Copyright Claims Officer

Copyright is a form of legal protection provided by the laws of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) to authors of literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and other works. The Copyright Claims Officer has responsibilities and delegated authority for the oversight and administration of administrative proceedings involving civil copyright disputes pursuant to chapter 15, title 17 of the United States Code.

The competencies below are required for this position. Those marked with a double asterisk (**) are considered the most critical competencies for this position. A candidate's resume must show a proven record of accomplishment that clearly demonstrates he or she has: (1) Ability to conduct or play a key role in hearings and/or conferences to facilitate the settlement of claims and counterclaims**: The successful candidate will have the ability to conduct or play a key role in hearings and/or conferences to facilitate the settlement of claims and counterclaims. This may include: 1) ensuring claims, counterclaims and defenses were properly asserted; 2) requesting or producing information and documents relevant to the resolution of legal matters; 3) managing proceedings and rendering rulings; 4) conducting hearings and conferences; and 5) ruling on motions and the admissibility of evidence; and 6) facilitating settlement and awarding monetary relief. (2) Ability to conduct and/or manage legal research and prepare written analysis related to legal disputes/matters**: The successful candidate has conducted and/or managed legal research and prepared written analysis related to legal disputes/matters. Analysis was reflected in legal briefs and other written documents related to sophisticated legal and factual disputes. Work may have included the following: 1) planning, organizing and coordinating research projects related to various aspects of legal disputes or matters; 2) conducting and/or directing research on problems involving copyright claims or counterclaims; 3) evaluating evidence and interpreting testimony, regulations, statutory provisions, and past legal precedents of applicable circuits; 4) ensuring problems related to Title 17 are appropriately conceptualized and defined; 5) ensuring implications of legal research were identified and appropriate conclusions were drawn; and 6) generating and assessing legal alternatives and the consequences of choosing each alternative. (3) Knowledge of Copyright law**: The successful candidate has demonstrated substantial knowledge of copyright law and litigation. (4) Ability to lead and supervise a diverse staff: The successful candidate has the ability to lead and supervise a diverse staff. (5) Ability to interact collaboratively and serve as a liaison: The successful candidate has served as a liaison within and outside an organization to: 1) provide and exchange information, including program requirements, 2) handle complex legal issues, 3) provide authoritative legal guidance, and 4) participate on boards, panels, committees, and/or special projects. Established and maintained effective working relationships through productive collaboration with staff, attorneys, managers and senior-level executives/policy-makers. (6) Ability to communicate in writing and review the writing of others: The successful candidate has the ability to communicate in writing and review the writing of others. (7) Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing: The successful candidate has the ability to speak clearly and with professional poise in both formal and informal settings to parties, members of the public, and peers to both provide and seek information. This includes providing information that is accurate, current, and complete. This also includes targeting the amount, style, and content of the information to the needs of the receiver; actively listening to and understanding information; and listening to and answering questions thoughtfully and completely.