Director, Business & Legal Affairs, Content Acquisitions

About the position

We're looking for a business-minded commercial lawyer to join our Legal team as Director, Business & Legal Affairs, Content Acquisitions. You'll focus on content licensing, acquisition, and distribution deals for anime series and films, digital manga, and videogames. You'll report to our SVP, Head of Business & Legal Affairs, and partner closely with business leaders as they find innovative ways to share the joy of anime worldwide. Structure, draft, and negotiate a high volume of content licensing, theatrical, and rights acquisition agreements (rights in) and distribution and license agreements (rights out). Advise on copyright, trademark, chain of title, and other IP issues. Provide practical counsel and creative solutions on deals and legal matters to our teams in the U.S. and Japan. Navigate the nuances of anime-specific content agreements, theatrical rights, co-production partnerships, and distribution models. Collaborate with teams (content, distribution, marketing, finance, and product) to move key initiatives forward. Manage deal templates and ensure agreements remain consistent and aligned with internal policies and emerging legal issues.

Responsibilities

  • Structure, draft, and negotiate a high volume of content licensing, theatrical, and rights acquisition agreements.
  • Advise on copyright, trademark, chain of title, and other IP issues.
  • Provide practical counsel and creative solutions on deals and legal matters.
  • Navigate the nuances of anime-specific content agreements, theatrical rights, co-production partnerships, and distribution models.
  • Collaborate with teams (content, distribution, marketing, finance, and product) to move key initiatives forward.
  • Manage deal templates and ensure agreements remain consistent and aligned with internal policies and emerging legal issues.

Requirements

  • 10+ years of experience in commercial contracts, content acquisition/distribution, IP, and media/entertainment law.
  • Hold a JD and are a member in good standing of at least one state bar (CA or NY required, or eligible to register as In-House Counsel in CA).
  • Experience working in-house or at a top-tier law firm supporting major media, streaming, or entertainment companies.
  • Deep experience negotiating complex commercial agreements and providing creative, practical solutions.
  • Expertise in IP rights and trademark/copyright transactional matters.
  • Practical knowledge of TV, film, streaming, digital VOD, and related industries.
  • Excellent drafting, organization, and deal management skills.
  • Effective communication skills and ability to build strong relationships with internal teams, external partners, and outside counsel.
  • Ability to thrive in evolving areas of the law, balancing complexity and risk with business needs.

Benefits

  • Great compensation package including salary plus performance bonus earning potential.
  • Flexible time off policies.
  • Generous medical, dental, vision, STD, LTD, and life insurance.
  • Health Saving Account (HSA) program.
  • Health care and dependent care FSA.
  • 401(k) plan, with employer match.
  • Employer paid commuter benefit.
  • Support program for new parents.
  • Pet insurance and some offices are pet friendly.
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