Raleigh Hogan-Miller

Director of Public Relations and Marketing, Via Licensing Alliance

Raleigh Hogan-Miller is Director of Public Relations and Marketing at Via Licensing Alliance. In this role, Raleigh leads communications and marketing for the organization, collaborating with Via LA’s business and legal teams to develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies to support the company’s business goals.

With nearly two decades of experience in strategic communications, Raleigh has managed multi-channel communications programs at a variety of global and boutique PR firms for clients including Fortune 100 companies, trade associations and VCs, mostly in highly regulated industries.

Raleigh previously served on the leadership team of the Corporate Reputation practice at FTI Consulting, a global business advisory and communications consulting firm. Prior to FTI Consulting, Raleigh held roles leading media relations at energy trade group American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers and as Vice President at Burson, one of the largest PR firms globally.

Raleigh earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California.

Accounts Receivable Specialist

Location: Greenwood Village, Colorado, US

Join the leader in collaborative licensing and help us advance inclusive and efficient new patent licensing approaches. Via Licensing Alliance is dedicated to accelerating global technology adoption, fostering participation, and generating return on innovation with balanced licensing solutions for innovators and manufacturers of all sizes around the globe. Via LA has operated dozens of licensing programs for a variety of technologies consisting of nearly 50,000 patents in over 130 countries with more than 500 patent holders and nearly 10,000 licensees. Via LA is an independently managed company owned by industry-leading participants with over 25 years of intellectual property licensing leadership.

Via LA’s 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.

Via LA is hiring a Royalty Specialist to join our Royalty Services Department. This entry level role is responsible for contributing to the overall success of our royalty collections and billing function. This includes but is not limited to the accurate entry of incoming data, timely processing of customer invoices, coordination with other departments to obtain and support records, communications with customers, and ownership of large accounts.

The Royalty Specialist is responsible for processing and analyzing for completeness incoming royalty reporting, creating invoices, and managing revenue collections for assigned accounts. The Specialist will be trained on understanding international tax treaties as it relates to their customer invoices. The Specialist will also be responsible for following up for any payments or reports that are not received in a timely manner from customers and participating in clean-up projects to ensure systems are accurate and up to date.

This unique opportunity to be a Royalty Specialist at Via LA provides an exciting chance to be part of a highly dynamic organization and Denver-based team working in the field of providing innovation-enhancing intellectual property programs and business solutions. This hybrid role requires to work in the Greenwood Village office three days per week.

Key Responsibilities

Produce work product of the highest professional quality. Take initiative, be dependable and follow-up in completing work assignments. Learn new and update existing skills, subject matter and competencies as necessary to meet the position requirements as they evolve.
Project professional courtesy and respectful behavior that promotes and enhances the Company’s image. Work well with and cooperate with other staff to resolve issues and conflicts.
Work well in a team-oriented environment and project a positive team attitude. Assist with training new team members.
Analyze and enter large amounts of data and prepare timely invoices.
Communicate directly with corporate customers, handling royalty reporting and billing questions.
Drive success in revenue collections with timely email communications to your assigned accounts.
Work with numbers and large data sets, while analyzing them for completeness and accuracy.
Understand and apply a high level of internal controls and produce work that is complete and accurate.
Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, both with external customers and internal colleagues.
Demonstrate proficiency working with various business applications such as Microsoft Excel, SharePoint, QlikView, as well as proprietary software applications.
Perform well in both autonomous and team environments.
Participate in special projects as required.
Perform other tasks as required.

Qualifications and Skills

Bachelor’s degree with a focus in business, finance, accounting, or economics.
Relevant work experience preferred.
The ability to work with numbers and large data sets, analyzing them for completeness and accuracy.
The ability to understand the intricacies of legal contracts and to follow internal controls and policies for both the SOC-1 and SOX audit.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization and external parties.
The ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously.
Intermediate knowledge and skills with business applications such as Microsoft Excel, SharePoint, QlikView as well as the ability to learn proprietary software applications.
Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
Sound judgment and good decision making.

