Legal Counsel, Intellectual Property, 12 Month FTC (AI)

Location: Hybrid in San Francisco, CA, United States; candidates must currently be based in San Francisco. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract.

Salary: USD 190,000–280,000 yearly.

Company

Canva is a design platform company focused on empowering people to create and experience design.

What you will do

• Negotiate commercial contracts, especially inbound AI model provider agreements, outbound technology agreements, and content licenses for graphics, photography, video, and music.
• Advise product teams on IP risks arising from integrating third-party technologies, content, and AI into Canva products.
• Support Commercial and Product & Privacy Legal teams with IP-related provisions in marketing, software licensing, and ecosystem partnership contracts.
• Draft IP-related terms and conditions for the Canva platform.
• Advise on open-source software licensing and assist with managing Canva’s open-source policies.
• Advise on IP ownership and licensing for intercompany arrangements, mergers, and acquisitions.

Requirements

• 6–8 years of post-qualification experience, ideally from a top-tier law firm or specialist in-house team, with a focus on technology, copyright, or broad commercial contracts.
• Demonstrated technology transactions experience gained in-house at a technology company or in a law firm.
• Comfort working with the pace and ambiguity of emerging technology while balancing legal risks with business objectives.
• Comfort using AI tools to support AI adoption and integration into legal practices.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical solutions.

Nice to have

• Experience advising AI companies.
• Familiarity with music or other content licensing.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid work with flexibility in how and where work is organized within the role’s San Francisco location requirement.
• Equity package.
• Health benefits plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution.
• Inclusive parental leave for parents and carers, flexible leave options, and an annual Vibe & Thrive allowance for wellbeing, social connection, and office setup.

Hiring process

• Interviews are conducted virtually.
• Hiring decisions consider experience, skills, passion, contribution to Canva, and performance during the hiring process.