Senior Legal Counsel, Intellectual Property (Tech Transactions)

Canva • San Francisco, CA

9h • $190,000 - $280,000

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 guidance to product teams, acquires and licenses creative content, software and AI technologies, and manages litigation and disputes worldwide.

The role focuses on negotiating IP and technology transactions, particularly agreements involving AI models, software APIs, related technologies and creative content. The Senior Legal Counsel will advise on incorporating third-party IP into Canva products, support IP-related aspects of 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.

The role is based in San Francisco, and candidates must currently be based there. Canva offers flexibility in how and where work is done, and interviews are conducted virtually.

Requirements

• 6–8 years of post-qualification experience (PQE), 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 the ability to balance legal risks with business objectives.
• Comfort using AI tools to help drive AI adoption and integrate AI into legal practices.
• Strong communication skills, including the 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.
• Advise 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 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 managing Canva’s open-source policies.
• Advise on IP ownership and licensing in intercompany arrangements and mergers and acquisitions.
• Support and advise business teams as a strategic partner, helping them manage 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