Opportunity at
CanvaLegal Counsel, Intellectual Property, 12 month FTC
Canva is hiring a Legal Counsel to join its Intellectual Property and Litigation team for a 12-month fixed-term contract based in San Francisco. Canva operates a…
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About This Role
Canva is hiring a Legal Counsel to join its Intellectual Property and Litigation team for a 12-month fixed-term contract based in San Francisco. Canva operates a global platform designed to empower the world to design, serving a community exceeding 260 million users worldwide. The legal department acts as a strategic partner to stakeholders across the organization, helping business teams navigate commercial risk while achieving their objectives. This position focuses on…
Job Description
Canva is hiring a Legal Counsel to join its Intellectual Property and Litigation team for a 12-month fixed-term contract based in San Francisco. Canva operates a global platform designed to empower the world to design, serving a community exceeding 260 million users worldwide. The legal department acts as a strategic partner to stakeholders across the organization, helping business teams navigate commercial risk while achieving their objectives.
This position focuses on intellectual property and technology transactions. The professional chosen will negotiate inbound and outbound agreements concerning software APIs, AI models, and related technology, alongside content licenses covering music, video, photography, and graphics. Additional responsibilities involve advising on third-party technology integrations, supporting commercial and product legal teams on contract terms, drafting platform terms and conditions, and providing guidance on open source software licensing, mergers and acquisitions, and intercompany arrangements.
Ideal candidates bring significant post-qualification experience in a top-tier law firm or a specialized in-house team, with a strong background in tech transactions, copyright, or broad contract matters. The role requires comfort with rapid change and emerging technology, willingness to use AI tools, and the ability to translate complex legal principles into practical business solutions. Candidates must be currently based in San Francisco.
Responsibilities
- Negotiate commercial contracts concentrating on inbound AI model provider agreements and content licenses
- Deliver practical advice regarding intellectual property risks and considerations tied to integrating third-party content, technology, and AI into products
- Assist the Commercial and Product & Privacy Legal team with IP-related aspects of various contracts
- Draft intellectual property terms and conditions for the Canva platform
- Offer guidance on open source software licensing and assist in managing open source policies
- Advise on intellectual property ownership and licensing concerning intercompany arrangements, mergers, and acquisitions
Requirements
- Possess 6 to 8 years of post-qualification experience, ideally gained within a top-tier law firm or specialized in-house setting focusing on tech, copyright, or broad contracts
- Demonstrate tech transactions experience acquired in-house at a technology company or within a law firm
- Maintain comfort with pace and ambiguity related to emerging technology and balance legal risks with business goals
- Demonstrate willingness to utilize AI tools to drive adoption and integration into legal practices
- Communicate effectively to translate complex legal concepts into practical solutions
- Be currently based in San Francisco
Qualifications
- Experience advising artificial intelligence companies
- Familiarity with music or other content licensing
Core Skills
Benefits
- Equity packages
- Health benefits plans supporting wellbeing
- 401(k) retirement plan featuring company contributions
- Inclusive parental leave policy supporting parents and carers
- Annual Vibe & Thrive allowance supporting wellbeing, social connection, and office setup
- Flexible leave options
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers are based only on the employer’s listing; where it doesn’t say, neither do we.
What is the employment type and duration for this role?
This position is a 12-month fixed-term contract.
Where is the position located?
The role is based in San Francisco, and candidates must be currently located there to be considered.
What is the salary range for the Legal Counsel position?
The target salary range is between USD 190,000 and 280,000 per year.
What experience level is required for applicants?
Applicants should have 6 to 8 years of post-qualification experience, ideally acquired in a top-tier law firm or a specialized in-house team focusing on copyright, tech, or broad contracts work.
Sample Interview Questions
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