Senior Counsel, Trademark

OpenAI•San Francisco, CA

8d•$330,000 - $366,000•Hybrid

About The Position

OpenAI is seeking an experienced attorney to lead its global trademark litigation and disputes strategy and oversee its broader trademark and brand protection practice. The role handles complex, high-stakes trademark litigation and enforcement matters worldwide, develops strategies to protect OpenAI’s brands, and provides practical, business-oriented advice on novel trademark and brand-related issues. It works cross-functionally with Legal, Communications, Global Affairs, Marketing, Product, and Executive teams. The position is based in San Francisco, California, with a hybrid schedule requiring three days in the office per week. Relocation assistance is offered to new employees.

Requirements

10+ years leading complex trademark litigation and disputes, including significant responsibility for litigation strategy, case management, and resolution, with substantial experience at technology companies and law firms.
Experience personally developing and executing strategies for complex, high-stakes trademark litigation and disputes, leading matters from initial assessment through resolution, including direct engagement with opposing counsel and other key stakeholders.
Experience developing and executing global trademark portfolio strategies, including clearance, prosecution, enforcement, and brand protection aligned with business priorities and growth.
Ability to communicate complex legal and business issues clearly, exercise sound judgment amid legal uncertainty, and provide practical, strategic recommendations under pressure.
Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, legal operations, outside counsel, and senior stakeholders while managing multiple urgent matters.
Intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, a strong sense of ownership, and willingness to respectfully challenge assumptions and learn from feedback.
JD and a license or qualification to practice in California.

Responsibilities

Lead global trademark litigation and disputes, including complex infringement, unfair competition, dilution, and other brand-related litigation, from initial assessment through resolution.
Develop and execute global trademark litigation and enforcement strategies, manage outside counsel, direct litigation strategy, assess risk, and advise senior leadership on significant disputes.
Lead and develop OpenAI’s trademark team, overseeing attorneys and legal professionals responsible for trademark clearance, prosecution, portfolio management, enforcement, dispute resolution, brand protection, and marketing counseling.
Stay current on relevant laws, regulations, and industry trends, and provide updates and legal guidance to company leadership and stakeholders.
Build scalable processes and frameworks for trademark risk assessment, enforcement prioritization, outside counsel management, and cross-functional decision-making.
Provide clear, practical, and strategic advice to senior leadership, balancing legal risks, commercial priorities, reputational considerations, and long-term brand protection.