This position is in the Contracting, Budget, Real Estate, and Leasing subgroup, a component of the Litigation and Administrative Practice Group in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). The subgroup provides legal and policy advice to the Commission and the SEC's divisions and offices on a wide range of legal matters including procurement, appropriations, real estate, leasing and intellectual property, and defends the Commission in administrative and federal court litigation.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sector. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Qualifying education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. BASIC REQUIREMENT: All applicants must possess the following J.D. or LL.B. degree --AND-- Active membership of the bar in good standing in any state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (Note: proof of bar membership will be required before entry on duty. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT: In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must also meet the minimum qualification requirement. SK-14: Applicant must have three year(s) of post J.D. work experience, two year(s) of which includes: Providing legal advice (both written and oral) to clients on legal issues in federal intellectual property law, including in areas such as patent enforcement, trademark maintenance and enforcement, copyright law, and/or licensing agreements and releases; AND Representing federal agencies or other clients in litigation; AND Drafting legal memoranda, legal documents, or reports pertaining to intellectual property law.
The individual selected for this position is responsible for providing legal advice and representing the Commission in matters involving Intellectual Property and related issues. Typical duties: Provides legal advice to the Commission on intellectual property law matters (primarily copyright and trademark), and responds to potential infringement and misuse of the Commission's trademarks and agency seal in fraudulent schemes. Litigates patent and other intellectual property (IP)-related disputes, including serving as team lead where appropriate; coordinates with outside counsel as necessary to further the agency's interests in litigation and proceedings. Oversees the maintenance and protection of the Commission's registered trademarks, official seal, and related branding, including drafting necessary filings with the Patent & Trademark Office, monitoring reports of potential trademark infringement, drafting cease and desist letters to potential infringers, and drafting needed licensing agreements for appropriate third-party use of the SEC's registered marks. Advises Commission offices and divisions on intellectual property law, including copyright, patent, and trademark issues. Investigates and takes appropriate action against advanced fee frauds and other schemes involving the misappropriation of Commission intellectual property and/or impersonation of SEC employees, and identifies and implements process improvements for such matters. Advises Commission offices and divisions on new and novel uses of data resources, social media, online technologies, and related services, including reviewing and/or negotiating terms of service agreements for government-compatible data rights and data usage provisions and other policy-related issues. Advises the Assistant General Counsel and Associate General Counsel regarding difficult, complex, and/or novel issues within their expertise, and serves as a resource and subject matter expert for others.