What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Counsel, Intellectual Property position at KOHLS?
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
Required
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