The Denver Area base salary range for this full-time position is $50,000 – $58,000 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 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.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume to Careers@Via-LA.com, or apply via LinkedIn here.

Senior Business Development Manager

Location: San Francisco, California, US

Join the leader in collaborative licensing and help us advance inclusive and efficient new patent licensing approaches. Via Licensing Alliance is dedicated to accelerating global technology adoption, fostering participation, and generating return on innovation with balanced licensing solutions for innovators and manufacturers of all sizes around the globe. Via LA has operated dozens of licensing programs for a variety of technologies consisting of nearly 50,000 patents in over 130 countries with more than 500 patent holders and nearly 10,000 licensees. Via LA is an independently managed company owned by industry-leading participants with over 25 years of intellectual property licensing leadership.

Via LA’s 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.

The Senior Manager, Business Development role reports to the Head of Program Management and is based in San Francisco, California. As Senior Manager of the team, you will be responsible for identifying opportunities for patent pool development and growth. This includes supporting the business development team by providing market data, research, and advanced analytics. This role must be attuned to technology adoption in various industries and the associated patent landscapes. This role will require strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills to work with prospective licensors to create patents pools that are beneficial to the technology industry. This hybrid role is required to work on-site in the San Francisco office three days per week.

Key Responsibilities

Drive development and creation of new patent pools by analyzing technology adoption in the market and working with prospective licensors and licensees.
Support patent pool creation by providing clear market/financial analysis, patent landscaping, and other research to prospective licensees and licensors.
Deliver appropriate work product, e.g., reports, summaries, and presentations to ensure that the business development team, Via LA management and other external stakeholders are appropriately informed of pool creation.
Research and analyze applicable market, technology and business conditions in support of development efforts including identification of new licensing business opportunities.
Thorough analysis and understanding of business, market and technology needs, conditions and potential; development of business models; production and presentation of business plans; identification of and communication with owners and users of intellectual property; facilitation of license development efforts.
Coordinate with necessary department staff and/or management the preparation of internal and external reports, presentations and special reports both scheduled and ad hoc, in a timely manner.
Participate in establishment, marketing and public awareness strategies and policies, start-up and implementation of new and ongoing licensing programs.

Qualifications and Skills

4+ years of experience working with patents and intellectual property.
JD or MA/PhD in a technological field.
Preferably 3+ years of experience in a licensing driven organization.
Experience drafting and reviewing legal documents.
Broad-based experience in the tech industry, including semiconductor, cellular, broadcast, and power technologies.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners.
Superior organization and complex project management skills.
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multitask, and prioritize effectively.
Ability to work under limited supervision, tight timelines and with diverse, rapidly changing issues both novel and mundane for which positive attitude, ingenuity, on-the-job learning and hard work are principal guides.
Follow-up, customer needs, prompt response and project completion a must.
Well-developed interpersonal, financial analysis, research, communication, negotiation and management skills.

The San Francisco/Bay Area base salary range for this full-time position is $180,000 – $221,000, 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.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume to Careers@Via-LA.com, or apply via LinkedIn here.

Contract and Patent Administration Analyst

Location: Greenwood Village, California, US

Join the leader in collaborative licensing and help us advance inclusive and efficient new patent licensing approaches. Via Licensing Alliance is dedicated to accelerating global technology adoption, fostering participation, and generating return on innovation with balanced licensing solutions for innovators and manufacturers of all sizes around the globe. Via LA has operated dozens of licensing programs for a variety of technologies consisting of nearly 50,000 patents in over 130 countries with more than 500 patent holders and nearly 10,000 licensees. Via LA is an independently managed company owned by industry-leading participants with over 25 years of intellectual property licensing leadership.

Via LA’s 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.

The Contract and Patent Administration Analyst performs functions as they relate to Via LA’s patent evaluation procedures. The Contract and Patent Administration Analyst must understand the activities, responsibilities, and interactions of the Contract and Patent Administration Department to help organize and plan. This hybrid role is based in Denver and requires to work on-site at the Greenwood Village office three days per week.

