Sr. Manager, Intellectual Property Security

Funko Overview

Welcome to the Funko-verse, a world built on pure imagination, a land governed by the philosophy that stories matter, a universe comprised of characters from countless fandoms, a galaxy of once upon a times and happily ever afters.

Funko is a purveyor of pop culture and licensed-focused collectibles company. Funko currently holds thousands of licenses and the rights to create tens of thousands of characters – one of the largest portfolios in the pop culture and collectibles industry. Funko’s Pop! Vinyl is the number one stylized vinyl collectible on the market, selling millions of figures to fans around the world.

The Sr. Manager, Intellectual Property Security is responsible for maintaining the confidential management of licensed assets used in intellectual property created, manufactured and distributed by Funko. The primary focus of this role is preventing unauthorized access to products, related digital assets, and data provided to Funko by third-party licensors. This role will work in partnership with the global licensing team, cross-functional business teams, the legal team, IS/IT, and external partners to ensure the correct controls (process, training/awareness, monitoring, and technology) are in place across the entire lifecycle of licensor and product related data.

The ideal candidate has experience in a similar security role, with a specialization in protecting trade secrets and the confidentiality of licensed assets and licensing-related data. The candidate should have experience in investigating trade secrets and other related intellectual property infringements. Candidates should be comfortable in a rapidly changing, transformational environment and be able to pivot to new priorities as they emerge.

This is a highly visible role that requires a supportive, hands‑on approach, both with internal partners and external vendors.

• Develop in-depth knowledge of Funko’s business model with a focus on licensing, product development and marketing to be able to identify trade secrets associated with licensed assets and the corresponding risk scenarios
• Responsible for the protection of Funko and its licensors product‑related trade secrets and licensed intellectual property from unauthorized distribution
• Maintain the roadmap to deploy information security controls (process and technology) to mitigate risk scenarios associated with licensing intellectual property
• Maintain relationships with major entertainment licensors’ security and legal teams to ensure aligned protection strategies
• Establish and maintain relationships with 3rd party affiliates in connection with enforcement activities
• Support continuous improvement of safe selling techniques and processes with a focus on growing revenue

• Maintain security controls for protecting trade secrets and confidential data, including digital assets, throughout the product life cycle
• Maintain technical solutions to prevent unauthorized distribution of licensor and other confidential data
• Coordinate with IT and Information Security teams to deploy technology solutions that mitigate licensing‑related risks
• Develop educational materials for employees, vendors and other key stakeholders on proper handling of licensed assets
• Work with sales, marketing and sourcing teams to develop secure selling processes with respect to sensitive third‑party assets

• Investigate unauthorized releases of product information and trade secret breaches related to IP violations
• Partner with Legal team on enforcement of intellectual property violations
• Manage crisis communications with affected licensors and stakeholders during security incidents

• 7+ years professional experience in IP protection, brand security or related field, with minimum 5 years in entertainment/licensing industry
• Bachelor's Degree, MBA, and/or Master’s degree is preferred
• Experience working with major entertainment studios (Disney, WB, etc.) and/or working in a licensing, retail, or wholesale consumer environment and understanding related IP protection matters
• Experience in…