Counsel, Intellectual Property

NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.

Comcast NBCUniversal has announced its intent to create a new publicly traded company ('Versant') comprised of most of NBCUniversal's cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel along with complementary digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. The well-capitalized company will have significant scale as a pure-play set of assets anchored by leading news, sports and entertainment content. The spin-off is expected to be completed during 2025.

The Role
Versant is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Counsel, Intellectual Property in its centralized IP/Music legal team. This Los Angeles or New York–based opportunity. Key responsibilities include advising business executives on a myriad of legal issues arising from news, sports, and entertainment content, including copyright, trademark, rights of publicity, and defamation.  This role will also build and lead Versant’s programmatic enforcement efforts to protect its valuable IP assets. Finally, this role will be responsible for negotiating and drafting complex IP transactions, defending the company from IP pre-litigation claims, and conducting trademark clearance for high value brands and media assets.   There may be opportunities to do music clearances and licensing as well.

The Responsibilities

• Advise business executives on a myriad of legal issues arising from news, sports, and entertainment content, including copyright, trademark, rights of publicity, and defamation.
• Conduct trademark searches for high value brands and entertainment properties.
• Establish and operate programmatic enforcement strategy that protects valuable IP rights, and manage the vendors who execute it.  
• Defend the company from IP claims in a pre-litigation context.
• Structure and negotiate complex IP agreements.
• Create operational efficiency by using technology and automating workflows regarding domain names, rights management, and so much more.  

Qualifications & Requirements

The ideal candidate is a skilled and pragmatic attorney with deep experience in IP enforcement, complex licensing, fair use determinations, defamation, evaluating emerging technology, and trademark clearance. The ideal candidate will bring both legal acumen and strategic thinking to help Versant navigate the evolving media landscape and unlock value across its content assets.

Basic Requirements

• J.D. and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant intellectual property experience in media.

Desired Characteristics

• Strong in-house or law firm experience focused on intellectual property.
• Familiarity with the news, sports, or entertainment industry and knowledge of production and distribution.
• Experience clearing trademarks, and designing and implementing trademark registration strategies.  
• Experience advising content and marketing teams on IP fair use and infringement.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly and persuasively to business and creative executives.
• Skilled at resolving claims of IP infringement both on offense and defense.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with senior business executives.
• Evaluate emerging technologies for IP and adjacent issues.
• Proven judgment and ability to make practical decisions in real time, even with imperfect or incomplete information.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, handle shifting priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Interpersonal skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and willingness to take initiative
• Experience with music and software licensing are a significant plus, but not required.

Key Details

• Location is Los Angeles or New York.
• Versant offers a hybrid work model, with a minimum of three days per week in-office. 
• This position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package.
• Salary range is $140,000 - $150,000 (bonus eligible)
• We’re moving fast and encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].

Although you'll be hired as an NBCU employee, your employment and the responsibilities associated with this job likely will transition to Versant in the future. By joining at this pivotal time, you'll be a part of this exciting company as it takes shape.