Counsel, TRACK-IP

The Intellectual Property team is seeking a Counsel to work in its TRAK-IP department. TRAK-IP is responsible for analysis of SPEs distribution ancillary and remake/sequel rights in its entertainment properties serves as SPEs subject matter experts regarding complicated chain of title matters and certain other complex copyright issues and handles copyright administration. Reporting to a senior lawyer in the department the Counsel will focus on remake/sequel and ancillary rights research and analysis communicating with the relevant SPE divisions via memos emails and input into relevant company databases. The Counsel also will perform any/all other aspects of the departments work as needed.

SPEs TRAK-IP Group serves business partners across SPEs divisions including production acquisitions consumer products and distribution divisions worldwide.

Responsibilities include:

• Advising SPEs various production divisions regarding SPEs 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 statutory 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 SPEs Information Technology department regarding new functionality in SPEs rights application(s).
• Inputting as needed into SPEs rights application(s).
• 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 business partners as needed including on 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
• Five years of experience practicing law; must include experience in copyright law and/or with entertainment contracts; experience with 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

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.

SPE will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with applicable law.

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