Director, Patent Licensing Americas

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

Job summary

An established industry player in entertainment innovation is seeking an experienced IP attorney to lead strategic licensing efforts in the Americas. This role offers the chance to shape global patent licensing programs while collaborating with talented professionals in a collegial environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiation skills, a solid understanding of patents, and a commitment to personal growth. Join a team where your contributions will be recognized and valued, and where you can make a real impact in the evolving landscape of entertainment technology.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience as an IP licensing attorney or in-house licensing executive.
• Strong track record in negotiation and understanding of patent value.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic customer accounts and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Negotiate patent license agreements and collaborate with internal teams.

Skills

IP licensing negotiation

Building business relationships

Analytical capabilities

Technical acumen

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Salesforce

Excel

Job description

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. To do that, we need the absolute best talent. We’re big enough to give you all the resources you need, and small enough so you can make a real difference and earn recognition for your work. We offer a collegial culture, challenging projects, and excellent compensation and benefits.

For this high functioning team, the nature of the work benefits from frequent in-office presence, and employees may be expected to work from a company office up to four days per week. While we remain committed to flexibility, this team’s rhythm includes regular in-person connection to support collaboration, learning, and impact.

TheLegalDepartment provides core legal support to all Dolby functions, runs several IP-centric businesses, and leads government relations.

Dolby is seeking an experienced intellectual property (IP) attorney or licensing executive to take ownership of strategic customer accounts in the Americas. The ideal candidate will have significant experience negotiating international technology or patent licenses and a proven track record of meeting or exceeding company goals. This role involves helping to develop and execute strategies to grow and expand Dolby’s global patent licensing programs and licensee base.

We’re looking for a collaborative team player with strong communication skills and analytical capabilities. Experience with Excel and Salesforce is a plus. While not required, a background in engineering, technology, or computer science—as well as familiarity with standards essential patents and patent pools—is highly valued.

This position is based in our San Francisco office and reports to the Senior Director of Patent Licensing.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic customer accounts in the Americas, maintaining and developing relationships with key decision-makers and influencers
• Develop and execute strategies to expand Dolby’s global patent licensing programs and licensee base
• Negotiate patent license agreements
• Collaborate with internal litigation teams on enforcement actions
• Work closely with internal technical, legal, and business stakeholders
• Assist in financial forecasting and direct engagements to meet or exceed financial targets
• Ensure CRM systems are updated with current licensing discussion status
• Provide additional support related to patents, licensing, and intellectual property as needed

Leadership Expectations

• Exhibits authenticity, humility, and integrity in leadership style. Self-aware and committed to personal growth.
• Takes ownership of results and ensures accountability at all levels. Demonstrates persistence, tenacity, and a commitment to achieving strategic objectives of the company.
• Can adjust to new conditions and respond effectively to change. This includes being open to new ideas, flexible in approach, and courageous in the face of challenges.

Skills and Education

• Strong track record of building and maintaining external business relationships
• 8+ years of experience as an IP licensing attorney at a top-tier law firm or as an in-house licensing executive
• Technical and legal acumen to understand patents, license agreements, and claim charts, and to communicate high-level patent value
• Deep understanding of negotiation and global litigation strategies
• Willingness to travel as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active membership in at least one state bar
• Experience in global IP licensing and international litigation
• Background in multinational organizations
• Experience with standards bodies, standards essential patents, and/or patent pools
• Education or work experience in engineering, technology, or computer science
  

The San Francisco/Bay Area base salary range for this full-time position is $225,000 - 318,000,which can vary if outside this location,plus bonus, benefits, and some roles may also include equity. 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.

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Dolby 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:
Dolby 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.