Vice President, Intellectual Property Protection

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.

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

Position Overview

As Vice President, Intellectual Property Protection, you will be a vital member of the Dolby team. Your primary mandate is to lead Dolby’s Intellectual Property Protection P&L and continually enhance our global IP protection policies and programs. You will oversee and expand a suite of initiatives that safeguard and maximize the value of Dolby’s intellectual property assets, directly advancing our business objectives. This role requires developing a deep understanding of Dolby’s operations, technologies, partner ecosystem, supply chain, and distribution models—alongside maintaining acute awareness of evolving market dynamics.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing team of approximately 30 IP professionals, spanning licensing, audit/compliance, data management, and engineering functions.
• Champion Dolby’s IP protection strategy, collaborating cross-functionally with technical, business development, marketing, financial, legal, and compliance teams to shape and oversee holistic IP programs.
• Design and implement innovative strategies to promote authorized use of Dolby IP and foster voluntary license compliance, factoring in shifts in market landscape, supply chain, and business models.
• Oversee the global license compliance program, including audits and engagement with more than 800 licensees worldwide.
• Lead and oversee transactions and resolutions stemming from compliance audits and related matters.  
• Stay current on industry trends, events, and best practices related to IP protection and monetization.
• Advise and collaborate with business, finance, compliance, design, and development teams on a wide range of IP matters, including addressing non-compliance and infringement issues.
• Provide strategic support and guidance in IP litigation matters, under the direction of Dolby’s General Counsel.
• Offer expert advice on IP licensing matters.

Leadership Expectations

• Stakeholder alignment: Proven ability to work constructively, collaboratively, and effectively to secure alignment.
• Adaptability and decisiveness: Ability to evaluate data and make decisions quickly and decisively and demonstrate adaptability and a quick pivot in times of uncertainty.
• Demonstrate visionary leadership: Setting a clear strategic direction, inspiring, developing a substantial global staff, and building an AI-and-human-centered organization that uses technology to amplify team impact in achieving excellence in IP protection and legal strategy.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and professional growth: Empowering team members to reach their full potential and creating an environment where diversity and different points of view are valued.
• Exhibit executive presence and earn the trust and respect of Dolby’s senior leadership, technical experts, and compliance stakeholders through transparent communication and sound judgment.
• Model integrity, discretion, and resourcefulness, consistently upholding the highest ethical standards.
• Communicate the strategic value of Dolby’s IP program persuasively to all audiences, both internal and external.
• Approach challenges with a “roll up your sleeves” mentality, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to delivering practical solutions under pressure.
• Encourage intellectual curiosity and cultivate a passion for Dolby’s mission and business.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from a top U.S. law school and licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. state.
• 15+ years of legal experience with complex, global IP matters or leading large-scale IP protection/compliance programs.
• Proven track record handling pre-litigation, dispute resolution, and litigation in IP protection, licensing, and contractual enforcement.
• Demonstrated success in managing, motivating, and developing professional staff.
• History of building cross-functional relationships and fostering teamwork.
• Understanding of software (firmware and/or consumer applications) and the semiconductor manufacturing supply chain strongly preferred.
• Combination of law firm and in-house experience highly desirable.
• Significant experience managing international IP protection programs preferred.
• Experience with standards-setting organizations preferred.
• Technical undergraduate degree preferred.

Additional Attributes

• Strong business acumen and strategic vision.
• Exceptional judgment and the ability to make sound, timely decisions.
• Outstanding client service mentality—proactive and highly responsive.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, both oral and written.
• High degree of motivation, confidence, and resourcefulness.
• Ability and willingness with substantial in-office time, up to 5-days, and flexibility in working hours to support the global team.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage high-pressure situations with composure and practical advice.
• Energetic, inspirational, and intellectually curious.
• Approachable leadership style with a sense of humor.

The San Francisco/Bay Area base salary range for this full-time position is $289,000 to $408,500 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.

*LI-DC1

Interested in finding your next role at Dolby? More information and guided steps on this process, including building your career profile and interests, can be found in our Internal Mobility article on PeopleCare portal.

You can also reach out directly to the recruiter listed on the job posting or PeopleCare if you have any questions on the process.