The University of Texas at Austin · 2 hours ago
Intellectual Property Specialist – Copyrights
Austin, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior LevelThe University of Texas at Austin is dedicated to transforming academic research into real-world solutions, and they are seeking an Intellectual Property Specialist for Copyrights. This role involves managing copyright assets, advising university creators on intellectual property policies, and engaging with faculty to promote a culture of innovation.
Corporate TrainingEducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Copyright & Creative Asset Management: Actively manage and grow a portfolio of copyright assets with the objective of advancing UT research and creative expression through strategic commercialization
Proactively identify copyright protect-able assets from colleges, departments, organizations, and programs across the university for submission to the IP team
Evaluate copyright disclosures for originality, marketability, and potential for social or commercial impact
Assist in the development of protection strategies of select trademarks and trade dress
Work with the Business Development team to draft and negotiate licenses for creative content, ranging from publishing agreements to media distribution and "ed-tech" licensing
Assess third-party content within university creations to ensure "Fair Use" compliance and secure necessary permissions for commercialization when necessary
Make determinations of whether to register copyright assets and manage the registration process of creative works with the U.S. Copyright Office
Outreach and Relationship Management: Actively engage in outreach with UT Austin faculty to raise awareness of the services provided by the Discovery to Impact organization and promote a culture of innovation
Serve as the primary relationship manager for faculty, artists, and authors, maintaining a deep understanding of their creative processes and long-term project goals
Conduct workshops and outreach specifically for the arts and humanities to raise awareness of how creative works can be scaled for broader impact
Advise on Intellectual Property: Advise University inventors regarding University intellectual property policies and related technology commercialization processes
Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Intellectual Property
Qualification
Required
Advanced or bachelor's degree (Master's or PhD) in a science, engineering or a relevant field (e.g., Arts Administration, Education, Communications, Business, or Law)
Experience in copyright management, creative licensing, or tech transfer
Knowledge of U.S. Copyright Law, including the Bundle of Rights, Fair Use, and the distinction between 'idea' and 'expression'
Ability to communicate with artists and scholars, translating their creative vision into commercially viable opportunities
Capable of managing a broad portfolio of creative assets at different stages, from initial disclosure to public release or licensing
A proactive professional with a strategic mindset for identifying high-priority creative assets in a fast-paced academic environment
Available for occasional travel to visit labs or attend industry conferences, with the ability to work extended hours during peak filing or negotiation periods
Preferred
Experience registering copyright assets with the United States Copyright Office
Experience with permission-based licensing, royalty structures for creative works, and contracts for digital or physical media
Demonstrated ability to perform market validation for 'soft-IP,' such as assessing the demand for different markets, educational curricula or digital media assets
A background in Intellectual Property of Technology Transfer is highly preferred
Experience in Educational Technology (Ed-Tech), music publishing, or media production rights
Copyright transaction and licensing experience
Working knowledge of Patent and Trademark Law and brand protection for university-born programs or initiatives
Experience collaborating with business and research teams to determine optimal strategies for copyright registration
Familiarity with Creative Commons licensing and the balance between open-access missions and revenue-generating commercialization
Demonstrated ability to work with university creators to understand early-stage creative concepts and ensure clear communication between the artist, legal counsel, and the business team
Working knowledge of policies/issues relating to commercialization of university science-based research
Ability to articulate an innovation's 'social impact' or cultural value alongside its financial potential
Benefits
Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
Generous paid vacation (8 hours/month), paid holidays (10+/year), sick time (8 hours/month), and longevity pay
Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 8.25% employer matching funds
Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
Tuition assistance
Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card
Company
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest public universities in the United States.
Founded in 1922
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
Republic Capital Group
2022-09-14Series Unknown
Leadership Team
Will Whiting
Chief Development Officer
Recent News
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