MS seeks enforcer & revenue generator for trademarks

Have you got what it takes to make the grade as a Senior Trademark Attorney for Microsoft? If you think you have, then check out this help wanted notice at the International Trademark Association. But you may have to practice keeping your face straight if you make it to the interview.

Microsoft "has an immediate opening for a highly qualified and experienced attorney" (just the one, then?) "to manage the company's trademark practice." (ah.) "This is a rare opportunity to provide strategic leadership for a global trademark practice that not only handles some of the most recognized consumer brands in the world, but also is on the cutting edge of legal and best practice developments."

Pop back and re-parse that one if you were speed-reading. It says Microsoft is at the cutting edge of legal developments, and of best practice developments - not that it's at the cutting edge of legal best practice. But such a claim would surely transcend satire. As the next paragraph makes clear:

"The manager of the Trademark Group will provide key direction to the company on strategies for maximizing Microsoft's trademark rights, developing and enforcing Microsoft's worldwide trademark portfolio, managing trademark disputes worldwide, and developing a revenue-generating trademark licensing business. The position will also be responsible for providing leadership in trademark policy development as well as related government and public relations. The Trademark Group, which is part of the Intellectual Property & Licensing Group in LCA, consists of three other attorneys, ten paralegals, and half a dozen support and administrative personnel."

Extensive experience of revenue-generating trademark licensing and policy-making required, it says here. Redmond-based, go for it. ®