VP, Business Development & Technology (San Francisco)

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).Key Responsibilities1. Business Development & Program CreationIdentify 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.2. Technology Strategy & AnalysisEvaluate 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.3. Industry Engagement & Thought LeadershipRepresent 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.4. Cross-Functional LeadershipPartner 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.5. Strategic PlanningContribute 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.QualificationsRequired12+ 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 systemsData center architecture and infrastructureDemonstrated ability to build partnerships and lead complex, multi-stakeholder negotiations.Executive presence with strong communication and presentation skills.PreferredAdvanced 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.Leadership CompetenciesStrategic thinker with strong commercial instincts.Ability to bridge technical depth with business outcomes.Highly collaborative, with a track record of influencing senior stakeholders.Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias toward execution and results.Why Join Via LicensingOpportunity to shape the next generation of licensing programs in AI and semiconductor technologies.Work at the forefront of collaborative licensing innovation.Engage with leading global technology companies and patent holders.Play a key leadership role in expanding Via’s footprint into critical, fast-growing markets.Reporting StructureReports to: President, Via Licensing AllianceWorks closely with: VP Global Licensing, Legal, Finance, and external technical expertsThe 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.Via LA will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of San Francisco Police Code, Article 49, and Administrative Code, Article 12#LI-JB1Equal Employment Opportunity:Via LA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our success depends on the combined skills and talents of all our employees. We are committed to making employment decisions without regard to race, religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, marital status, family status, medical condition, disability, military service, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.