Legal Counsel, Intellectual Property (On-Site/ Hybrid)
Kohl's See More Job Openings by This Employer
Role Specific Information
Job Description
This role is based at our Corporate Office in Menomonee Falls, WI. You’ll work onsite from Monday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Fridays.
About the Role
As Legal Counsel, Intellectual Property, you will focus on clearing, protecting and enforcing Kohl’s trademarks, copyrights, domain names, patents and trade secrets to ensure brand integrity and compliance with Intellectual Property (IP) laws.
What You’ll Do
Provide legal advice on IP rights, including trademarks, copyrights, trade dress, patents, domain names and trade secrets
Review and clear Kohl’s private and exclusive brand products and marketing to mitigate legal risk on trademark, copyright, trade dress and patent issues
Collaborate with Kohl’s product, marketing and technology teams to mitigate IP risk through effective legal review processes
Clear, file, prosecute and maintain trademarks in the United States and/or other international trademark offices
Monitor and enforce Kohl’s IP rights by executing brand protection strategies and global portfolio management
Obtain, maintain, monitor and enforce Kohl’s domain name portfolio
Handle IP disputes, including cease and desist actions, infringement claims, oppositions, cancellations, UDRPs and other IP takedown matters.
Review and negotiate various IP-related contracts to obtain necessary rights and mitigate legal risk
Monitor global IP laws and retail industry trends to mitigate legal risks
Additional tasks may be assigned
What Skills You Have
3-5 years of intellectual property experience, preferably in a law firm or in-house legal department
Significant experience reviewing consumer products and marketing for IP issues
Strong knowledge of U.S. and international IP laws, including the Madrid Protocol
Excellent analytical, research and problem-solving skills
Ability to synthesize complex legal analysis into actionable and concise advice
Exceptional verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to pivot quickly and balance a complicated and constantly evolving workload
High level of discretion, sensitivity and integrity in handling confidential and proprietary information
Preferred
Retail experience
Experience managing global trademark portfolios and working with international counsel and international trademark offices
Strong understanding of IP enforcement tactics and brand protection strategies
Familiarity with emerging technologies in retail, such as AI and digital marketplaces
Self-starter willing to learn the business and collaborate with business teams
Special Requirements
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
Member of the state bar or licensed by the state bar
Essential Functions
The requirements listed below are representative of functions you will be required to perform, however you may be required to perform additional functions. Kohl’s may revise this job description from time to time. To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, absent undue hardship.
Ability to perform the accountabilities listed in the “What You’ll Do” Section
Ability to comply with dress code requirements
Basic math and reading skills, legible handwriting, and basic computer operation
Ability to maintain prompt and regular attendance and meet scheduling requirements as set by the company
Ability to learn and comply with all company policies, procedures, standards and guidelines
Ability to give direction and to receive, understand and proactively respond to direction from leadership and other company personnel
Ability to work as part of a team and interact effectively and appropriately with others
Ability to maintain composure and work in a fast paced environment while accomplishing multiple tasks within established timeframes
Ability to satisfactorily complete company training programs
Ability to use a personal computer for tasks such as communicating, preparing reports, etc.
Ability to plan, prioritize and monitor activities across business units
Ability to complete or oversee the completion of assigned projects in a timely manner
