Director and Senior Counsel- Intellectual Property
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
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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.