Location
London - London Broadcasting House. The team is typically in the office on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with flexibility to work from home or the office on other days.

Hours
Full-time, twelve month fixed-term contract.

Salary
£62,000 - £75,000 per annum, plus London Weighting (£5,441 per annum), depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. Flexible working options are available and will be discussed at offer stage.

About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the BBC as an IP Lawyer at a time when the intellectual property landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by advances in technology, AI and changing audience behaviours. You will provide legal advice across the BBC Group on a wide range of intellectual property matters, supporting both business and creative teams. Working closely with colleagues across content, business affairs and technology, you will help protect and maximise the value of the BBC's content, brands, products and innovations. The team also supports BBC Studios, providing IP advice across production, distribution and commercial activities.

As an IP Lawyer, you will work directly with stakeholders across the BBC, providing practical legal advice and solutions on a broad range of issues. You will collaborate with colleagues from television, radio, podcasts, online services, BBC News and technology teams, becoming part of a supportive and highly regarded legal function. You will help deliver the strategy for legal matters, implementing and delivering legal work and growing your expertise through training and hands-on experience—all within a supportive, friendly, and collaborative environment.

The BBC is committed to delivering high-quality legal advice while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. There are also opportunities to get involved in pro bono initiatives and contribute to the Legal for Everyone programme, which promotes inclusion and diversity across the legal profession.

Key Accountabilities and Impact
You will manage a varied caseload covering a broad range of intellectual property matters, including advisory work and, where required, dispute-related issues. The role spans the full range of IP rights, with particular focus on patents, technology, copyright, confidential information and brand protection. Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting the negotiation and drafting of agreements relating to technology and R&D activities, including NDAs, collaboration agreements, open-source matters and other commercial arrangements.
- Advising on intellectual property risks and helping stakeholders navigate legal requirements in relation to innovation and technology projects.
- Supporting Senior Counsel and Senior Lawyers on patent-related matters, including standard essential patents (SEPs), patent pools, licence requests, patent claims and patent application processes.
- Working with senior colleagues to support the BBC's archive activities, liaising with teams across Content Rights, Business Affairs and content divisions.
- Advising on contractual and copyright related issues, including commissioning agreements, collective licences, content exploitation matters and disputes.
- Acting as a first point of contact for content creators on copyright queries and supporting the Brand Enforcement team as required.

Experience
Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX) with a current practising certificate or the ability to obtain one before starting the role. Experience gained within a law firm, specialist IP practice or in-house legal team with a strong interest in intellectual property law and experience across a range of IP rights. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide practical, timely and commercially focused legal advice. Commercial awareness and understanding of issues affecting the BBC and the wider media sector. Ability to build effective working relationships and work collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels, supported by excellent communication skills to explain complex legal issues clearly to non-legal audiences. Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a busy environment.

About you
Collaborative and proactive with a commitment to delivering high-quality legal advice. Enthusiastic about working in a dynamic media environment and keen to develop expertise in intellectual property law. Committed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance and contributing to inclusion and diversity initiatives within the legal profession.

Qualifications
Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX) with a current practising certificate or the ability to obtain one before starting the role. Previous in-house legal experience, particularly within a media, technology or creative organisation, is desirable but not essential.