Job Description This job is with BBC, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE As a Senior IP Lawyer you will play a key role in advising across the BBC Group on diverse IP matters and emerging issues as AI changes the media and technology landscape. Collaborating with content creators, business affairs, and tech teams, you'll help deliver world-class content to global audiences. Our expert legal team also supports BBC Studios, offering comprehensive IP guidance across production and distribution activities.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM
As a Senior Lawyer at the BBC, you'll engage directly with clients to provide tailored legal advice and practical solutions. Collaborating with content creators across TV, radio, podcasts, online, and BBC News, you'll be central to our dynamic legal team. You'll shape strategy on your own matters, take ownership of delivery, and grow your expertise through training and hands-on experience-all within a supportive, friendly, and collaborative environment.
Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional quality legal advice whilst maintaining a work life balance. There is also the opportunity to undertake pro bono work and join our Legal for Everyone group driving inclusiveness.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:
Your work will be a diverse caseload made up of a mix of advisory and some potential dispute work advising on a full range of IP rights including: copyright; trade marks and related rights; confidential information and television formats; patent and technology related issues and contractual rights issues; including more specifically;
Advising content creators on copyright issues, use of exceptions and related disputes.
Advising on complex contractual and rights issues in relation to commissioning agreements, collective licences, IP exploitation or disputes.
Supporting the Senior Counsel on patent related matters which may include advising on patent pools, instructing agents, managing pre-action disputes, Negotiation and drafting of agreements in relation to Technology/R&D matters and advise on AI related matters.
Supervising and helping to support and develop junior lawyers and trainees.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
Qualified as a solicitor or barrister in a leading law firm or chambers with a minimum of 5 years PQE in IP law and possess a strong academic background.
Demonstrable experience of advising on the full range of IP rights including copyright, trade marks and patents with experience of both dispute and advisory work.
Must have strong analytical, problem solving skills and be a good communicator able to clarify complex issues and concepts to non lawyers.
Track record of providing proactive, specialist, timely and authoritative legal advice to senior leaders and key decision makers at all levels.
Commercially aware with an understanding of issues affecting the BBC and media industry generally.
DESIRABLE BUT NOT REQUIRED:
In-house experience highly preferred particularly in a media organisation.
If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we'd love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.
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