VP, Global Licensing & Strategic Partnerships

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.

What you’ll do:

We’re seeking a visionary, results-driven Vice President of Global Licensing and Strategic Partnerships to lead our worldwide licensing revenue strategy and team. This is a high-impact, C-suite-facing role that sits at the intersection of business transformation, intellectual property, and global technology adoption. You’ll be responsible for driving growth, shaping licensing frameworks, and leading a global team of licensing professionals — all while advancing Via’s mission of driving a strong, efficient global licensing environment that accelerates a virtuous cycle of innovation – which ultimately results in better technologies and products for people everywhere.  This role is ideal for a seasoned IP licensing executive who thrives in complex, cross-border environments and is passionate about building equitable systems that benefit both innovators and implementers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Global Licensing Strategy & Execution
  Own the end-to-end global licensing sales strategy, setting ambitious yet achievable revenue ‘targets across regions and technology programs. Translate corporate objectives into actionable plans, ensuring alignment with legal, finance, program management, and technical teams.

• Drive Revenue Growth & Market Expansion
  Identify and capitalize on new licensing opportunities across key verticals — including consumer electronics, automotive, mobile, semi-conductor and industrial technologies. Expand footprint in underpenetrated markets and lead entry into new geographies and sectors.

• Lead Complex, High-Stakes Negotiations
  Serve as the primary negotiator for major global accounts and strategic licensees. Lead multi-party discussions involving SEP/FRAND licensing, portfolio valuation, royalty structures, and cross-licensing considerations — always balancing commercial goals with fairness and long-term relationship health.

• Manage & Mentor a Global Licensing Team
  Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing global team across regions. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning. Attract and retain top-tier talent in the IP space.

• Be the Voice of the Market Internally
  Bring deep customer and market insights back into Via to influence program design, pricing models, and go-to-market strategies. Partner closely with Program Management and Legal to evolve licensing frameworks based on real-world feedback and competitive dynamics.

• Strengthen Strategic Relationships
  Cultivate trusted advisor relationships with C-level decision-makers at major technology companies, OEMs, ODMs, and platform providers. Represent Via at industry forums, standards bodies, and executive roundtables.

• Collaborate Across Functions
  Work hand-in-hand with Legal, Finance, Program Management teams to ensure compliance, manage risk, and deliver compelling value propositions. Champion data-driven decision-making using CRM, forecasting tools, and market intelligence.

• Report to Executive Leadership
  Provide regular updates to the President and executive team on pipeline health, deal progress, revenue forecasts, and strategic risks/opportunities. Present to the Board and investor stakeholders as needed.

What you need to succeed:

• Proven track record of closing multi-million-dollar global licensing deals and consistently exceeding revenue targets
• Deep understanding of SEP/FRAND licensing principles, international patent law frameworks, and global royalty negotiation dynamics
• Strong domain expertise in consumer electronics, semiconductor supply chains, mobile ecosystems, automotive tech, or digital media
• Demonstrated success in leading global, cross-cultural teams and managing distributed operations across time zones
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and executive presence — able to influence both internal stakeholders and external partners at the highest levels
• Strategic thinker with operational rigor: equally comfortable setting long-term vision and diving into deal-level details
• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), licensing databases, and financial modeling tools

Desired background:

• 15+ years of progressive experience in intellectual property licensing, technology sales, or business development — with at least 7 years in senior leadership roles (Director level or above) in IP licensing, ideally within a patent pool, licensing administrator, or technology standards environment
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (JD, MBA, or technical MS/PhD) strongly preferred
• Proficiency in Mandarin Chinese highly preferred

What you’ll love:

• Flexible work options (9/80 schedule) – employees in the U.S. get every other Friday off.  That’s 26+ three day weekends a year
• Competitive compensation (base + bonus)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with Health Savings Account contribution
• 401(k) with 50% company match on the first 6% of eligible pay you contribute on a pre-tax or Roth basis
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Generous holiday, vacation and sick leave
• Supportive maternity, child bonding, and family care leave programs as well as short and long-term disability benefits
• Programs and resources to support your physical, financial and social well being
• Social activities including team events and onsites, all-company updates and retreat
• Catered weekly lunch + snacks and drinks when working in the office
• Temporary 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 approval
• Tuition Reimbursement Program

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.

Via 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

Equal 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.