Staff Attorney - Trademark Legal: This position will provide substantive legal support across all core trademark functions globally for the Company's North American brands. This role is responsible for trademark prosecution, portfolio management, clearance, licensing, and enforcement matters and serves as a primary legal advisor to internal business partners on trademark-related issues.
The position supports a large, complex global trademark portfolio and works closely with the Chief Trademark Counsel, paralegals, business stakeholders, and outside counsel worldwide. The Staff Attorney is expected to independently manage matters, exercise sound legal judgment, and deliver practical, business-focused advice while maintaining the integrity and value of the Company's brands.
Job Responsibilities:- Manage domestic and international trademark prosecution and global portfolio administration, including clearance strategy, filings, office actions, renewals, maintenance, and assignments
- Advise business stakeholders on trademark clearance, brand selection, product naming, marketing initiatives, and digital use, supporting high-volume and enterprise-wide branding programs
- Develop and implement cost-effective global trademark strategies in coordination with outside counsel, including portfolio optimization, risk assessment, and strategic filing and maintenance decisions
- Draft, review, and negotiate trademark licenses, coexistence and consent agreements, promotional and sponsorship agreements, and other brand-related transactions, ensuring enforceable rights and quality control compliance
- Lead and support trademark enforcement matters, including cease-and-desist actions, oppositions, cancellations, UDRP proceedings, online marketplace enforcement, and anti-counterfeiting initiatives
- Serve as a trusted legal advisor to cross-functional teams (marketing, product, licensing, digital), providing practical, business-focused trademark guidance and education
- Support departmental initiatives related to portfolio strategy, process improvement, cost management, and best-practice development, while staying current on trademark law developments and emerging risks
Basic Qualifications: - Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
- Active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction (Michigan preferred or eligibility for in-house registration)
- 8-10 years of substantive trademark experience, including:
- Trademark prosecution and portfolio management
- Trademark clearance and availability opinions
- Licensing and transactional trademark work
- Trademark enforcement and dispute management
- Experience managing matters independently and working with international outside counsel
- Strong legal writing, analytical, and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
Preferred Qualifications:- In-house or law firm experience handling IP transactional and/or litigation matters
- Experience in automotive, consumer products, technology, or similarly brand-driven industries
- Familiarity with global trademark enforcement and online anti-counterfeiting programs
- Experience supporting licensing, merchandising, or sponsorship programs
