VP – Intellectual Property and Licensing

Scientific Games:

Scientific Games is the global leader in lottery games, sports betting and technology, and the partner of choice for government lotteries. From cutting-edge backend systems to exciting entertainment experiences and trailblazing retail and digital solutions, we elevate play every day. We push game designs to the next level and are pioneers in data analytics and iLottery. Built on a foundation of trusted partnerships, Scientific Games combines relentless innovation, legendary performance, and unwavering security to responsibly propel the global lottery industry ever forward.

Position Summary

The VP of Technology, Licensing and IP will be responsible for commercial and administrative matters related to the company’s intellectual property (IP) assets, including the products and services provided to customers worldwide by our Digital Group. The position will focus on the commercialization of the company’s IP assets; advising on e-commerce and payment processing matters; negotiating, drafting and finalizing IP licenses; advising the company’s licensed property’s group on business and IP issues; interfacing with and advising the company’s personnel and management on IP related issues and disputes; administering the company’s trademark portfolio and advising on trademark-related matters, and working with outside counsel to manage the company’s patent portfolio. The position requires the ability to quickly and accurately spot and analyze legal issues, present positive, creative solutions, and advise management of risks, and work cooperatively with the other members of the Legal Department in these subject matter areas. This position will advise on legal matters in the IP, including but not limited to the filing, prosecution, licensing, and enforcement of IP rights and resolving IP-related disputes. This position also supervises a senior trademark (non-attorney) legal resource.

Job Responsibilities

• Advise Digital Lottery team with regard to IP-related issues in product development, licensing and risk management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, research and development teams, product managers, et al
• Negotiate and draft IP licensing agreements for inbound and outbound property transfers.
• Advise on IP considerations in commercial contracts, including joint development agreements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Provide legal advice on IP matters to senior executives, business units and R&D teams and evaluate and mitigate potential IP risks and opportunities.
• Review, assess, and approve names, images, and artwork on instant scratch tickets, instant win tickets and draw games, as appliable, provided to the lottery industry.
• Review and approve all licenses providing lottery customers authorization to the use of third party licensed brands and publications inside and outside the company for IP marking and other considerations.
• Identify inventions eligible for patent protection and provide guidance on patentability requirements, patent filing strategies, launch strategies and conduct harvesting sessions to identify protectable technologies.
• Develop and execute the global IP strategy to align with business goals and preserve IP rights across multiple jurisdictions.
• Manage IP disputes, infringement claims and IP-related litigation.
• Manage the trademark portfolio, including evaluating registrability, conducting trademark searches, filing applications and monitoring registrations, maintenance and renewals of trademarks and service marks. across multiple jurisdiction working with outside counsel to draft and prosecute patent applications, monitor patent expiration dates and required maintenance fees.
• Work with and manage outside counsel to (i) manage the patent portfolio and (ii) develop and implement strategies to monitor and enforce the company's patent, trademark and other IP rights, assessing the need for litigation, and collaborating with company and outside counsel to initiate legal action when necessary.
• Stay current on all IP laws, regulations, new technology and industry trends globally and provide proactive guidance to internal stakeholders on the potential impact of new laws, legal developments and technology on the company's IP strategy and portfolio.
• Conduct and report on due diligence review of third party IP rights including in connection with mergers and acquisitions and business analysis.
• Conduct training sessions and workshops for employees to enhance their understanding of IP laws, regulations, and best practices and to promote IP awareness and compliance within the company.
• IP budget management.
• Employee management.

Qualifications

Required

Education:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Current member in good standing, or registered in-house counsel, with the bar of at least one U.S. state required.

Required Experience:

• 8+ years of relevant experience at a national law firm, in-house at a comparable company, or some combination thereof.
• Deep understanding of technology (including cloud computing, machine learning, genAI and payment processing tools), trademark law, copyright law, payment processing and trade secret protection, with exposure to patent practice preferred.
• Experience in providing advice and counsel to employees at all levels of a business with regard to IP matters.
• Experience conducting and responding to IP due diligence.
• Prior ownership of maintaining clear and easily accessible IP or IP licensing records and portfolio.
• Experience leading negotiations and advising business leads regarding IP licensing issues and related commercial matters.
• Proficiency with software architecture, functionality and terminology, particularly as it relates to e-commerce and transaction processing.

Desired Experience:

• Software development
• Multi-tenant platforms and related licensing
• Payment processing and other consumer-facing transaction technology
• Patent bar a plus, but not necessary
• Significant experience in managing a complex IP portfolio across various technologies.
• Experience with payment processing and cashless transaction features.
• Full current on IP laws and regulations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent writing, drafting and negotiation skills are essential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Team player and contributor.
• Excellent and consistent organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and foster good business relationships (internally and externally).
• Demonstrably good judgment and strong work ethic.
• Works independently and takes initiative.
• Management of staff and budget issues.
• Ability to manage priorities.
• Management of outside counsel.