Intellectual Property Attorney

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Product & Brand Clearance
• Review product names, packaging, labeling, and marketing materials to identify and mitigate intellectual property risks
• Work with outside counsel as necessary for in-depth product clearance
• Advises business teams on potential infringement issues and recommends compliant, protectable branding strategies
• Trademark Portfolio Management
• Manage a portfolio of private label trademarks across the U.S., Canada, and China, including clearance, prosecution, maintenance, and enforcement
• Partner with outside counsel on domestic and international trademark matters
• IP Enforcement, Claims, and Dispute Management
• Receive, evaluate, and respond to claims of alleged intellectual property infringement
• Develop practical resolution strategies, including negotiation and risk mitigation
• Manage intellectual property litigation
• Cross-Functional Guidance & Training
• Advise Merchandise team on intellectual property fundamentals and risk awareness
• Provide guidance on appropriate use of vendor-supplied artwork, packaging, and creative assets, including risks associated with reuse or modification
• Support best practices in vendor transitions to avoid improper use of prior vendor materials
• Regulatory & Product Compliance Support
• Identify and advise on potential product-related risks, including matters within the scope of the Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders on labeling, safety, and compliance considerations
• Patent & Technical IP Coordination
• Work with outside counsel to assess patent-related risks associated with products
• Facilitate product reviews and obtain guidance on potential exposure and mitigation strategies
• Commercial Litigation
• Actively manage certain commercial disputes, including pre-litigation and active litigation
• Select and actively monitor outside counsel to ensure effective case handling, with an emphasis on efficiency and cost consciousness

Required Skills and Experience

• Education: Juris Doctorate
• Experience: 7-10+ years of relevant intellectual property experience, with a focus on trademarks, and commercial litigation experience. Retail experience is preferred
• Licenses: Bar membership and in good standing with at least one state and eligible to be issued a Virginia Corporate Counsel Certificate, if not a member of the VA Bar