Key Responsibilities

Plan for and produce work product of the highest professional quality. Be dependable. Take initiative and follow-up in completing work assignments. Be receptive and open to learning and utilizing new skills, new subject matter, and competencies. Maintain, update, and improve previously acquired skills, subject matter, and competencies to meet position requirements as they may evolve.
Project professional courtesy and respectful behavior that promotes and enhances the Company’s image. Work well with and cooperate with other staff to resolve issues and conflicts. Assist other departments to carry out their responsibilities.
Work well in a team-oriented environment and project a positive team attitude. Acknowledge team members’ contributions. Assist with additional projects, even if outside core responsibilities, as needed to support the team.
Enhance and build customer relationships through regular customer communications in accordance with Company standards to ensure all customer needs are being met.
Maintain patent database. Assist with data correction and data auditing in database system to meet SOX requirements.
Enter, track, and manage data in the patent database. Produce monthly or quarterly reports as required.
Update patent database as patent evaluations are completed. Review submitted patent evaluation forms for accuracy prior to uploading to the patent database.
Research patent information (priority date, patent family data, effective/expiration dates, etc.).
Monitor status of patent evaluations and correspond with patent evaluators as necessary.
Communicate with patent holders as necessary.
Work with Accounting to request patent evaluation fee invoices. Send such invoices to patentholders as necessary.
Assist with preparation of the quarterly patent lists, Attachment 1s, Profile Charts, Royalty Cap Charts, and various other patent reports. Review work for accuracy.
Coordinate with Senior Manager, Contract and Patent Administration, regarding patent submissions, outstanding patent evaluations and any other issues which may arise.
Act as additional point of contact for all patent matters.
Maintain department processes and procedures documentation as they relate to the patent database for reference and audit purposes.
Provide organizational assistance and support for the department regarding contract and tax matters as needed.

Qualifications and Skills

Extensive relevant prior work experience in a professional office environment.
Ability to demonstrate advanced critical thinking skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to manage and meet deadlines.
Highly responsive to time-sensitive requests.
Well organized and reliable.
Strong MS Office and Adobe Acrobat skills.
Ability to work well independently according to established procedures.
Ability to prioritize multiple demands and work well under pressure.
Superior attention to detail.

The Denver Area base salary range for this full-time position is $68,000 – $83,000 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 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.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume to Careers@Via-LA.com, or apply via LinkedIn here.

Senior Information Technology System Administrator

Location: Greenwood Village, Colorado California, US

Join the leader in collaborative licensing and help us advance inclusive and efficient new patent licensing approaches. Via Licensing Alliance is dedicated to accelerating global technology adoption, fostering participation, and generating return on innovation with balanced licensing solutions for innovators and manufacturers of all sizes around the globe. Via LA has operated dozens of licensing programs for a variety of technologies consisting of nearly 50,000 patents in over 130 countries with more than 500 patent holders and nearly 10,000 licensees. Via LA is an independently managed company owned by industry-leading participants with over 25 years of intellectual property licensing leadership.

Via LA’s 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.

We are looking for a highly skilled Senior System Administrator/Production Support Engineer to join our dynamic IT team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for maintaining and supporting our production systems to ensure high availability and performance. This role requires a proactive problem-solver with strong technical skills and a dedication to continuous improvement. This role plays an important part in our company’s product development process. This hybrid role requires to work on-site at the Greenwood Village office at least three days per week.

Key Responsibilities

Create/develop/utilize application monitoring solutions to enhance application availability and performance in production.
Complete Access Requests – granting access and permissions to users.
Work with internal and external Auditors in relation to SOX and SOC1 Compliance Controls.
Complete any necessary configuration / applications changes (non-coded) to Production Systems.
Assist with systems integrations.
Participate in review and approvals for monthly release cycles.
Conduct root-cause analysis as and when needed and propose a corrective action plan.
Follow established set of processes while handling issues and escalate unresolved issues to appropriate internal/external teams.
Analyze logs and data to find the root cause of problems and develop solutions, or escalate the problem on to other engineering team members.
Monitor system performance and alerts, and report any issues that may significantly impact the business.
Track SaaS updates, coordinate with the Dev Team and deploy updates and patches as needed.
Respond to and troubleshoot incidents and outages.
Create and maintain relevant and adequate documentation.
Implement automation tools to automate routine maintenance tasks.
Take ownership of user problems and be proactive when dealing with user issues.
Collaborate with development teams, partners and business users to identify and prioritize technical and functional requirements.
Provide onsite Customer Service/Support/Training for applications.

