Senior Legal Counsel, Intellectual Property, 12 month FTC

Canva • San Francisco, CA

1d • $190,000 - $280,000

About The Position

Canva is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to join its Intellectual Property & Litigation team for a 12-month fixed-term contract. The team manages Canva’s global intellectual property portfolios, advises product teams on strategic and risk-aware IP issues, 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, particularly agreements involving AI models, software APIs, related technologies and content licenses. The counsel will advise on integrating third-party IP into Canva products, support IP matters within other contracts, and partner with business teams to help them move quickly while managing commercial risk. The work also includes drafting platform terms, advising on open-source licensing and policies, and addressing IP ownership and licensing in intercompany arrangements and mergers and acquisitions.

Requirements

• 6–8 years of post-qualification experience (PQE).
• Experience ideally gained in 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 working at the pace of emerging technology and with ambiguity, while balancing legal risks and 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.
• Partner with business teams to help them achieve objectives while managing commercial risk.

Benefits

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