Head of Litigation (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 a senior legal strategist and business partner, the Head of Litigation will play a critical role in developing, leading, and executing Via Licensing Alliance’s global litigation strategy. This leader will oversee complex, high-stakes patent and commercial litigation matters, manage outside counsel, and partner closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure litigation strategy supports Via’s broader business, licensing, and commercial objectives.To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will bring exceptional judgment, strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical business guidance. A deep understanding of intellectual property law, patent litigation, licensing practices, and technology-driven business models is essential. This hybrid role is based in San Francisco and requires in-office presence three days per week, Tuesday through Thursday.Key Responsibilities: Lead end-to-end litigation strategy and execution, including early case assessment, investigation, pleadings, discovery, motion practice, trial preparation, settlement strategy, appeals, and final resolution.Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on litigation risk, dispute resolution strategy, licensing enforcement, and matters that may materially impact Via’s commercial objectives.Manage and direct outside counsel to ensure thoughtful strategy, disciplined execution, efficient staffing, budget accountability, and alignment with Via’s business priorities.Evaluate licensing requests, infringement allegations, claims, counterclaims, and settlement opportunities with strong legal judgment and business acumen.Oversee discovery strategy, document collection, privilege review, deposition preparation, expert engagement, and review of key legal filings with close attention to detail and risk management.Partner with internal legal, licensing, finance, product, and technical teams to gather facts, assess exposure, develop legal positions, and support successful outcomes.Develop practical, business-oriented recommendations for resolving disputes, including litigation, arbitration, mediation, negotiated settlement, or other dispute resolution approaches.Build and maintain strong processes for litigation management, reporting, matter tracking, budget forecasting, and executive updates.Qualifications and Skills:Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.10+ years of litigation experience, including meaningful experience in both a top-tier law firm and in-house legal environment, with a strong focus on patent, intellectual property, and complex commercial litigation.Proven ability to lead high-stakes litigation matters involving sophisticated technology, licensing, standards, or intellectual property issues.Experience managing outside counsel, litigation budgets, case strategy, and executive-level reporting for complex matters.The ideal candidate will also demonstrate a strong track record of success in the following areas:Developing and executing innovative litigation strategies in patent and intellectual property disputes.Applying deep knowledge of patent law, licensing agreements, standards-based technology, and related legal and regulatory frameworks.Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex legal documents, settlement agreements, licensing provisions, and dispute resolution terms with precision and sound judgment.Developing and implementing global litigation strategies, operating models, and matter-management processes across jurisdictions.Negotiating favorable settlements and resolving disputes in a way that balances legal risk, commercial impact, and long-term business objectives.Exercising outstanding judgment, discretion, and professionalism when working on confidential, sensitive, or high-risk matters.Operating effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments while maintaining clarity, discipline, and strong attention to detail.Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex legal and technical issues for executive, business, and technical audiences.Ability to collaborate with internal teams on advanced, novel, and technically complex legal issues.A mature, seasoned perspective on patent litigation risk, enforcement strategy, dispute resolution, and the commercial implications of legal decisions.Excellent academic credentials and a demonstrated commitment to professional excellence.Benefits & Perks:Flexible work options (9/80 schedule) – employees in the U.S. get every other Friday off. That’s 26+ three day weekends a yearCompetitive compensation (base + bonus)Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with Health Savings Account contribution401(k) with 50% company match on the first 6% of eligible pay you contribute on a pre-tax or Roth basisEmployee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)Generous holiday, vacation and sick leaveSupportive maternity, child bonding, and family care leave programs as well as short and long-term disability benefitsPrograms and resources to support your physical, financial and social well beingSocial activities including team events and onsites, all-company updates and retreatCatered weekly lunch + snacks and drinks when working in the officeTemporary remote work option for qualified positions – employees can temporarily work remote from a location that is different from their designated office and home locations for up to 30 calendar days/20 workdays in any 12-month period with manager and company approvalTuition Reimbursement ProgramThe San Francisco/Bay Area base salary range for this full-time position is $232,000 - 328,000 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.#LI-JB1Via 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 12Equal Employment Opportunity:Via 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.