Qualifications & Skills

5+ years of strong systems administration and production support experience across a broad set of applications, supporting both SaaS and custom in-house solutions.
IIS or other Web Hosting frameworks
Scripting and Automation
Incident Management and ITIL Frameworks
Performance Tuning and Optimization
Monitoring Tools and Log Analysis
Version Control Systems (e.g., GIT)
Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)
Aptitude to quickly learn new systems
Ability to explain complex ideas to those with limited IT and systems knowledge
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Extraordinary customer service and relationship management experience
Problem solving ability
Critical thinking skills
Knowledge of Security best practices and Compliance

The Denver Area base salary range for this full-time position is $84,000 – $102,000 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 par ty, and i 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 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.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume to Careers@Via-LA.com, or apply via LinkedIn here.

Senior Royalty Analyst

Location: Greenwood Village, Colorado California, US

Join the leader in collaborative licensing and help us advance inclusive and efficient new patent licensing approaches. Via Licensing Alliance is dedicated to accelerating global technology adoption, fostering participation, and generating return on innovation with balanced licensing solutions for innovators and manufacturers of all sizes around the globe. Via LA has operated dozens of licensing programs for a variety of technologies consisting of nearly 50,000 patents in over 130 countries with more than 500 patent holders and nearly 10,000 licensees. Via LA is an independently managed company owned by industry-leading participants with over 25 years of intellectual property licensing leadership.

Via LA’s 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.

The Senior Royalty Analyst is responsible for the day-to-day management and supervision of Licensor royalty allocations, distributions, reporting, and communications; these must be completed within set deadlines and with accuracy. The Senior Royalty Analyst supervises the operations of royalty calculations and corresponding reports, reconciliations, patent data, market research, and analytical research and projects. In addition, the role reviews the team’s final work products for accuracy and to ensure that details are confirmed on emails, regular tasks, and special projects, while maintaining and enhancing Licensor customer relationships through professional email correspondence. The Senior Royalty Analyst is responsible for advanced reporting and client requests, including analytical requests, reporting trends, and research projects. This role pays strict attention to detail, is organized, strives to meet high expectations, and can effectively manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, while providing exceptional customer service.

The Senior Royalty Analyst evaluates the team’s operations, resource needs, and makes efficiency improvements when possible, as well as serves as a leader on the team. This role is expected to work towards collective team goals by serving as a lead in the training of new team members and providing guidance to team members regarding communications to Licensors. Our business is predicated on the licensing agreements with our clients and understanding the methodologies and intricacies of these agreements is essential to the success of the organization. The Senior Royalty Analyst is expected to develop a good understanding of royalty allocation methods. Adherence to internal controls and operational protocol is crucial to our ability to provide the highest level of service and meet our contractual obligations. This hybrid role requires to work in the Greenwood Village office at least three days per week.

