Position Summary:
Supports General Counsel as a key member of the Legal team. Responsible for maintaining global contract management system and international intellectual property (IP) portfolio, reviewing and revising basic agreements and correspondence with guidance from in-house counsel, and processing legal invoices against budget. Represents the department with accuracy, confidence, timeliness, and a collaborative team spirit in all interactions
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Create and manage standard form contracts in a contract management platform, including creation of IP schedules for all agreements
- Train executives and managers to use electronic information management systems intended to streamline and expedite the creation and approval process
- Undertake basic contract reviews and proofread legal documents for accuracy
- Strategically maintain a global Consumer Product Goods Intellectual Property portfolio and support IP audits
- Oversee all aspects of trademark searching, clearance, prosecution, maintenance, and enforcement, including notarization, certification, and legalization processes
- Oversee all aspects of copyright registration, maintenance, and enforcement
- Defend trademarks through trading platforms
- Manage patent annuities agents
- Manage budgets of assigned projects
- Ensure maintenance of corporate minute books; File and maintain entity registrations and similar records, including audit support
Closing Statement:
- Prepares periodic IP and Contract reports
- Serves as primary notary for the Company
- Serves as liaison and correspondent on assigned projects with outside counsel
- Other duties as assigned
- Bachelors degree preferred and paralegal certification required preferably from an American Bar Association (ABA) Approved Paralegal Education Program
- 5+ years experience with intellectual property (trademark, copyright, patent, domains) and contract management systems
- Experience as a liaison with outside counsel
- Proficient with relevant IP databases, including United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) websites
- Experience with Coresearch, Docket Track and/or ContractPodAi preferred. Demonstrated experience utilizing electronic information management systems to improve accuracy, efficiency, and reporting.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Word, Excel & Teams; Experience with Monday.com a plus
- Hold an Illinois Notary Commission preferred or willing to apply for one
- Possess the highest standards of ethical conduct and professionalism, and a strong commitment to client service excellence and teamwork, supporting projects across time zones
- Ability to problem solve, think critically with minimal supervision, identify and analyze issues and initiate actions/solutions grounded in sound business judgment. Demonstrate consistent and meticulous attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure, adapt quickly and capable of juggling multiple assignments, tasks, and deadlines
- Ability to communicate and collaborate with individuals at all levels inside and outside of the Company in a trustworthy and transparent manner.
- Work closely with General Counsel upholding confidentiality while recognizing the unique issues and challenges of a closely held family-owned business; understanding the needs of both the Company and ownership.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
- Normal office duties
“EOE, Including Disability/Vets”