Director, Patent Licensing

Dolby Laboratories; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 225,000 - 318,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Patent Licensing to lead innovative strategies for standard-essential patents. This pivotal role involves collaborating across teams to drive licensing initiatives and contribute to business development opportunities. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the industry and a strategic mindset to navigate complex IP landscapes. Join a dynamic team that values collaboration and creativity in shaping the future of entertainment technology. With a competitive salary and benefits, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a forward-thinking organization.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in patent prosecution, litigation, or licensing of SEPs.
• Experience with innovative IP business models and transactions.

Responsibilities

• Develop global FRAND licensing strategies for SEPs in consumer electronics.
• Collaborate with teams to align technologies with licensing programs.

Skills

IP Licensing

Patent Prosecution

Negotiation Skills

Strategic Planning

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/Software Engineering

Advanced Degree in Related Fields

Job description

Join to apply for the Director, Patent Licensing role at Dolby Laboratories

About Dolby

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. We offer a collegial culture, challenging projects, and excellent compensation and benefits. Our Flex Work approach recognizes the need for in-person collaboration; for this team, employees may work from a company office up to four days per week to support collaboration and learning.

Legal Department

The Legal Department provides core legal support, manages several IP-centric businesses, and leads government relations.

Role Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Patent Licensing – Strategy and Growth, this role involves developing strategies to drive licensing of standard-essential patents (SEPs) via patent pools or joint licensing programs. The Director will oversee program lifecycles, review and analyze multi-year plans, and identify new technology areas for investment. Collaboration across teams and external relationships with licensing professionals and technologists are essential. The ideal candidate has a collaborative mindset, strategic approach, and passion for innovative licensing models supporting open technology standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop and execute global FRAND licensing strategies for SEPs, primarily through pools, across high-tech standards in consumer entertainment and electronics sectors.
2. Collaborate with standards and technology teams to align emerging and existing technologies with licensing programs.
3. Monitor developments and timelines of standardized technologies, providing insights to senior leadership.
4. Contribute to business development opportunities related to SEP acquisitions.

Leadership Expectations

1. Deep understanding of the industry, market, and business to inform strategy.
2. Ability to anticipate trends, plan effectively, and respond to future scenarios.
3. Flexibility and openness to new ideas, with courage to face challenges.
4. Persistence and commitment to strategic objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in electrical/software engineering or related technical field.
2. Experience in long-term IP licensing planning.
3. At least three years in patent prosecution, litigation, or licensing of SEPs.
4. At least three years working on IP transactions involving innovative business models.
5. Willingness to travel up to 35%.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Advanced degree in electrical/software engineering, physics, or related fields.
2. Experience with joint SEP licensing programs like patent pools.
3. Proven negotiation skills in complex IP transactions.
4. Knowledge of international SEP licensing regulations.

Compensation

The salary range for this full-time position in the San Francisco/Bay Area is $225,000 to $318,000, plus bonus, benefits, and possibly equity. Salary specifics depend on role, level, location, skills, experience, and other factors. Recruiters will provide detailed information during hiring.

Equal Opportunity

Dolby is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion, and makes employment decisions without regard to protected classes.