Key Responsibilities

Supervise the day-to-day management of royalty calculations and corresponding reports, Licensor distributions, Licensor communications, and reconciliations. Review quarterly and ad hoc patent data, changes, and transfers and market research reports.
Manage all aspects and provide main point of contact for Licensor customer accounts. Responsible for ensuring royalty requests and inquiries made by Licensors are addressed appropriately and completely according to Department guidelines.
Ensure appropriate documentation on Royalty Disclosure agreements and accurate associated reporting. Supervise and review complex redirection agreements based on detailed Licensor direction. Maintain clear records regarding redirection relationships, anticipate potential issues and questions related to reporting, and proactively plan.
Support the management team on high-level projects. Prepare, monitor, and review advanced analytical reporting and client requests. Coordinate with management on the preparation and analysis of internal and external reports, presentations, and special reports both scheduled and ad hoc in a timely manner.
Perform daily tasks efficiently and independently while ensuring adherence and consistency in the application of all established processes and procedures in accordance with SOX, SOC 1, or other requirements. Assist internal and external auditors with SOX and SOC 1 audits. Make recommendations to Management regarding Departmental processes, procedures, and internal software systems to ensure that they are effective, efficient and mitigate errors and are properly documented.
Supervise and assist Royalty Analysts in training new Licensor team members. Communicate to and train other teams/Departments on Licensor-related tasks as necessary.
Understand royalty allocation methods and licensing agreements. Confirm accuracy of royalty allocations by having a strong understanding of different pool allocation methodologies and implications of patent changes. Coordinate with Software Engineering in implementing, overseeing, and testing changes to internal software systems.

Qualifications & Skills

3+ years relevant work experience required.
BS degree in Accounting, Finance, Mathematics, Economics or a related subject preferred.
Proven experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis and reporting.
Think critically and analytically, demonstrate the ability to solve problems within set guidelines, and help other team members with problem-solving.
Be detail-oriented; our processes are dependent on data accuracy, and our success is driven by providing clean and accurate reporting.
The ability to multi-task based on business priorities and tight deadlines and proactively plan for the team accordingly is essential.
Respond via email to requests promptly and appropriately, communicate complicated information in a clear and concise manner.
Process, analyze, and manage large amounts of data in Excel and develop strong knowledge of proprietary software applications. Support management with high-level projects and urgent reporting and analysis.
Work autonomously, take initiative, and be confident in decision-making, as well as communicate workload and balance projects with other team members. Supervise, train, evaluate, and mentor other team members.
Understand and apply a high level of internal controls and produce work that is of the highest professional quality.
Demonstrate sound judgement and decision making.
Advanced written and verbal communication skills; advanced analytical abilities.
Ability to prioritize multiple demands and work well under pressure.
Demonstrated ability to lead projects and individuals.
Strong Office 365 skills (Outlook, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, etc.)

The Denver Area base salary range for this full-time position is $68,000 – $91,000 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 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.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume to Careers@Via-LA.com, or apply via LinkedIn here.

Manager, Royalty Services

Location: Greenwood Village, Colorado California, US

Join the leader in collaborative licensing and help us advance inclusive and efficient new patent licensing approaches. Via Licensing Alliance is dedicated to accelerating global technology adoption, fostering participation, and generating return on innovation with balanced licensing solutions for innovators and manufacturers of all sizes around the globe. Via LA has operated dozens of licensing programs for a variety of technologies consisting of nearly 50,000 patents in over 130 countries with more than 500 patent holders and nearly 10,000 licensees. Via LA is an independently managed company owned by industry-leading participants with over 25 years of intellectual property licensing leadership.

Via LA’s 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.

The Manager of Royalty Services is responsible for the overall management of Licensor royalty allocations, distributions, reporting, and communications; these must be completed within set deadlines and with accuracy. The Manager oversees the operations of royalty calculations and corresponding reports, reconciliations, patent data, market research, and analytical research and projects. In addition, the role reviews the team’s final work products for accuracy and to ensure that details are confirmed on emails, regular tasks, and special projects, while maintaining and enhancing Licensor customer relationships through professional email correspondence. The Manager is responsible for advanced reporting and client requests, including analytical requests, reporting trends, and research projects. This role pays strict attention to detail, is organized, strives to meet high expectations, and can effectively manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, while providing exceptional customer service.

The Manager evaluates the team’s operations, resource needs, and makes efficiency improvements when possible, and works with the Senior Manager to drive the strategic vision of the team. This role is expected to work towards collective team goals by overseeing the training of new team members and providing guidance to team members regarding communications to Licensors. Our business is predicated on the licensing agreements with our clients and understanding the methodologies and intricacies of these agreements is essential to the success of the organization. The Manager is expected to develop an advanced understanding of royalty allocation methods. Adherence to internal controls and operational protocol is crucial to our ability to provide the highest level of service and meet our contractual obligations. This hybrid role requires to work on-site at the Greenwood Village office at least three days per week.

