Counsel, TRACK-IP

The Intellectual Property team is seeking a Counsel to work in its TRA©K-IP department. TRA©K-IP is responsible for rights analysis, chain of title advice, copyright administration, and MPAA Title Clearance. Reporting to a senior lawyer in the department, the Counsel will focus on remake/sequel rights research and analysis, but also will perform any/all other aspects of the department’s work, as needed.

SPE’s TRA©K-IP Group serves clients across SPE’s divisions, including production, acquisitions, and distribution divisions, worldwide.

Responsibilities Include

• Advising SPE’s various production divisions regarding SPE’s rights to produce derivative productions based on its owned properties and exploit associated ancillary rights. Requires (a) researching and analyzing all relevant agreements, (b) thorough understanding of entertainment deals, copyright issues (including chain of title and termination/reversion), and WGA separated rights issues, and (c) drafting a thorough and client-friendly communication summarizing the rights, obligations, and any legal issues.
• Participating in requirements-gathering sessions with SPE’s Information Technology department regarding new functionality in SPE’s rights applications.
• Inputting, as needed, into SPE’s rights applications.
• Advising on proper interpretation of many types of entertainment contracts, including literary property purchase agreements, co-financing and distribution agreements, network license agreements, and talent agreements.
• Providing additional legal guidance to the team and clients, as needed, including regarding issues related to chain of title, copyright registrations and recordations, distribution rights, and ancillary rights.
  
  

Qualifications

• Law degree
• Member in good standing of the CA Bar
• At least two years of experience practicing law
• Experience with entertainment industry contracts strongly preferred
• Experience with copyright and chain of title issues a plus
• Experience working with complex databases (including for purposes of research, analysis, and date entry) strongly preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent analytical and issue-spotting skills
• Excellent legal and business judgment
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact collaboratively
• Demonstrated ability to pay attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities
  
  

The anticipated base salary for this position is $135,000-$165,000. This role may also qualify for annual incentive and/or comprehensive benefits. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position.

Sony Pictures Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

To request an accommodation for purposes of participating in the hiring process, you may contact us at SPE_Accommodation_Assistance@spe.sony.com.