At ASICS, our Sound Mind, Sound Body™ philosophy is more than a tagline, it's our way of life. Over 75 years ago our founder, Kihachiro Onitsuka, saw that sport and movement had the power to lift spirits, project positivity, and propel people and whole communities forward.
ASICS provides a diverse and inclusive culture that enables learning, growth, and opportunity at all levels. Our robust employee benefits allow for real work-life balance and a strong sense of community. We empower our employees to pursue their career goals. If this sounds like you, then we want you on our team.
A Brief Overview
The Corporate Counsel, Intellectual Property position will have extensive experience in reviewing marketing materials, intellectual property (including trademarks, copyright, trade dress, patents, and litigation support), and drafting and negotiating related contracts. This position will work and collaborate regularly with U.S. IP Counsel, the global IP department in ASICS' global headquarters in Kobe, Japan ("AHQ"), Intellectual Property Manager in ASICS' EU headquarters in Netherlands ("AEB"), and in other regions (including South America, China, and Korea). The Corporate Counsel will review marketing materials for compliance with intellectual property laws and requirements, perform trademark searches and assist with prosecuting trademark applications in the U.S., take part in global intellectual property (IP) planning, and will liaise with AHQ, AEB, ANA, and other internal and external parties. This role requires occasional travel and flexibility to regularly attend meetings with global colleagues in other regions and time zones.
Leadership Responsibilities
This position does not have people leadership responsibilities.
What You'll Do
Liaises with US IP Counsel on intellectual property matters, as well as with AHQ, AEB, and other internal and external parties such as attorneys, subsidiaries, and distributors, on behalf of ANA. Responsible for the following: Search, application, and registration of intellectual property rights. Maintenance and management of IP rights. Opposition and cancellation against infringing IP right application and registration. Enforcement against infringement and counterfeit products i.e., CBP, raids, customs seizures. Control online and domain name abuse including takedown requests and DMCA proceedings. Assist with and implement IP protection and strategy in ANA region. Reviews advertising and marketing materials, including press releases, catalogs, email campaigns, social media posts, and product launch collateral. Ensures compliance with IP laws, that the marketing and advertising materials do not infringe others’ rights, and that they comply with applicable law and regulations, as well as internal policies and guidelines. Provides IP opinions, advice and education to staff in North America to ensure compliance with IP laws and promote awareness of ASICS IP issues. Performs trademark searches on product, material, and function names including local licensed products in North America to ensure that they do not infringe others’ rights. Negotiates and drafts complex commercial agreements to support the business’ needs, including, but not limited to: licensing agreements, sponsorship agreements, media buys, photography agreements, talent releases, waivers, and NDAs. Draft and negotiate contracts relating to IP or IP contractual provisions. Prepares and presents trainings to business teams on applicable legal issues. Travel required throughout the domestic United States and internationally.
How You'll Be Successful
Ability to find creative, risk-based solutions through collaborative communications with internal clients and global IP & legal team members (not only yes/no or high risk/low risk answers). Keeps composure under pressure and to find quick solutions taking a common-sense approach to problem solving and communicating with a strong EQ. Establish strong working relationships, credibility and trust with clients, legal team members and other colleagues and influence decisions by providing proactive, high quality, timely and cost-effective legal guidance. Demonstrates high degree of professionalism and excellent verbal and written communication skills, attitude and teamwork with customers, peers and management (no job is too big or small). Experience working with teams cross-functionally and across time zones. Ability to be flexible and willing to work extended hours when necessary. Attention to detail and accuracy is critical, as well as pragmatic, problem-solving mentality and ability to follow through in a fast-paced environment. Strong prioritization skills and the ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities and the ability to quickly adjust to shifting priorities and demanding deadlines when necessary. Interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal; ability to tailor messages and speak to various key stakeholders across the organization in a clear and concise manner. Ability to make decisions regarding the best approach to protect ASICS interests depending on a given business situation and advise/act accordingly. Strong research, analytical, evaluative, and constructive thinking skills, particularly the ability to distill complex legal material. Demonstrate a commitment to ethics and maintains confidentiality in all matters, be highly motivated, hard-working, and be able to work with minimal supervision. Has experience working within global organizations (Japan considered a plus).
What You'll Need
Law degree from an ABA accredited law school and strong academic credentials required MA state bar membership or eligible for MA in-house counsel registration required 3-7 years relevant legal experience required Experience in trademark matters with an emphasis on domestic and international clearance, prosecution, and enforcement, as well as experience in managing a global trademark portfolio required Experience with trade dress, copyright, other intellectual property rights, and licensing required Experience in legal review of marketing materials preferred Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) Experience with patents (design and utility) and patent mining preferred Experience with complex IP disputes (domestic and international) preferred Experience in footwear, apparel and/or digital technology preferred
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The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employee(s) assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employee(s) assigned to this job. ASICS America Corporation reserves the right at any time, with or without notice, to alter or change job responsibilities, reassign or transfer job position or assign additional job responsibilities within your general skill set or capabilities. ASICS America Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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