and risk management.
• Support partnerships involving major consumer brands, entertainment companies, sports organizations, athletes, influencers, and celebrities.
• Counsel stakeholders on trademark, copyright, branding, marketing, and advertising issues related to licensed products and campaigns.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, merchandising, product development, legal, and executive teams to facilitate strategic business initiatives.
• Identify legal and commercial risks and provide practical, business-oriented solutions.
• Monitor developments in intellectual property, licensing, advertising, and consumer products law.

Requirements

• 6–15+ years of experience practicing commercial transactions, intellectual property, or licensing law.
• Significant experience drafting and negotiating brand licensing and commercial agreements for retail, apparel, footwear, consumer products, or CPG companies.
• Experience supporting partnerships involving major consumer brands, entertainment companies, sports organizations, leagues, athletes, celebrities, or influencers.
• Strong understanding of trademark licensing, brand protection, and intellectual property rights.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to balance legal risk with practical business objectives in a fast-paced environment.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active license to practice law.

Preferred Qualifications

• In-house legal experience with retail, apparel, footwear, luxury, or consumer products companies.
• Experience supporting globally recognized brands such as Nike, American Eagle, Under Armour, Tapestry, Disney, or similar organizations.
• Familiarity with sponsorship, endorsement, merchandising, or promotional licensing programs.
• Experience with international licensing agreements and cross-border commercial transactions.
• Background in technology licensing, SaaS, software, or biotech licensing is a plus.
• Ability to support clients in both remote and hybrid environments while adapting to evolving business needs.

Compensation & Benefits

• Estimated total compensation for full-time attorney roles ranges from $104,500 to $325,000 per year.
• Compensation for non-attorney roles ranges from $71,250 to $309,750 per year.
• Compensation decisions are based on factors including experience, skills, certifications, location, and business needs.
• Additional benefits may include health, dental, and vision insurance; paid holidays and paid time off; flexible work arrangements; and professional development opportunities and tools.

Location

This role supports clients across North America, the UK, Europe, and APAC regions. Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of background checks, proof of identity, and legal authorization to work. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities during the recruitment process upon request.