Rights and Licensing Specialist

WPP Production•Detroit, MI

11h•Hybrid

About The Position

About WPP Production We are WPP Production - the unified global production company that brings together all of WPP's content producers, studios and craft experts into one connected organisation. We combine world-class human craft with next generation technology to originate, design, and deliver multi-channel content systems at scale. Built for borderless collaboration and powered by deep craft expertise, we are the production engine designed for today's always on, AI driven marketing world. About WPP WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com. A Hybrid working model We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. What does a Rights & Licensing Specialist do at WPP Production? As a Rights & Licensing Specialist, you will work closely with clients, producers, talent managers, business affairs managers, and partners to manage the use of third-party IP in client materials. This includes licensing music, film footage, still imagery, NIL, trademarks, locations, and generative AI outputs as well as evaluating requests for asset repurposing to ensure compliance with initial license terms. You need a foundational understanding of intellectual property (including copyright, trademark, and NIL), contract and license language, and experience with agency workflows, from initial creative brief to final asset delivery. You will also need to understand the fundamentals of digital rights management, usage, and rights clearance. We're looking for a service-oriented, energetic, and proactive individual who excels at building relationships. The ideal candidate will be an independent thinker, eager to tackle challenges, and a passionate champion of process adherence and continuous improvement, with a strong enthusiasm for supporting transformative initiatives and leveraging innovative technology and AI. You'll represent WPP Production, interacting with various agencies, suppliers, and clients. You should be independent, welcome challenges, and champion process adherence and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Excellent customer service skills and a positive, helpful attitude.
Results-oriented, with a creative approach to problem-solving and finding solutions.
Capable of managing multiple projects under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Proven track record of success in detail-oriented tasks.
Foundational understanding of copyright, trademarks, and name/image/likeness rights and ability to discern between different usage types, terms, and territories.
Deep understanding of Microsoft Office suite.
Curiosity about evolving intellectual property landscape, specifically around generative AI.
Proven project management skills.
Excellent communication skills, able to clearly convey information to different audiences.
Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and act quickly and independently.
Working knowledge of DAM systems and project management software, such as Monday.com.

Responsibilities

Work with clients, agency teams, and partners to track and manage the use of third-party IP in client work.
Negotiate rights and usage terms (including fees) with vendors and third-party stakeholders.
Evaluate and understand existing partnership agreements and work with producers, editors, and creatives to ensure compliance with terms.
Work within multiple software systems to track usage rights, project details, and capture license terms for stakeholders.
Work closely with asset managers on clearance and licensing needs, interpretation of usage terms, and evaluation of asset reuse requests.
Create and distribute release forms and licenses utilizing agency templates.
Monitor upcoming rights expirations and interface with account and client teams on renewals.
Review third-party license agreements for compliance with agency and client minimum requirements, including reps and warrants, indemnification obligations, and insurance requirements.
Serve as the central point of contact across agencies and client partners for clearances and licensing needs.
Communicate relevant guidance on partnership agreements from WPP Legal and client leads to producer teams.
Demonstrate proper use of all rights management tools, support users, and encourage their adoption.
Help identify and implement improvements to work processes.