VP, Intellectual Property & Marketing (KnitWell Group) - Talbots

About Us

KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America – Ann Taylor, Chico’s, Haven Well Within, Talbots, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Soma, and White House Black Market. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful.

Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

This position will be responsible for leading and managing the KnitWell IP & Marketing legal team, advising the KnitWell marketing and creative teams on advertising materials and marketing initiatives, and managing the trademark, copyright, and patent portfolios for the KnitWell brands. This role is accountable for delivering holistic legal support to grow the businesses, manage legal risks and protect the KnitWell brands and reputation.

• Leads and manages the KnitWell IP & Marketing legal team. Leads by communicating expectations, providing guidance, delivering feedback, and empowering the team to be their best.
• Oversees legal review of all marketing initiatives for the KnitWell brands. Reviews and advises on company advertising materials and communications with respect to IP usage, compliance, and risks, including establishing standard disclaimer language, claim substantiation standards, etc. for all brands.
• Manages and provides advice regarding contests, sweepstakes, and charitable promotions, including structuring, drafting rules and disclaimers, and completing all required registrations and bonding.
• Manages and provides advice regarding all loyalty programs and credit card programs. 
• Counsels design teams on creating original works.
• Manages the global trademark, copyright & patent portfolios of the companies within KnitWell Group, beginning with the Chico’s FAS, Inc. portfolio. Works with the marketing teams and oversees outside counsel as needed on domestic and international trademark and patent prosecution, oppositions, and cancellation actions.
• Conducts and reviews trademark clearance searches and provides recommendations to marketing and creative teams regarding infringement risks, registrability and risk mitigation strategies.
• Reviews, drafts, and negotiates contractual agreements, including talent agreements, license agreements, co-existence agreements, joint promotion agreements, co-development agreements and non-disclosure agreements and provides advice and support on IP provisions on a wide range of contracts.
• Values individuality and the diverse talents of their team. Leads the team by communicating expectations, providing guidance, delivering feedback, and empowering the team to be their best.

COMPETENCIES

Strategic Mindset - seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.

Decision Quality - making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.

Action Oriented - taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.

Ensures Accountability - holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.

Builds Networks - effectively building formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization.

Manages Ambiguity - operating effectively, even when things are not certain, or the way forward is not clear.

WHO YOU ARE:

• Juris Doctorate Degree required
• 15+ years of substantive experience as a transactional legal counsel in IP & marketing
• Successful candidate must be admitted to Florida Bar as Authorized House Counsel within one year of being hired
• Experience with a corporate legal department or a nationally recognized law firm preferred
• Currently licensed to practice law and in good standing with bar of at least one U.S. state
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proven presentation and training skills
• Ability to resolve complex, highly sensitive work-related issues
• Ability to effectively coach and leverage internal resources, outside counsel and subordinates
• Exceptional project management skills
• Ability to develop positive partnerships and influence at all levels of an organization