Corporate Counsel, Intellectual Property

Reporting from Nashville, TN, and directly to the Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary (“General Counsel”), as a core member of the legal team, the Corporate Counsel, Intellectual Property, will handle all day-to-day IP issues, including trademarks, patents, copyrights, product compliance, licensing, litigation, and transactional agreements, with minimal supervision.  This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced attorney with strong business acumen to actively manage Holley’s extensive IP portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with engineering department and other key stakeholders to develop and execute Holley’s IP strategy to align with company initiatives and evolving business needs, and ensure Holley’s broad range of IP is properly protected.
• Oversee day-to-day logistics of Holley’s global IP portfolio, including coordination with outside counsel and involvement in all trademark oppositions, cancellations, and portfolio maintenance matters; review watch notices, and gather and prepare evidence for office actions, and other trademark matters.
• Conduct trademark and patent design clearances, and research a variety of IP issues.
• Identify and analyze patent claims and perform product review and analyses for potential patent issues.
• Provide advice related to product compliance, including but not limited to product labelling.
• Advise on and review advertising and marketing strategies, claims, and social media posts.
• Review, draft, and negotiate IP-related agreements, including licensing agreements.
• Advise on IP-related matters in connection with commercial and other transactions, or with active litigation.
• Support the general legal needs of the product development, supply chain, licensing, and marketing teams as a trusted advisor.
• Develop and implement new IP-related processes, policies, and training, based on legal and regulatory requirements, industry standards, and best practices.
• Perform special projects as assigned from time to time by the General Counsel and as needed to best support the Company.

Qualifications

• J. D. from an A.B.A. accredited law school, with proven academic success.
• Member of U.S. Patent Bar.
• 5 years of experience with a variety of intellectual property-related legal matters, including trademarks, patents, copyrights, product compliance, licensing, litigation, and transactional agreements.   Experience in-house, and in manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with an ability to inspire trust and confidence with stakeholders at all levels by virtue of keen business acumen, professional competence, integrity, communication skills, and personal style.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations tactfully yet firmly, to be assertive without being adversarial, and to take unpopular positions when necessary while maintaining trust and credibility.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to clearly and concisely articulate complex legal concepts to a lay audience.
• Proven success in managing, organizing, and/or completing multiple tasks and priorities. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and changing environment, and to manage resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Creativity, flexibility, and resourcefulness, with a bias toward well-informed action.
• Willing to travel up to 20%.
• License to practice law and in good standing under the Bar of any state that enables admission to practice as in-house counsel for a Kentucky company.