Job Description
At Sony Music Publishing (“SMP”), we believe every voice matters. We are the #1 global music publisher, advancing the artistry of the world’s greatest songwriters and composers for over 25 years. We keep songwriters at the forefront of everything we do, and design our suite of services to amplify opportunities, build connections, and defend their rights. Our roster benefits from an international team committed to providing support at every career stage. From classic catalogues to contemporary hitmakers, history is always being written. We are a part of the Sony family of global companies. Learn more about SMP at https://www.sonymusicpub.com/en.
Why join Sony Music Group?
Here at Sony Music Group, we are shaping what’s next in a way that creates impact. Forging powerful new ideas at the heart of music, technology, and culture that entertain and move people.
This is your opportunity. Part of a global community, united by individual passion, rising to that challenge every day. Adapting at pace and supporting one another, inspired to influence the future. For the benefit of you, our people; our creators, our business, and wider society too.
Be a part of an organization that is creator first. Committed to fueling excellence and always imagining more, while fostering a supportive culture, one where we elevate each other and act responsibly.
Job Purpose: This role will advise on all aspects of the litigation and pre-litigation claims affecting Sony Music Publishing. You will handle a large and diverse docket of litigation-related matters (including issues relating to copyright, artificial intelligence, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and fair use), and lead efforts to protect SMP’s intellectual property rights.
What You’ll Do: (job responsibilities)
Manage and drive strategy for affirmative and defensive litigations, regulatory proceedings, claims, and intellectual property enforcement matters in federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions
Investigate businesses (such as digital services, websites, and mobile apps) and other songwriters/recording artists that use SMP musical compositions without a license, collect evidence of infringement, confirm SMP’s rights, draft cease-and-desist letters, and negotiate and draft settlement agreements
Defend SMP and its songwriters in connection with pre-litigation copyright infringement claims, analyze merits of claims, interact with SMP songwriters and other music publishers, draft correspondence, and negotiate and draft settlement agreements
Oversee outside counsel, review and edit draft court filings, assist with litigation discovery (including document collection and witness preparation), and analyze music publishing agreements and other agreements
Represent SMP in mediations and at trial; prepare company witnesses for depositions and trial testimony
Regularly counsel business units on various matters (e.g., risk mitigation, litigation, intellectual property, contract interpretation, draft contract language, and company policies and procedures)
Interact with SMP’s internal business units and senior executives, outside and opposing counsel, artist and songwriter representatives, music industry trade associations, and infringing services
Perform other relevant duties as assigned
Who You Are: (skills and experience required)
Juris Doctor (JD) required, licensed and in good standing to practice law in New York
At least two years of experience at a law firm or as in-house counsel
Strong experience in litigation
Familiarity with music law and the various rights affecting musical compositions; experience working on music copyright cases and/or cases involving music publishing agreements is a plus
Excellent drafting/writing and communication skills
Demonstrated experience working effectively in a diverse environment
Computer literacy (MS Word & Excel essential)
Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
Ability to multi-task and juggle competing priorities
Strong organization skills with high attention to detail
Ability to be innovative and suggest change/improvements within the scope of work
Ability to professionally interface with all levels of the organization, clients, and vendors
Willingness to learn and adapt to new responsibilities in a fast paced fast-paced environment
Ability to research legal matters quickly and accurately
High levels of integrity and honesty
Ability to adhere to deadlines and execute on tasks and handle multiple, diverse assignments
Strong time management skills
Some Travel Required
Must be authorized to work in the United States
7.5-hour business workday but variations in work volume frequently require extended working hours
What We Give You:
You join an inclusive, collaborative and global community where you have the opportunity to fuel the creative journey
A modern office environment designed to foster productivity, creativity, and teamwork
An attractive and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life & disability coverage, and 401K + employer matching
Voluntary benefits like company-paid identity theft protection and resources for pets, mental health and meditation resources, industry-leading fertility coverage, fully paid leave for childbirth or bonding, fully paid leave for caregivers, programs for loved ones with developmental disabilities and neurodiversity, subsidized back-up child and elder care, and reimbursement for adoption, surrogacy, tuition and student loans
We invest in your professional growth & development
Flexible Time Off
Time off for a winter recess
DISCLAIMER:
The anticipated annual base salary for this position is:
$107,400.00-$153,400.00This range does not include any other compensation components or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for. The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.
Honesty, trustworthiness and ethical conduct are material requirements for the responsibilities outlined above.
Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy), gender, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, military status, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, genetic information, medical condition, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.
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