Licensing 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 LA administers dozens of 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 LA is an independently managed company owned by industry-leading participants with over 25 years of intellectual property licensing leadership. Our expertise extends to intellectual property, technology standardization, strategic business development, and program administration. Affiliated specialists in the fields of finance, antitrust law, and patent analysis complete the set of capabilities that make Via LA a premier solutions provider to the world’s most sophisticated technology and entertainment companies.

What you’ll do:

The Patent Pool Licensing Counsel role reports to the Head of Program Management and is based in San Francisco, California. As Licensing Counsel for the Program Management team, you will be responsible for supporting litigation initiatives in the multitude of pools, reviewing legal agreements and proposals involving our licensors and licensees, analyzing risks with respect to pool operation, and engaging with licensors by both supporting and negotiating with them. You will also be tasked with supporting and running our bi-annual licensor meetings (the next one is in Rome). This hybrid role is required to work in the San Francisco office three days per week (Tues/Wed/Thurs).

You will:

• Support worldwide patent litigation efforts in various patent pools run by Via LA
• Review and draft patent pool agreements and advise on risk with respect to the pool operation
• Develop relationships with our licensors to support them and help drive pool success
• Provide patent analysis and landscaping with respect to both prospective and existing pools

What you need to succeed:

• Experience drafting and reviewing legal documents
• Significant experience and comfort working with various technologies, including in the audio/video codec, automotive, and semiconductor spaces; quick to learn new technologies
• Familiarity with standard-essential patent licensing and the relevant case law
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners
• Self-initiative and ability to work with a minimum of direction
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multitask, and prioritize effectively

Desired background:

• 3+ years of experience working as a patent attorney, whether in prosecution, litigation, licensing, or other related fields
• Juris Doctor required
• Preferably 2+ years of experience in a law firm or in-house at a technology company

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 contributions
• 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 $208,000 - $254,000 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 LA 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.