Director and Senior Legal Counsel, Trademarks and Brand Protection

Western Digital Director and Senior Legal Counsel, Trademarks and Brand Protection Carson City, Nevada Apply Now At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible.At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that—our technology helped people put a man on the moon and capture the first-ever picture of a black hole.We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, HDDs, and platforms for business, creative professionals, and consumers alike under our Western Digital, WD, WD_BLACK, and SanDisk Professional brands.We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest-growth organizations in the world. From enabling systems to make cities safer and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and hyperscale cloud providers, to meeting the massive and ever-growing data storage needs of the AI era, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. Together, we can build the future of data storage.Job DescriptionJob Summary : Western Digital’s trademarks, designs, logos and slogans are valuable assets that are vital to the Company’s success and reputation, allowing Western Digital to distinguish itself in a competitive market. Western Digital’s global Trademark & Brand Protection team focuses on protecting and managing its trademark portfolio and enforcing against unauthorized or improper use of those assets.This position will play a lead role in the Company’s development and preservation of its worldwide trademark portfolio, and will oversee trademark licensing and brand enforcement for the Company’s brand protection programs in the Americas. The position reports to the head of global Trademarks & Brand Protection.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESTrademark Prosecution : Manage and support the development of the Company’s strategy for global trademark preparation, filing and prosecution of trademark applications worldwide.Counsel and collaborate with internal clients on strong trademark / product name selection, including attendance at key marketing, product development and kickoff meetings.Advise internal clients on trademark clearance results, risks of adoption for proposed new marks, and measures to mitigate risk.Register new marks (classes, description of goods / services) using clear criteria for registration of marks.Respond to office actions issued by global trademark registries to allow the Company to obtain trademark registrations for pending marks.Ensure the Company has the right to use its trademarks by maintaining and understanding data / information on countries where the Company’s products are distributed, sold and serviced.Protect the Company’s right to enforce its brand and trademarks by maintaining data / information on countries where the Company faces counterfeit or infringement risks.Oversee procedures for gathering evidence of use of WD trademarks worldwide.Maintain understanding and knowledge of WD products and services.Manage outside counsel on worldwide trademark oppositions and cancellations.Promote awareness of the Company’s trademark portfolio and usage guidelines.Collaborate with other regional brand protection leads.Maintain trademark usage guidelines for customers.Oversee trademark internal quality control process.Manage and support licensing of WD trademarks.Support trademark review of marketing, advertising and packaging materials.Support trademark diligence with respect to corporate transactions.Collaborate with internal copyright experts.Brand ProtectionImplement brand protection programs in specific jurisdictions.Manage pre-litigation enforcement activity.Manage criminal and civil pre-litigation activities.Oversee investigations.Conduct factual research of infringing activity.Collect and preserve evidence of wrongdoing.Review and support the maintenance of the Company’s domain name portfolio.Partner with internal and external teams.Collaborate with external partners.Maintain and ensure ethical standards and professional conduct.Identify and prioritize jurisdictions for new enforcement options.Use internal and external digital tools to manage cases.QualificationsJ.D. degree from accredited law school; top 50 law school strongly preferred.Current member of a state bar in good standing.8 years post bar experience in trademark and intellectual property law.Demonstrated experience as a proactive and strategic trademark and brand protection partner.Ability to communicate legal advice clearly.Experience managing a docket for a large global trademark portfolio.Experience handling litigation matters.Familiarity with state and federal criminal and civil legal systems.Strong understanding of trademark laws and enforcement strategies.Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Additional InformationWestern Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the "Know Your Rights : Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" poster.Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive.#J-18808-Ljbffr