Senior Legal Counsel, Intellectual Property, 12 month FTC

Canva • San Francisco, CA

1d

About The Position

Canva is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to join its Intellectual Property & Litigation team. The team manages Canva’s global intellectual property 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 focuses on negotiating intellectual property and technology transactions, including agreements involving AI models, software APIs, related technology, and creative content licenses. The Senior Legal Counsel will advise on integrating third-party IP into Canva products, support IP aspects of other commercial contracts, draft platform terms, advise on open-source licensing, and counsel on IP ownership and licensing in intercompany arrangements and mergers and acquisitions. The position is a 12-month fixed-term contract, and candidates must currently be based in San Francisco. Canva offers flexibility in how and where employees work, subject to the stated location requirement.

Requirements

• 6–8 years of post-qualification experience (PQE).
• Experience ideally gained at a top-tier law firm or specialist in-house team, focused on technology, copyright or broad contracts work.
• Demonstrated technology transactions experience gained in-house at a technology company or at a 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 and considerations arising from integrating third-party technologies, content and AI into Canva products.
• Support the Commercial and Product & Privacy Legal team with 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 managing Canva’s open-source policies.
• Advise on IP ownership and licensing in intercompany arrangements and mergers and acquisitions.
• Support the negotiation of inbound and outbound agreements involving AI models, software APIs and related technology, as well as content licenses for graphics, photography, video and music.
• Support IP-related aspects of marketing contracts, software license agreements and ecosystem partnerships.
• Partner with business teams to help them move quickly while managing commercial risk.

Benefits

• Equity packages.
• Health benefits plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution.
• Inclusive parental leave policy supporting 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