Via - Head of Licensing, Americas

Dolby Laboratories, Inc.•Brisbane, CA

3d•$220,000 - $300,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Via Licensing Alliance, a subsidiary of Dolby Laboratories, is seeking a strategic, commercially oriented Head of Licensing to lead its licensing function across the Americas. The role sets and executes regional licensing strategy, translates company objectives into market priorities and operating plans, and builds a pipeline of licensing opportunities across existing and emerging technology sectors. The leader is accountable for regional performance, team effectiveness, disciplined execution, and sustainable growth, working closely with global licensing leadership and cross-functional partners. Via administers patent licensing programs across areas including audio, video, broadcast, and power, representing approximately 25,000 patents in more than 130 countries, nearly 100 patent holders, and over 3,000 licensees. The company describes itself as the world's largest patent pool administrator and has more than 25 years of intellectual property licensing leadership. This is a hybrid role requiring onsite work at Via’s San Francisco office three days per week, Tuesday through Thursday. The San Francisco/Bay Area base salary range for this full-time position is $220,000–$300,000; compensation may vary by location and other job-related factors. A recruiter can provide location-specific salary and benefits information during the hiring process.

Requirements

12+ years of progressively responsible experience in patent legal practice and patent licensing, including significant leadership responsibility.
Demonstrated success developing and executing regional or multi-market licensing strategies and delivering measurable commercial results.
Proven experience leading, developing, and holding high-performing licensing or sales teams accountable.
Deep expertise in complex license negotiations, account strategy, pipeline management, forecasting, and senior stakeholder engagement.
Experience in technology, consumer electronics, automotive, semiconductor, media, and/or telecommunications industries.
Strong knowledge of international licensing, standards-essential patent licensing, patent pools, and relevant intellectual property laws and market practices.
Executive presence and exceptional negotiation, communication, influencing, and relationship-management skills.
Ability to synthesize market intelligence and business data, make sound strategic decisions, and communicate clear recommendations to senior leadership.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, global environment.
Proficiency with CRM platforms, licensing databases, and Microsoft Office applications.
Bachelor’s degree required.

Nice To Haves

Law degree and/or advanced degree in business or sciences preferred.

Responsibilities

Define and lead Americas licensing strategy with the VP of Licensing, aligning regional priorities, market coverage, and execution plans with global business objectives.
Lead and develop the Americas licensing function by establishing goals, operating rhythms, performance expectations, and accountability.
Own regional licensing performance, including pipeline development, forecasting, account prioritization, revenue objectives, and progress against strategic targets.
Identify and evaluate market opportunities across the Americas and convert industry, technology, and competitive insights into account and licensing strategies.
Build and maintain senior-level relationships with decision-makers at prospective and existing licensees, positioning Via as a trusted licensing partner.
Lead complex, high-value license negotiations from initial engagement through execution, partnering with internal and external legal counsel to structure and finalize agreements.
Represent the Americas as the senior commercial voice in global licensing strategy, planning, and leadership discussions.
Partner with Program Management, Legal, Finance, Accounting, Operations, and other teams to coordinate execution and align with broader business priorities.
Monitor industry trends, competitive dynamics, standards-essential patent developments, and regional intellectual property and licensing matters that may affect strategy or execution.
Provide senior management with data-driven reporting on regional performance, pipeline health, forecasts, risks, and recommended actions.
Champion disciplined use of CRM and other commercial tools to improve visibility, decision-making, account management, and forecasting accuracy.