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Associate Principal Counsel

Job ID 10115679 Location Burbank, California, United States / Los Angeles, California, United States Business The Walt Disney Company (Corporate) Date posted Mar. 12, 2025
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Job Summary:

The Disney Corporate Legal Department, Intellectual Property group is seeking highly qualified candidates for a position as Associate Principal Counsel advising its businesses on copyright, trademark and right of publicity issues. 

Disney is one of the most innovative global businesses in any industry today.  At Corporate, you’ll work across different lines of business across the Company on issues related to IP development, clearance, acquisition, protection, and management.  We work on cutting edge ideas and initiatives with supportive colleagues across the enterprise globally.

The position will be primarily responsible for advising on a range of copyright, right of publicity and trademark issues related to the development, production, marketing and distribution of motion pictures, television programs, online content, games, and related consumer products.  The position will provide support and strategic legal advice to business units on copyright, trademark, right of publicity, defamation, and related legal questions and tasks, such as analyzing complex rights matters, reviewing and drafting IP related language for agreements, analyzing IP issues related to emerging technologies and other strategic business initiatives.  The position will collaborate with and escalate issues to more senior IP attorneys.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide counseling to clients on numerous intellectual property matters, including copyright, trademark, defamation, and right of publicity issues. 
  • Analyze and advise on complex rights questions.
  • Advise on IP aspects of legal agreements.
  • Perform trademark clearances; some trademark prosecution; supervision and work with in-house IP paralegal staff and outside counsel in multiple countries.
  • Consultation regarding legal developments in multiple countries on trademark and copyright issues.
  • Analyze and resolve intellectual property claims.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 5 years of IP experience (transactional or litigation) with a law firm and/or in-house department
  • Experience handling copyright, trademark, defamation and right of publicity issues.
  • Knowledge of First Amendment and fair use issues as related to intellectual property law.
  • Familiarity with social media and other content applications and platforms
  • Experience working with and managing paralegals.
  • Experience giving presentations and public speaking.  This position involves educating business units on intellectual property topics from time to time.   
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate risk; exercise sound legal judgment; and advise business executives and other attorneys on IP issues.
  • Ability to work independently and with supervision from senior attorney(s).
  • Ability to prioritize, multi-task and work quickly, efficiently, and collaboratively under multiple, high-priority deadlines. 
  • A collegial and collaborative lawyer who is committed to delivering outstanding results for his or her clients and The Walt Disney Company while building a positive working environment with clients and colleagues.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate complex concepts and practical issues effectively with all levels of management, as well as a knack for smooth client relationships and diplomatic, creative resolution of conflicting needs.
  • Excellent work ethic and interpersonal skills, including a healthy sense of humor and the ability to build professional, interdepartmental relationships at multiple levels.
  • Admission to California State Bar or willingness and qualification to be Registered In-House Counsel.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience at a major law firm and/or in-house experience at a major multi-national Company.
  • Experience representing a major consumer brand or entertainment IP owner in production clearance matters and claims.
  • Adaptability to changes in workflow and intellectual property related support systems and technology is critical.
  • Technology-forward attorney.
     

Required Education:

  • JD or equivalent
  • Strong academic credentials
  • Admission to California State Bar in good standing or willingness and qualification to be Registered In-House Counsel


The hiring range for this position in the Greater Los Angeles area is $171,900 to $222,400 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

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About The Walt Disney Company (Corporate):

At Disney Corporate you can see how the businesses behind the Company’s powerful brands come together to create the most innovative, far-reaching and admired entertainment company in the world. As a member of a corporate team, you’ll work with world-class leaders driving the strategies that keep The Walt Disney Company at the leading edge of entertainment. See and be seen by other innovative thinkers as you enable the greatest storytellers in the world to create memories for millions of families around the globe.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Disney Worldwide Services, Inc., which is part of a business we call The Walt Disney Company (Corporate).

Disney Worldwide Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.

Hiring Process

  • Where Does Your Story Begin?

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  • Be Part of the Story

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  • The Next Chapter

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Explore this Location Burbank, CA

Billed as the "Media Capital of the World," Burbank boasts more than 1,000 media and entertainment companies, including the main headquarters for The Walt Disney Company.

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