Legal Counsel, Intellectual Property, 12 month FTC

Canva • San Francisco, CA

11h • $190,000 - $280,000

About The Position

Canva is hiring a Legal Counsel to join its Intellectual Property & Litigation team for a 12-month fixed-term contract. The team builds and manages Canva’s global IP portfolios, provides strategic IP advice to product teams, acquires and licenses creative content, software and AI technologies, and manages litigation and disputes worldwide. The role is based in San Francisco; candidates must currently be based there. Canva offers flexibility in how and where employees work.

The position focuses on negotiating intellectual property and technology transactions, including agreements involving AI models, software APIs, related technology and creative content. The Legal Counsel will advise on integrating third-party IP into Canva products, support IP aspects of other contracts, and partner with business teams to help them move quickly while managing commercial risk. The role also covers platform terms and conditions, open-source licensing and policies, and IP ownership and licensing in intercompany arrangements and mergers and acquisitions.

Requirements

• 6–8 years of post-qualification experience (PQE), ideally from a top-tier law firm or specialist in-house team focused on technology, copyright or broad contracts work.
• Demonstrated technology transactions experience gained at a technology company or law firm.
• Comfort with the pace and ambiguity of emerging technology, and ability to balance legal risks with business objectives.
• Comfort using AI tools to support AI adoption and integration into legal practices.
• Strong communication skills and ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical solutions.
• Must currently be based in San Francisco.

Nice To Haves

• Experience advising AI companies.
• Familiarity with music or other content licensing.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate commercial contracts, particularly inbound AI model provider agreements and content licenses.
• Provide practical advice on IP risks arising from integrating third-party technologies, content and AI into Canva products.
• Support the Commercial and Product & Privacy Legal team on IP-related aspects of other contracts.
• Draft IP-related terms and conditions for the Canva platform.
• Advise on open-source software licensing and assist with management of Canva’s open-source policies.
• Advise on IP ownership and licensing in intercompany arrangements and mergers and acquisitions.

Benefits

• Equity packages.
• Health benefits plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution.
• Inclusive parental leave policy for parents and carers.
• Annual Vibe & Thrive allowance for wellbeing, social connection, office setup and more.
• Flexible leave options.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed