Specialist, Intellectual Property Licensing

Job Description

About Sony Music Entertainment

At Sony Music Entertainment, we fuel the creative journey. We've played a pioneering role in music history, from the first-ever music label to the invention of the flat disc record. We've nurtured some of music's most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time.

Today, we work in more than 70 countries, supporting a diverse roster of international superstars, developing and independent artists, and visionary creators. From our position at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to the newest products and platforms, embrace new business models, employ breakthrough tools, and provide powerful insights that help our artists push creative boundaries and reach new audiences. In everything we do, we're committed to artistic integrity, transparency, and entrepreneurship.

Sony Music Entertainment is a member of the Sony family of global companies.

As a Specialist in IP Licensing, you will play a critical role in safeguarding the intellectual property rights of Sony Music Entertainment's extensive portfolio of recordings and labels. You will manage and support key activities related to copyright registration, ensuring timely and accurate submissions to the Library of Congress. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, your role will help uphold the company's strategic goals for intellectual property protection. You will contribute to maintaining and enhancing a smooth, well-organized registration process and ensure that all deliverables meet specific timelines and legal standards. This position requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

What you'll do:
• Collaborate with team members to review monthly release reports from all Sony Music Entertainment labels. Ensure all data is prepared and processed for timely registration assignments.
• Oversee the submission of copyright registration applications, including the preparation and uploading of physical and digital assets. Ensure that all applications meet legal requirements and internal deadlines.
• Utilize Excel and other tools to manage internal tracking systems related to copyright registrations. Ensure accurate and up-to-date record-keeping of all ongoing registration efforts and outcomes.
• Act as a liaison between internal teams (including legal, A&R, and labels) and external stakeholders such as the Library of Congress. Ensure that all parties are aligned on deadlines, requirements, and processes.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to review the status of registration applications on a weekly basis. Address any necessary revisions or clarifications to ensure timely submission.
• Process and organize incoming certificates, including opening and scanning documents, updating trackers, and archiving materials according to internal procedures.
• Assist with litigation-related projects, including research and documentation preparation, as well as the onboarding of new labels into the registration process.
• Provide guidance and training to new hires, ensuring they understand the copyright registration process, internal systems, and SME policies.

Who you are:
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience, with at least 2 years in intellectual property, copyright law, or a related field, ideally within the music, media, or entertainment industry.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and familiarity with copyright registration databases like the Library of Congress system or similar platforms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain accurate trackers, and ensure timely submissions under tight deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, with the flexibility to adapt to new tasks, assist with special projects.

What we give you:
• You join an inclusive, collaborative and global community where you have the opportunity to channel your passion every day
• A modern office environment designed to foster productivity, creativity, and teamwork empowering you to bring your best
• An attractive and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life & disability coverage, and 401K + employer matching
• Voluntary benefits like company-paid identity theft protection and resources for pets, mental health and meditation resources, industry-leading fertility coverage, fully paid leave for childbirth or bonding, fully paid leave for caregivers, programs for loved ones with developmental disabilities and neurodiversity, subsidized back-up child and elder care, and reimbursement for adoption, surrogacy, tuition, and student loans
• Investment in your professional growth and development enabling you to thrive in our vibrant community.
• The space to accelerate progress, positively disrupt, and create what happens next
• Time off for a winter recess

The anticipated annual base salary does not include any other compensation components or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for. The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

New York Pay Range

$62,400
- $70,000 USD

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-d9mmwm-18-217-207-112-42 in your application.