Counsel (Manager), Generalist & Brand Rights Protection - Canada - Toronto, Canada - teamworkonline

Description

At FIFA26, our vision is to unite the world through the greatest, most innovative, and inclusive sporting event of all time. The FIFA World Cup 26TM will mark the first time that the tournament will feature 48 teams and be hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico and the USA. This new format will redefine excellence, generating unique opportunities for greater participation and engagement among fans and players across North America and all over the world. Now is your time to become a game changer and join the workforce that will plan and deliver this extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

Reporting organisationally to the Director, Legal - Canada, the Counsel (Manager Level) will serve as a legal generalist while also providing brand rights protection support. As a key member of the FIFA26 Legal team, you will be responsible for providing legal advice and guidance on a wide range of legal matters relating to the event, including contracts and regulatory issues, while also overseeing the safeguarding of the tournament's brand assets, intellectual property, and sponsorship agreements.
THE POSITION

The main responsibilities and oversights of the Counsel, Generalist & Brand Rights Protection Support for the FIFA World Cup 26TM include:

• Provide legal advice, guidance, and support on a wide range of legal matters related to the FIFA World Cup 2026, including contracts, compliance, intellectual property, regulatory issues and access to information requests.
• Review, draft, and negotiate various agreements, contracts, and legal documents touching a broad range of commercial and event related issues.
• Conduct legal research and analysis to identify and mitigate potential legal risks and provide recommendations to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal teams, external counsel, and stakeholders to address legal issues, provide guidance, and resolve disputes, litigation, or claims.
• Stay informed of changes in relevant laws, regulations, and industry practices, and provide proactive advice to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Work with Senior Legal Counsel, Brand Protection to implement comprehensive strategies to safeguard the FIFA World Cup 2026 brand against unauthorized use, counterfeiting, and piracy.
• Enforce protection of intellectual property rights, trademarks, and logos associated with the event to prevent unauthorized usage.
• Manage and enforce brand guidelines for sponsors and partners, ensuring consistent representation and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Develop educational materials and training programs for internal and external stakeholders to raise awareness of brand protection measures.
• Prepare comprehensive reports for senior management, summarizing brand protection activities, challenges, legal actions, and future strategies as required.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director, Legal - Canada.
  
  

YOUR PROFILE

FIFA World Cup 26 Skills Framework:

ACCOUNTABILITY: Demonstrate commitment to responsibilities and objectively analyze one's behavior, while assuming consequences of one's own actions and/or decisions and learning from one's mistakes.

DECISION MAKING: Ability to identify and swiftly make decisions in critical situations, take initiative and calculated risks, explore alternative solutions, and respond promptly to unforeseen circumstances.

INCLUSIVITY: Achieve shared organizational objectives by sharing information with colleagues across all levels and divisions, tangibly influencing others, and maintaining a network of support contacts.

INITIATIVE: Capacity to do things on one's own initiative and to influence the course of events, assume responsibilities, and achieve objectives with a minimum of supervision and control.

INNOVATION: Capacity to break new ground, look for unconventional solutions, and produce fresh ideas.

LEADERSHIP: Ability to lead one's contacts/colleagues/partners, encourage teamwork, and delegate authority / decision-making power, as needed, to produce the expected results and make efficient use of the team's skills and talents.

VISION: Ability to perceive the organization's global environmental impact, anticipate decision consequences, grasp organizational missions, and formulate strategic plans.

Education & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university and a post graduate degree in common law (Bachelor of Laws/ Juris Doctor) from a Canadian law school or another common law jurisdiction.
• An active member of a law society in at least 1 province of Canada (preferably Ontario, and/or British Columbia).

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of work experience as an associate or in-house counsel, with a broad range of experience, including with intellectual property programs.
• Strong understanding of intellectual property laws, trademarks, and copyright regulations, with the ability to enforce protection strategies effectively.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, both oral and written
• High attention to detail, accuracy and follow-through
• Ability to work independently, with strong problem-solving abilities

Languages:

• Fluent in English

Technology:

• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio & Project) and planning software and online collaboration tools

About FWC2026

The FIFA World Cup 26TM will mark the first time that the tournament features 48 teams and will be hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

This new format redefines excellence, generating unique opportunities for greater participation and engagement from fans and players in North America and all over the world. Now is your time to be a game changer and join the workforce that is planning and delivering this unique and unforgettable experience.