Counsel - digital content property

We believe in the power and joy of learning

At Cengage Group, our employees have a direct impact in helping students around the world discover the power and joy of learning. We are bonded by our shared purpose – driving innovation that helps millions of learners improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

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Our business is driven by our strong culture, and we know that creating an inclusive workplace is absolutely essential to the success of our company and our learners, as well as our individual well-being. We recognize the value of diverse perspectives in everything we do, and strive to ensure employees of all levels and backgrounds feel empowered to voice their ideas and bring their authentic selves to work. We achieve these priorities through programs, benefits, and initiatives that are integrated into the fabric of how we work every day. To learn more, please see

We are looking for a highly skilled and strategic Counsel – AI, Digital Content & Intellectual Property to join our growing Legal team. This role will focus on providing legal advice and business-oriented solutions on a wide range of issues related to artificial intelligence (AI), digital content, copyright, and trademark. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in copyright and intellectual property law, with a strong understanding of the developing legal landscape surrounding AI LLM development, AI-generated content in commercial products, licensing, and brand protection. You will collaborate cross-functionally with teams across product, engineering, content, marketing, and operations to proactively manage risk and support innovation.

What you'll do here:

AI & Emerging Technology

• Advise on the development, deployment, and commercialization of AI and machine learning technologies, including generative AI.

• Assess legal risks related to AI training data, including copyright, privacy, and data usage rights, in collaboration with in-house subject matter experts.

• Monitor and interpret evolving AI regulations (e.g., EU AI Act, U.S. state/federal laws) and advise on compliance strategies.

• Support internal AI governance and responsible AI practices.

Digital Content & Media

• Provide counsel on the acquisition, licensing, and use of digital content, including third-party media, proprietary content, and user-generated content (UGC),

• Advise on legal aspects of content creation, moderation, and distribution across platforms.

Copyright & Trademark

• Advise on copyright ownership, licensing, fair use, and infringement issues in connection with both traditional and AI-generated works.

• Manage and enforce the company’s trademark portfolio, including global registration, monitoring, and infringement resolution.

• Support branding, naming, and marketing efforts from an IP risk perspective.

Strategic Support

• Provide strategic subject matter expertise on:

• IP licenses

• IP litigation

• Content and data licensing

• Patent applications and litigation

• Commercial contracts and relationships relating to intellectual property rights

• Terms of service

• Partner with business units to align legal guidance with product and business goals.

Skills you will need here:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and licensed to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction (or relevant international equivalent).

• 3–5+ years of legal experience in a law firm and/or in-house legal department, with a focus on:

• Intellectual property law (copyright, trademark)

• Technology and digital content

• AI and emerging technologies

• Deep understanding of legal frameworks surrounding:

• Copyright in traditional and AI-generated content

• IP ownership and licensing

• Trademark protection and enforcement

• Data use in machine learning

• Strong business judgment and ability to provide clear, actionable legal advice in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative outlook.

• Prior in-house experience at a tech, media, gaming, or SaaS company is a plus.

Cengage Group is committed to working with broad talent pools to attract and hire strong and most qualified individuals. Our job applicants are considered regardless of race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, provincial or local laws.

Cengage is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities including during our job application process. If you are an applicant with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in our job application process, please contact us at

[email protected]

or at +1 (617) 289-7917.

About Cengage Group

Cengage Group, a global education technology company serving millions of learners, provides affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job ready. For more than 100 years, we have enabled the power and joy of learning with trusted, engaging content, and now, integrated digital platforms. We serve the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching and research markets worldwide. Through our scalable technology, including MindTap and Cengage Unlimited, we support all learners who seek to improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

Compensation

At Cengage Group, we take great pride in our commitment to providing a comprehensive and rewarding Total Rewards package designed to support and empower our employees.

Click here

to learn more about our Total Rewards Philosophy.

The full base pay range has been provided for this position. Individual base pay will vary based on work schedule, qualifications, experience, internal equity, and geographic location. Sales roles often incorporate a significant incentive compensation program beyond this base pay range.

In this position, you will be eligible to participate in the company’s discretionary incentive bonus program. This position's bonus target amount, which is not guaranteed and is dependent on individual performance and overall company results among other factors, is provided below.

25% Annual: Individual Target

$138,200.00 - $179,650.00 USD