VP, Business Development & Technology

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. • Brisbane, CA

2d • $259,000 - $366,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Join the leader in collaborative licensing and help us advance inclusive and efficient new patent licensing approaches to drive innovation globally. Via Licensing Alliance is dedicated to accelerating global technology adoption, fostering participation, and generating return on innovation with balanced IP licensing solutions for innovators and manufacturers of all sizes around the globe. Via administers dozens of patent licensing programs in audio, video, broadcast, power, and more for a variety of technologies, consisting of 25,000 patents in over 130 countries, with nearly 100 current patent holders and over 3,000 current licensees. Via Licensing Alliance, a subsidiary of Dolby Laboratories, is an independently managed company owned by industry-leading participants with over 25 years of intellectual property licensing leadership. We are the world’s largest patent pool administrator. We aggregate patents around key innovations and offer licensing solutions that give companies streamlined access to standardized technologies. For decades, we have served as a trusted bridge between our licensors and licensees, driving a strong and efficient IP licensing environment that yields better products and technologies for people around the world. As Vice President, Business Development & Technology for Via, you will lead strategic growth initiatives at the intersection of intellectual property, emerging technologies, and global licensing programs. This executive will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and developing new patent pool opportunities, particularly in semiconductors (e.g., DRAM, NAND, HBM), artificial intelligence, and data center infrastructure. The role combines external market engagement, technical evaluation, and commercial strategy, and will work closely with licensing, legal, and executive leadership to expand Via’s portfolio of programs and strengthen its position as a leading patent pool administrator. This hybrid role is required to work in the San Francisco office three days per week (Tuesday-Thursday).

Requirements

• 12+ years of experience in business development, licensing, technology strategy, or related fields.
• Deep familiarity with intellectual property, patent licensing, and/or patent pools (e.g., SEPs, FRAND frameworks).
• Strong technical understanding of at least one of the following domains: Semiconductor technologies (DRAM, NAND, HBM, controllers), Artificial intelligence / machine learning systems, Data center architecture and infrastructure.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and lead complex, multi-stakeholder negotiations.
• Executive presence with strong communication and presentation skills.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in engineering, computer science, or related technical field; JD or MBA is a plus.
• Experience working with standards bodies (e.g., JEDEC, ONFI, IEEE) or industry consortia.
• Familiarity with patent analytics, AI-assisted evaluation tools, or portfolio valuation methodologies.
• Prior experience launching or managing licensing programs or patent pools.

Responsibilities

• Identify and prioritize new patent pool opportunities in high-growth technology sectors, including AI, memory, data center, and connectivity.
• Develop and execute business cases for new licensing programs, including market sizing, stakeholder mapping, and revenue modeling.
• Lead outreach to prospective licensors (patent owners) and strategic partners to build program participation and alignment.
• Structure and negotiate framework terms for new pools in collaboration with legal and executive leadership.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and standards to determine “pool-worthiness,” including fragmentation of patent ownership, licensing inefficiencies, and industry adoption.
• Oversee technical diligence processes, including patent landscape analysis and coordination with external experts.
• Translate complex technical concepts into commercially actionable licensing strategies.
• Stay ahead of trends in AI (including LLMs), semiconductor architectures (e.g., HBM vs. DDR), and data center systems.
• Represent Via Licensing at industry conferences, standards bodies, and executive forums.
• Build and maintain relationships with leading technology companies, patent holders, and ecosystem players.
• Position Via as a thought leader in collaborative licensing, including AI-assisted licensing models and next-generation pool structures.
• Partner closely with licensing, legal, finance, and operations teams to ensure seamless transition from program concept to launch.
• Support ongoing programs by providing strategic input on market evolution and expansion opportunities.
• Collaborate with AI/data teams to integrate advanced tools into patent evaluation, portfolio analysis, and royalty allocation processes.
• Contribute to Via’s overall strategic roadmap, including expansion into new verticals and innovation in licensing models.
• Evaluate competitive landscape, including alternative licensing platforms and bilateral licensing strategies.
• Drive long-term growth initiatives aligned with industry shifts toward AI-driven infrastructure and compute-intensive applications.

Benefits

• The San Francisco/Bay Area base salary range for this full-time position is $259,000 - 366,000 and can vary if outside of this location.
• Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location.
• Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, competencies, experience, market demands, internal parity, and relevant education or training.
• Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range and perks and benefits for your location during the hiring process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive