International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation and Dairy Queen Canada, Inc. Through its subsidiaries, IDQ develops, licenses, and services a system of more than 7,800 DQ restaurants in more than 20 countries. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. For more information, visit DairyQueen.com.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges. 

We have an exciting opportunity available for a Paralegal- Litigation and Trademarks based out of our corporate office in Bloomington, MN.  This role provides support to the Senior Legal Manager, Attorneys in the Legal Department, and other internal personnel in handling in the litigation and dispute management process, franchisee post-termination process, trademark prosecution, and trademark and infringement research. The Paralegal – Litigation & Trademarks develops and maintains litigation and trademark knowledge and expertise to ensure effective support.

Key Accountabilities Include:

Litigation, Trademarks & Post- Termination Compliance

• Assist attorneys and senior legal staff with all aspects of litigation and dispute management, including document production, coordination with outside counsel, scheduling, maintaining files, tracking, and litigation holds. Conduct internal fact-finding related to requests for information, subpoenas, garnishments and EEOC claims, and draft initial responses for review by senior legal staff or attorney.
• Support attorneys and senior legal staff with trademark-related issues, including domain monitoring and research for trademark infringement and enforcement, preparing cease and desist letters, and following up and tracking status.  Work with brand protection vendor to analyze and remove online infringing content. Assist attorneys and senior legal staff with trademark prosecution, including renewal evidence and documentation, file management, watch notices and internal and external trademark lists.
• Handle franchise post-termination process, including de-identification, accounts receivable, collection efforts with outside agencies and non-compete issues.

Other Legal Department Responsibilities

• Initial drafting of letters and agreements at request of attorneys and senior legal staff.
• Assist attorneys and senior legal staff with special projects as required, including projects requiring detailed review of large numbers of contracts, projects related to documentation and projects involving process improvement.
• Input data, ensure accuracy of information and maintain, develop, and improve various tracking and reporting mechanisms for litigation and trademarks as necessary. 
• Provide overall support and assistance to attorneys and senior legal staff.

The US national hourly range for this non-exempt position is $35.16-$42.19.  The base hourly range displayed reflects the targeted hiring range for positions across all US locations. Individual pay is determined by job-related skills, work location, and relevant education or experience.

• Bachelor's degree, Paralegal certificate, or equivalent experience is required
• Minimum of 3 years of experience at a law firm, in-house corporate legal department, or equivalent legal experience.
• Experience with litigation and/or trademarks strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate procedures and requirements to a variety of audiences.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook and working knowledge of Adobe Acrobat Pro software, knowledge of Smart Sheet software preferred.
• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously.
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external clients.

Benefits

Our benefit package supports the well-being of our employees and their families.  Our comprehensive benefit package includes, medical, dental, 401K match, paid time off (including volunteer time as well as parental leave) and so much more!  To learn more about our great benefit offerings, Click Here.

Work Environment

Most positions located out of our global headquarters in Bloomington, MN will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 3 collaboration days a week.  Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs.  

Inclusion & Belonging

We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging for all who touch DQ. We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work, and where we recruit, engage, and retain employees, franchise owners, and suppliers based on qualifications and merit. We strive to maintain an environment where everyone feels welcome.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new team members. You must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.