Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property

At VF, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness, and authenticity. As a purpose-led, performance-driven company, we are committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and action.What will you do?We are seeking a business-oriented attorney with intellectual property legal experience to join our team. The Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property, will lead a team of paralegals and assistants and partner closely with the supervising attorney, VF brand business teams, and Legal Department colleagues to provide strategic oversight for the intellectual property of several brands in VF’s portfolio, while also contributing to the overall management of VF’s trademark office.Responsibilities:Team Leadership : Serves as lead intellectual property legal partner to VF emerging brands and selected core brands. Lead a team of paralegals and assistants to deliver comprehensive IP support, including trademark, copyright, patent, and trade dress matters.Strategy Development : Develop and execute strategies for the protection and enforcement of global IP rights, including trademarks, copyrights, patents, domain names, and licensing.Collaboration : Build strong partnerships with brand teams and Legal Department colleagues to understand business objectives, protect brand identity, enforce IP rights, and assess portfolio strengths, risks, and needs.Trademark Management : Review and analyze trademark searches to determine availability, make strategic decisions on new filings, oppose/cancel third-party applications/registrations, and defend trademark applications opposed by third parties.Dispute Resolution : Negotiate settlements of trademark disputes and draft/negotiates intercompany, trademark license, coexistence, and consent agreements.Corporate Support : Provide IP legal support for corporate restructuring projects, international tax initiatives, and mergers & acquisitions.IP Portfolio Management : Act as the primary IP attorney responsible for managing VF’s patent and trademark portfolios, including preparation, prosecution, counseling, clearance, due diligence, and enforcement, with a focus on infringing knockoff products and online enforcement.Innovation Protection : Evaluate, protect, and prosecute new product innovations through applicable IP protections and develop global internal processes for the same.Training : Develop and deliver training for product and marketing teams on IP principles, risks, and clearance processes, as well as patent-related training for R&D and other employees.Budget Management : Review and authorize third-party invoices, partnering with the controller and supervising attorney to ensure adherence to budget.Special Projects : Participate in special projects, such as selecting third-party vendors for IP management databases and other technology solutions.What do you need to succeed?Experience : 10+ years as an attorney, with 5+ years in people management at reputable law firms or in-house.Education : Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.Licensing : Admitted to practice law and in good standing in at least one state/jurisdiction. Member of at least one state bar and admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.Technical Skills : Conduct freedom to operate and infringement assessments; balance legal risks with business realities; manage legal issues cost-effectively; understand technical aspects of VF's products.Leadership : Strong leadership and relationship-building skills; ability to lead, influence, and advise at all levels to become a trusted advisor with strong cross-functional perspective.IP Expertise : Experience with global patent portfolios (design and utility), brand protection, managing trademark portfolios, patent preparation and prosecution, patent search and clearance, and communicating legal risk to client leadership.Communication : Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Work Style : Self-starter, able to work independently and as part of a team; proactive and able to work under pressure.Travel : Willingness to travel by air and overnight, up to 20% of the time.This role can be hired in Costa Mesa, CA or Denver, CO.What do we offer you?At VF, we know you expect as much from us as we do from you. We offer extensive development and growth opportunities for your current and future positions, a competitive compensation package, and a strong benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).Our commitment extends beyond this and into your daily work life. We strive to foster a diverse and inclusive culture based on respect, connection, and authenticity.Hiring Range:

$192,672.00 USD - $240,840.00 USD annuallyIncentive Potential:

This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.Benefits at VF Corporation:

You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com.At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees.

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