Discover
We power a network that helps people achieve a brighter financial future.
Riverwoods, IL
Hybrid

Director and Senior Counsel- Intellectual Property

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Discover. A brighter future.

With us, you’ll do meaningful work from Day 1. Our collaborative culture is built on three core behaviors: We Play to Win, We Get Better Every Day & We Succeed Together. And we mean it — we want you to grow and make a difference at one of the world's leading digital banking and payments companies. We value what makes you unique so that you have an opportunity to shine.

Come build your future, while being the reason millions of people find a brighter financial future with Discover.

Job Description  

About Discover:

Discover Financial Services is a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers private student loans, personal loans, home equity loans, checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit through its direct banking business. It operates the Discover Global Network comprised of Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in 190 countries and territories.

Discover’s vision is to be the leading direct bank and payments partner and its mission is to help people spend smarter, manage debt better and save more so they achieve a brighter financial future.

At Discover, be part of a culture where diversity, teamwork and collaboration reign. Join a company that is just as employee-focused as it is on its customers, and which is consistently awarded for both. We’re all about people and our employees are why Discover is a great place to work. Be the reason we help millions of consumers build a brighter financial future and achieve yours along the way with a rewarding career.

The Position:

The Director and Senior Counsel- IP will serve as the subject matter expert on intellectual property for the enterprise and will be responsible for advising internal business partners and legal colleagues to ensure protection of the company’s brand and intellectual property assets and reduce the risk of infringing other’s intellectual property. Reporting into the Deputy General Counsel for Direct Banking, the incumbent will lead a team of 1 in support of these matters.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide counsel to business clients and colleagues across the organization on trademark, copyright, right of publicity, trade secret and patent law

  • Oversee the company’s global trademark, patent and domain name portfolios and manage prosecution of trademarks and patents

  • Manage intellectual property paralegal

  • Partner with colleagues in litigation to handle intellectual property claims and litigation

  • Manage office actions and UDRP proceedings

  • Draft and negotiate intellectual property and marketing provisions in contracts and releases

  • Provide actionable legal advice on advertising and brand matters, including, sponsorships, ad agency relationships, content agreements, software licensing, Screen Actors Guild issues and brand governance

  • Advise on sweepstakes and contests

  • Provide intellectual property training to business clients and legal colleagues

  • Create guidelines and other tools to enhance efficient handling of intellectual property matters

  • Partner with colleagues to design a framework for a robust patent program

  • Review and advise on company policies

  • Ensure proactive management and disciplined use of outside counsel and other external resources

  • Manage global intellectual property budget

  • Develop strong relationships with law firms selected to provide services

  • Review marketing and other materials to ensure protection of intellectual property assets and non-infringement of other’s intellectual property

  • Develop strategies to reduce risk of infringement claims and litigation, including patent claims from non-practicing entities

Qualifications:

  • 8+ years of trademark, copyright and patent experience

  • Juris Doctor from an accredited law school 

  • License to practice law in Illinois or eligible for admission in Illinois

  • Financial Services experience preferred

  • Deep experience in advertising and marketing law, social media and technology issues

  • Business-oriented professional with strong analytic skills and the ability to suggest practical and innovative solutions for legal issues in support of business initiatives and objectives

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to influence others and build and foster internal and external relationships

  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with all levels of the organization including senior management

  • Experience driving, prioritizing, and effectively managing cross-functional initiatives

  • A versatile and innovative pro-active thought leader, with strong judgment, initiative and empathy

  • #LI-ML2

What are you waiting for? Apply today!

The same way we treat our employees is how we treat all applicants – with respect. Discover Financial Services is an equal opportunity employer (EEO is the law). We thrive on diversity & inclusion. You will be treated fairly throughout our recruiting process and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status in consideration for a career at Discover.

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What are Discover Perks + Benefits

Discover Benefits Overview

Start enjoying great benefits Day 1 — We support you with the same dedication we bring to all of our customers. Our comprehensive benefits package features first-class insurance, financial planning support and excellent perks designed to help you reach your goals and live a rich, healthy life.

Check out more of our amazing employee benefits at mydiscoverbenefits.com

Culture
Volunteer in local community
Discover’s business is built on helping people, and we invest in the community (Blessing Backpacks, Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers/Sisters) to demonstrate our commitment to a brighter future.
Partners with nonprofits
Open door policy
OKR operational model
Team based strategic planning
Open office floor plan
Flexible work schedule
Remote work program
Diversity
Dedicated diversity and inclusion staff
Mandated unconscious bias training
Diversity manifesto
Diversity employee resource groups
Hiring practices that promote diversity
Health Insurance & Wellness Benefits
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
You can open a separate Health Care FSA (HCFSA) and contribute up to $2,650 tax-free from your paycheck to reimburse yourself for eligible out-of-pocket expenses.
Disability insurance
Employees receive Short-Term Disability Insurance at no cost.
Dental insurance
Discover offers two dental plan options — Standard and Premier — both are administered by MetLife.
Vision insurance
Discover offers two vision plan options — Standard and Premier through VSP.
Health insurance
Discover offers a variety of medical plans for you and eligible family members, so that you can choose the benefit plan that suits your needs.
Life insurance
As a Discover employee, you receive Basic Life Insurance of one times your HWEE (up to $500,000) at no cost to you.
Pet insurance
Purchase medical coverage at a discounted rate for your beloved family pet. The more pets you insure, the greater the discount.
Wellness programs
Help balance your work and personal life with a wide variety of free and discounted resource and referral services including family and relationship counseling and financial guidance.
Mental health benefits
Financial & Retirement
401(K)
You may elect to contribute 1% to 30% of your eligible base salary, commissions and bonus on a pre-tax basis, up to IRS limits every year.
401(K) matching
Discover matches up to 6% of the pre-tax contributions you make to the 401(k) Plan.
Employee stock purchase plan
The ESPP provides eligible employees with an opportunity to purchase shares of Discover common stock through payroll deductions at a 5% discount.
Performance bonus
Charitable contribution matching
Child Care & Parental Leave Benefits
Childcare benefits
Generous parental leave
Family medical leave
Adoption Assistance
Discover helps eligible employees and their families with the costs of adoption by reimbursing certain expenses.
Company sponsored family events
Vacation & Time Off Benefits
Generous PTO
Discover has a Paid Time Off of 4 to 5 Weeks of paid time per year.
Paid volunteer time
Paid holidays
Discover provides 7 paid holidays.
Paid sick days
Office Perks
Commuter benefits
When you enroll in the Commuter Benefits Program at WageWorks, you’ll save on taxes on mass-transit passes, parking and other eligible expenses.
Company-sponsored outings
Onsite office parking
Recreational clubs
Relocation assistance
Fitness stipend
Onsite gym
Discover has fitness centers and Weight Watchers® programs at all five major locations.
Professional Development Benefits
Job training & conferences
Tuition reimbursement
Discover provides tuition reimbursement and a full-ride bachelor's degree program for select online degree programs.
Lunch and learns
Promote from within
Mentorship program
Continuing education stipend
Continuing education available during work hours
Online course subscriptions available
Customized development tracks

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