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Funko

Sr. Manager, Intellectual Property Security

Funko, Burbank, California, United States, 91520

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Funko Overview Welcome to the Funko-verse, a world built on pure imagination, a land governed by the philosophy that stories matter, a universe comprised of characters from countless fandoms, a galaxy of once upon a times and happily ever afters.

What does Funko do? Funko is a purveyor of pop culture and licensed-focused collectibles company. Funko currently holds thousands of licenses and the rights to create tens of thousands of characters – one of the largest portfolios in the pop culture and collectibles industry. Funko’s Pop! Vinyl is the number one stylized vinyl collectible on the market, selling millions of figures to fans around the world.

The Sr. Manager, Intellectual Property Security is responsible for maintaining the confidential management of licensed assets used in intellectual property created, manufactured and distributed by Funko. The primary focus of this role is preventing unauthorized access to products, related digital assets, and data provided to Funko by third-party licensors. This role will work in partnership with the global licensing team, cross-functional business teams, the legal team, IS/IT, and external partners to ensure the correct controls (process, training/awareness, monitoring, and technology) are in place across the entire lifecycle of licensor and product related data.

The ideal candidate has experience in a similar security role, with a specialization in protecting trade secrets and the confidentiality of licensed assets and licensing-related data. The candidate should have experience in investigating trade secrets and other related intellectual property infringements. Candidates should be comfortable in a rapidly changing, transformational environment and be able to pivot to new priorities as they emerge. This is a highly visible role that requires a supportive, hands‑on approach, both with internal partners and external vendors.

What You’ll Do Strategic IP Protection

Develop in-depth knowledge of Funko’s business model with a focus on licensing, product development and marketing to be able to identify trade secrets associated with licensed assets and the corresponding risk scenarios

Responsible for the protection of Funko and its licensors product‑related trade secrets and licensed intellectual property from unauthorized distribution

Maintain the roadmap to deploy information security controls (process and technology) to mitigate risk scenarios associated with licensing intellectual property

Maintain relationships with major entertainment licensors’ security and legal teams to ensure aligned protection strategies

Establish and maintain relationships with 3rd party affiliates in connection with enforcement activities

Support continuous improvement of safe selling techniques and processes with a focus on growing revenue

Operational Security Management

Maintain security controls for protecting trade secrets and confidential data, including digital assets, throughout the product life cycle

Maintain technical solutions to prevent unauthorized distribution of licensor and other confidential data

Coordinate with IT and Information Security teams to deploy technology solutions that mitigate licensing‑related risks

Develop educational materials for employees, vendors and other key stakeholders on proper handling of licensed assets

Work with sales, marketing and sourcing teams to develop secure selling processes with respect to sensitive third‑party assets

Incident Response and Enforcement

Investigate unauthorized releases of product information and trade secret breaches related to IP violations

Partner with Legal team on enforcement of intellectual property violations

Manage crisis communications with affected licensors and stakeholders during security incidents

What You’ll Bring

7+ years professional experience in IP protection, brand security or related field, with minimum 5 years in entertainment/licensing industry

Bachelor's Degree, MBA, and/or Master’s degree is preferred

Experience working with major entertainment studios (Disney, WB, etc.) and/or working in a licensing, retail, or wholesale consumer environment and understanding related IP protection matters

Experience in developing technical solutions for data protection such as DLP, digital watermarking, etc

Experience evaluating, implementing, and supporting new applications, services, and solutions

Experience in developing, implementing, and maintaining trade secret programs across organizations

Exceptional communication and influencing skills

Experience working with external stakeholders who are both customers and suppliers where there is a commercial relationship to manage

Ability to manage large complex projects and to step into projects already in progress, or in need of rescue, and effectively assume a leadership role

Problem‑solving skills and ability to work under pressure

Highly self‑motivated

Accepts ownership and welcomes responsibility

Proven internal and external influencing skills at senior management levels

Maintains focus, and persistence, even under adversity, while maintaining the confidence of key stakeholders

Salary Information The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $121,500 - 151,000 annually. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience, and location. Base pay is one part of the Total Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and this role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, and restricted stock units.

What Funko Offers Funko offers a competitive compensation package with full benefits and a 401(K) plan with matching contributions from the company. Most importantly, we offer a creative work environment with people who love pop culture just as you do. Can’t wait to gush about your latest binge? Neither can we! Looking for a place where your favorite pop culture t‑shirt will receive the compliments it deserves? We know how you feel!

Funko is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

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