Director and Senior Legal Counsel, Trademarks and Brand Protection

Western Digital Director and Senior Legal Counsel, Trademarks and Brand Protection Lincoln, Nebraska Apply NowAt Western Digital, we are on a mission to unlock the potential of data so people, companies and organizations everywhere can create what’s next. To fulfill our vision, we are always on the lookout for potential team members who share our passion for solving problems to empower others.When you join Western Digital, you join a legacy more than 50 years in the making. Across our Western Digital, SanDisk, SanDisk Professional, WD and WD_BLACK brands, we have brought some of the most storied advancements in memory and data storage technology to market—and our best, most innovative work is yet to come.From energizing gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.Here’s how you can help.Job DescriptionJob Summary : Western Digital’s trademarks, designs, logos and slogans are valuable assets that are vital to the Company’s success and reputation, allowing Western Digital to distinguish itself in a competitive market. Western Digital’s global Trademark & Brand Protection team focuses on protecting and managing its trademark portfolio and enforcing against unauthorized or improper use of those assets.This position will play a lead role in the Company’s development and preservation of its worldwide trademark portfolio, and will oversee trademark licensing and brand enforcement for the Company’s brand protection programs in the Americas. The position reports to the head of global Trademarks & Brand Protection.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESTrademark Prosecution : Manage and support the development of the Company’s strategy for global trademark preparation, filing and prosecution of trademark applications worldwide.Counsel and collaborate with internal clients on strong trademark / product name selection, including attendance at key marketing, product development and kickoff meetings.Advise internal clients on trademark clearance results, risks of adoption for proposed new marks, and measures to mitigate risk.Register new marks (classes, description of goods / services) using clear criteria for registration of marks.Respond to office actions issued by global trademark registries.Ensure the Company has the right to use its trademarks by maintaining and understanding data / information on countries where the Company’s products are distributed, sold and serviced.Protect the Company’s right to enforce its brand and trademarks.Oversee procedures for gathering evidence of use of WD trademarks worldwide.Maintain understanding and knowledge of WD products and services.Manage outside counsel on worldwide trademark oppositions and cancellations.Promote awareness of the Company’s trademark portfolio and usage guidelines.Collaborate with other regional brand protection leads.Maintain trademark usage guidelines for customers.Oversee trademark internal quality control process.Manage and support licensing of WD trademarks.Support trademark review of marketing, advertising and packaging materials compliance.Support trademark diligence with respect to corporate transactions.Collaborate with internal copyright experts.Brand ProtectionImplement brand protection programs in specific jurisdictions.Manage pre-litigation enforcement activity.Manage criminal and civil pre-litigation activities.Oversee investigations including advising on strategy.Conduct factual research of infringing activity.Collect and preserve evidence of wrongdoing.Review and support the maintenance of the Company’s domain name portfolio.Partner with internal and external teams to identify new targets.Collaborate with external partners.Maintain and ensure ethical standards and professional conduct.Identify and prioritize jurisdictions for new enforcement options.Use internal and external digital tools to manage cases.QualificationsJ.D. degree from accredited law school; top 50 law school strongly preferred.Current member of a state bar in good standing.8 years post bar experience in trademark and intellectual property law.Demonstrated experience as a proactive and strategic trademark and brand protection partner.Ability to communicate legal advice and risk mitigation strategies clearly.Experience managing a docket for a large global trademark portfolio.Experience handling litigation matters.Familiarity with state and federal criminal and civil legal systems.Strong understanding of trademark laws and enforcement strategies.Knowledge and ability to identify, handle and advise on complex issues.Strong interest in understanding and working with technology products.Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Additional InformationWestern Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status, physical or mental disability, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, and our customers.Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities. Please contact us at jobs.accommodations@wdc.com to advise us of your accommodation request.Based on our experience, we anticipate that the application deadline will be 2 / 6 / 2025, although we reserve the right to close the application process sooner if we hire an applicant for this position before the application deadline.Compensation & Benefits DetailsAn employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, and performance.The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting.We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; medical / dental / vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; and more.#J-18808-Ljbffr