In-House Counsel

Buffalo Games is seeking a skilled and successful In-House Counsel specializing in consumer products. Counsel will play a pivotal role in providing legal guidance and support across various aspects of our business operations.

WHY BUFFALO:

Joining our team means being part of a growing and nimble company dedicated to innovation, creativity, and making a positive impact in the lives of everyone who enjoys our products. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to a growing company with a supportive and collaborative culture, where your legal expertise will be valued, and your career can thrive.

If you are passionate about consumer products, games, toys, or puzzles, and want to leverage your legal skills to support business growth and compliance, we invite you to apply and become a key member of our enterprise.

COMPANY BACKGROUND/ABOUT US:

Buffalo Games has become the leading family fun platform comprised of jigsaw puzzles and board, table, and party games for adults, children, and families. We are the largest designer and U.S. manufacturer of jigsaw puzzles collaborating closely with artists and other licensors of artwork and images including Thomas Kinkade, Star Wars, Charles Wysocki, among others. The Company's leading games portfolio includes titles such as Watch Ya Mouth® and Skee-Ball®. In addition to licensed products, the Company's preschool portfolio is expanding quickly. Our most prominent brand, Chuckle & Roar, focuses on games, puzzles, compounds, arts & crafts and learning toys for preschool and young children. While our supply chain extends globally, we take immense pridein our puzzles manufacturing, which are exceptionally designed & produced in a self-owned and operated facility in Buffalo, NY. We partner with the absolute best retailers, inventors, and licensors, making us not just a category leader but among the fastest growing toy companies in the industry today. Our wholly owned subsidiaries include puzzle and games company Ceaco, Inc., puzzle manufacturer Edaron, LLC, and recreational sporting goods company, EastPoint Sports.

JOB PURPOSE:

This individual will be responsible for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, safeguarding our intellectual property rights, and supporting our growth through strategic legal advice during the product development process. This position reports directly to the VP of Operations and offers the opportunity to work closely with cross-functional teams.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Legal Compliance: Monitor and ensure compliance with consumer product safety regulations, advertising standards, and other relevant laws and regulations.• Intellectual Property: Manage and protect our intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks, copyrights, and patents. Conduct trademark searches, file applications, and handle infringement matters.• Contract Negotiation and Review: Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of agreements, including supplier contracts, licensing agreements, distribution agreements, and nondisclosure agreements.• Risk Management: Within the New Product Design and Development processes, identify legal risks and propose solutions that balance legal considerations with the company’s commercial objectives.• Litigation Management: Oversee litigation matters, working closely with external counsel when necessary. Manage dispute resolution processes and assess potential liabilities.• Corporate Governance: Advise on corporate governance matters and ensure compliance with corporate policies and procedures.• Consumer Relations: Assist in managing consumer complaints and inquiries related to legal matters, ensuring swift and effective resolution.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and admitted to practice law in New York (primary), with potential involvement in both Massachusetts and New Jersey (secondary). • 3-5+ years of experience practicing law in the consumer products industry, preferably with a focus on toys or similar consumer goods.• Strong knowledge of consumer product safety regulations, intellectual property law, advertising law, and contract law.• Experience in negotiating and drafting complex commercial agreements.• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risks and provide practical legal advice.• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively.• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift

Ability to Commute:

• Buffalo, NY 14206 (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Buffalo, NY 14206