Vice President, Intellectual Property Protection

Dolby•San Francisco, CA

6d•$289,000 - $408,500•Hybrid

About The Position

Join the leader in entertainment innovation and help us design the future. At Dolby, science meets art, and high tech means more than computer code. As a member of the Dolby team, you’ll see and hear the results of your work everywhere, from movie theaters to smartphones. We continue to revolutionize how people create, deliver, and enjoy entertainment worldwide. To do that, we need the absolute best talent. We’re big enough to give you all the resources you need, and small enough so you can make a real difference and earn recognition for your work. We offer a collegial culture, challenging projects, and excellent compensation and benefits. For this high functioning team, the nature of the work benefits from frequent in-office presence, and employees may be expected to work from a company office up to four days per week. While we remain committed to flexibility, this team’s rhythm includes regular in-person connection to support collaboration, learning, and impact. The Legal Department provides core legal support to all Dolby functions, runs several IP-centric businesses, and leads government relations. Position Overview As Vice President, Intellectual Property Protection, you will be a vital member of the Dolby team. Your primary mandate is to lead Dolby’s Intellectual Property Protection P&L and continually enhance our global IP protection policies and programs. You will oversee and expand a suite of initiatives that safeguard and maximize the value of Dolby’s intellectual property assets, directly advancing our business objectives. This role requires developing a deep understanding of Dolby’s operations, technologies, partner ecosystem, supply chain, and distribution models—alongside maintaining acute awareness of evolving market dynamics.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from a top U.S. law school and licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. state.
15+ years of legal experience with complex, global IP matters or leading large-scale IP protection/compliance programs.
Proven track record handling pre-litigation, dispute resolution, and litigation in IP protection, licensing, and contractual enforcement.
Demonstrated success in managing, motivating, and developing professional staff.
History of building cross-functional relationships and fostering teamwork.
Understanding of software (firmware and/or consumer applications) and the semiconductor manufacturing supply chain strongly preferred.
Ability and willingness with substantial in-office time, up to 5-days, and flexibility in working hours to support the global team.

Nice To Haves

Combination of law firm and in-house experience highly desirable.
Significant experience managing international IP protection programs preferred.
Experience with standards-setting organizations preferred.
Technical undergraduate degree preferred.
Strong business acumen and strategic vision.
Exceptional judgment and the ability to make sound, timely decisions.
Outstanding client service mentality—proactive and highly responsive.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills, both oral and written.
High degree of motivation, confidence, and resourcefulness.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage high-pressure situations with composure and practical advice.
Energetic, inspirational, and intellectually curious.
Approachable leadership style with a sense of humor.

Responsibilities

Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing team of approximately 30 IP professionals, spanning licensing, audit/compliance, data management, and engineering functions.
Champion Dolby’s IP protection strategy, collaborating cross-functionally with technical, business development, marketing, financial, legal, and compliance teams to shape and oversee holistic IP programs.
Design and implement innovative strategies to promote authorized use of Dolby IP and foster voluntary license compliance, factoring in shifts in market landscape, supply chain, and business models.
Oversee the global license compliance program, including audits and engagement with more than 800 licensees worldwide.
Lead and oversee transactions and resolutions stemming from compliance audits and related matters.
Stay current on industry trends, events, and best practices related to IP protection and monetization.
Advise and collaborate with business, finance, compliance, design, and development teams on a wide range of IP matters, including addressing non-compliance and infringement issues.
Provide strategic support and guidance in IP litigation matters, under the direction of Dolby’s General Counsel.
Offer expert advice on IP licensing matters.

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