General Counsel

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. 

This General Counsel role reports to the President of Via.  This senior-level position is critical in overseeing all legal aspects of the company's operations, including patent pool administration and management.  This senior-level position requires a deep understanding of intellectual property law, patent pools, licensing agreements, contract negotiation, and corporate governance. The General Counsel serves as the primary legal advisor to the company's executive team and is responsible for ensuring legal compliance and mitigating legal risks in all aspects of the business.  The General Counsel will manage teams responsible for all contracts and licenses, patent-related matters, litigation, compliance and audits and corporate-related matters.  The position requires a strong leader with demonstrated management skills.  This hybrid role is required to work in the Denver office three days per week (Tuesday-Thursday).

Key Responsibilities

1. Legal Strategy and Guidance

• Develop and implement the company's legal strategy related to patent pool formation and execution, aligning it with the overall business objectives.
• Provide legal guidance to the executive team on matters related to patent pools, including patent pool agreements among licensors and patent licensing agreements.
• Stay up to date with relevant laws, regulations, and industry practices impacting patent pools and advise the company on any required actions or modifications to business practices.
  
  

2. Contract Negotiation and Management

• Lead and oversee the negotiation, drafting, and review of patent pool agreements and related patent license agreements, ensuring they align with the company's interests and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
• Provide legal advice on licensing terms, royalty structures, and other contractual provisions to optimize the successful operation of various patent pools.
• Manage the team responsible for the contract lifecycle, including tracking obligations, renewals, and amendments, and ensure compliance with contractual terms by all parties.
• Manage the team responsible for patent submissions and evaluations for inclusion in various patent pools and oversee implementation of royalty allocation rules.
  
  

3. Licensee Compliance

• Design license compliance strategy with internal and external audit and legal resources.
• Integrate Via’s technical and business information to identify and select potential licensee audits.
• Oversee audit process and settlement negotiations.
  
  

4. Licensing and Litigation

• Identify unwilling licensees and collaborate with licensors to facilitate engagement leading to the execution of a pool license agreement.
• Collaborate with licensors to develop patent enforcement strategies in jurisdictions throughout the world.
• Manage patent enforcement activities in collaboration with patent pool licensors and affiliates.

Qualifications and Skills

• Degree from an accredited law school, along with active bar membership.
• Substantial experience (typically 10+ years) as an attorney, with a focus on intellectual property law, licensing, and contract negotiation.
• In-depth knowledge of patent law, licensing agreements, and related legal frameworks.
• Strong negotiation and drafting skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proven ability to provide strategic legal advice and guidance to senior executives.
• Experience in managing and coordinating litigation related to patent licensing is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multitask, and prioritize effectively.

Benefits & Perks

• Flexible work options, including a 9/80 schedule for U.S. employees with every other Friday off—more than 26 three-day weekends each year.
• Competitive compensation, including base salary and bonus opportunity.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus Health Savings Account contributions.
• 401(k) plan with a 50% company match on the first 6% of eligible pay contributed on a pre-tax or Roth basis.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Generous holiday, vacation, and sick leave.
• Maternity, child bonding, and family care leave programs, as well as short- and long-term disability benefits.
• Programs and resources that support your physical, financial, and social well-being.
• Social activities, including team events and onsite gatherings, all-company updates, and retreats.
• Catered weekly lunches, plus snacks and drinks when working in the office.
• Temporary remote work options for eligible employees, with approval, for up to 30 calendar days (20 workdays) in a 12-month period from a location other than their designated office or home location.
• Tuition reimbursement program.

The Denver Area base salary range for this full-time position is $207,000 - $293,000 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.

Equal 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.