Key Responsibilities

Manage and approve royalty calculations and corresponding reports, Licensor distributions, Licensor communications, and reconciliations. Review and approve quarterly and ad hoc patent data, changes, and transfers and market research reports.
Manage all aspects of Licensor customer accounts. Responsible for ensuring royalty requests and inquiries made by Licensors are addressed appropriately and completely according to Department guidelines.
Ensure appropriate documentation on Royalty Disclosure agreements and accurate associated reporting. Review and approve complex redirection agreements based on detailed Licensor direction. Maintain clear records regarding redirection relationships, anticipate potential issues and questions related to reporting, and proactively plan.
Work closely with the management team on high-level projects. Prepare, review, and approve advanced analytical reporting and client requests. Coordinate with other managers on the preparation and analysis of internal and external reports, presentations, and special reports both scheduled and ad hoc in a timely manner.
Perform daily tasks efficiently and independently while ensuring adherence and consistency in the application of all established processes and procedures in accordance with SOX, SOC 1, or other requirements. Assist internal and external auditors with SOX and SOC 1 audits. Update Departmental processes, procedures, and internal software systems as needed to ensure that they are effective, efficient, and mitigate errors.
Oversee the training of new Licensor team members. Communicate to and train other teams/Departments on Licensor-related tasks as necessary.
Understand royalty allocation methods and licensing agreements. Confirm accuracy of royalty allocations by having a strong understanding of different pool allocation methodologies and implications of patent changes. Assist in development and rollout of new programs.
Coordinate with Software Engineering in implementing, overseeing, and testing changes to internal software systems.

Qualifications & Skills

BS degree in Accounting, Finance, Mathematics, Economics or a related subject preferred.
4+ years of relevant work experience required.
Think critically and analytically, demonstrate the ability to solve problems within set guidelines, and guide team members with problem-solving.
Be detail-oriented; our processes are dependent on data accuracy, and our success is driven by providing clean and accurate reporting.
The ability to multi-task based on business priorities and tight deadlines and proactively plan for the team accordingly is essential.
Respond via email to requests promptly and appropriately, communicate complicated information in a clear and concise manner.
Process, analyze, and manage large amounts of data in Excel and develop strong knowledge of proprietary software applications. Work with other managers on high-level projects and urgent reporting and analysis.
Lead team members, take initiative, and be confident in decision-making, as well as communicate workload and balance projects with other team members. Supervise, train, evaluate, and mentor other team members.
Understand and apply a high level of internal controls, and produce work that is of the highest professional quality.
Demonstrate sound judgement and decision making.
Advanced written and verbal communication skills; advanced analytical abilities.
Ability to prioritize multiple demands and work well under pressure.
Demonstrated ability to lead projects and individuals.
Strong Office 365 skills (Outlook, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, etc.)
Proven experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis and reporting.
Experience with SOC or SOX audits a plus.

The Denver Area base salary range for this full-time position is $94,000 – $113,000 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 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.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume to Careers@Via-LA.com, or apply via LinkedIn here.

Senior Compliance Analyst

Location: San Francisco, California, US

Join the leader in collaborative licensing and help us advance inclusive and efficient new patent licensing approaches. Via Licensing Alliance is dedicated to accelerating global technology adoption, fostering participation, and generating return on innovation with balanced licensing solutions for innovators and manufacturers of all sizes around the globe. Via LA has operated dozens of licensing programs for a variety of technologies consisting of nearly 50,000 patents in over 130 countries with more than 500 patent holders and nearly 10,000 licensees. Via LA is an independently managed company owned by industry-leading participants with over 25 years of intellectual property licensing leadership.

Via LA’s 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.

The Senior Compliance Analyst will be a member of Via LA’s Global Compliance team and will support the licensee audit process. The position will be accountable for identifying, preparing, and supporting the execution of license compliance reviews and initiatives within Via LA. This hybrid role reports to the Director of Global Compliance, is based in Via LA’s headquarters in San Francisco, California and is required to work on-site in the office at least three days per week.

Key Responsibilities

Perform internal and external market analysis and financial background research on Licensees targeted for audit.
Assist in the implementation of Compliance procedures and processes in line with industry best practices.
Maintain quarterly reporting analysis of licensed companies and their reporting status for all programs.
Review new accounts, identify any past practice and verify initial reporting by Licensee.
Oversee and follow up on email notices to Licensees.
Investigate non-reporting and non-paying Licensees and begin the breach process, if applicable.
As needed, integrate strong technical and licensing knowledge to manage and execute audits through the entire process, from audit announcement to audit completion.
Analyze quarterly reports submitted by Licensees under their Patent License Agreements and respond to any discrepancies or changes in sales trends.
Assist in identifying companies who are infringing patents licensed through Via LA’s various licensing programs and transition these leads to the appropriate regional Licensing representative for further investigation, as needed.
Perform segment reporting on a quarterly basis.
Maintain current audit status in SalesForce.com.
Perform audit notification uptick analysis and post audit period analysis.

Qualifications and Skills

Bachelor’s degree required with emphasis in Business, Economics or Accounting preferred.
2+ years Big 4 audit and/or forensics audit experience preferred.
3+ years direct experience in license compliance, royalty accounting, intellectual property contract administration, or licensing accounting.
Solid understanding of technology and licensing in the context of intellectual property.
Strategic thinker with the ability to make prudent business decisions.
Ability to collaborate with other stakeholders at Via LA in support of the Global Compliance program.
Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, with Licensees, including those who do not speak English as their native language (fluency in Mandarin highly desirable).
Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, (i.e. Excel, Word, and Outlook), have experience working with databases or record repository applications and experience with SalesForce.com.

The San Francisco/Bay Area base salary range for this full-time position is $105,000 – $127,000 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.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume to Careers@Via-LA.com, or apply via LinkedIn here.

Senior Accounting Analyst

Location: Greenwood Village, Colorado California, US

Join the leader in collaborative licensing and help us advance inclusive and efficient new patent licensing approaches. Via Licensing Alliance is dedicated to accelerating global technology adoption, fostering participation, and generating return on innovation with balanced licensing solutions for innovators and manufacturers of all sizes around the globe. Via LA has operated dozens of licensing programs for a variety of technologies consisting of nearly 50,000 patents in over 130 countries with more than 500 patent holders and nearly 10,000 licensees. Via LA is an independently managed company owned by industry-leading participants with over 25 years of intellectual property licensing leadership.

Via LA’s 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.

The Senior Accounting Analyst supports the royalty services aspects of finance and accounting processes and reporting. This position plays a key role within the Via LA Accounting with an emphasis in royalty service support, including review and submission of royalty payments, fund accounting, intercompany accounting and communication, quarterly reporting with Dolby Corporate. Core responsibilities are to work collaboratively with the organization in various elements of the general accounting function, including all aspects of the financial closing process and monthly/quarterly financial reporting to management, preparation of key pieces of the quarterly balance sheet and P&L flux analysis and inter-company reconciliations. This role contributes collaboratively to ensure compliance with accounting policies, procedures and internal controls, including being a main point of contact for both internal and external auditors. This role also works cross functionally in all key operations initiatives to identify finance and accounting related issues within the business and implement solutions. This unique opportunity to be a Senior Accounting Analyst at Via LA provides an exciting chance to be part of a highly dynamic organization and Denver based team working in the field of providing innovation-enhancing intellectual property programs and business solutions. This hybrid role is required to work in the Greenwood Village office at least three days per week.

Key Responsibilities

Play a key role in actively supporting processes of the monthly and quarterly financial close to ensure its accuracy, integrity, and timeliness.
Finance and accounting functions include GL/AR Collaboration/AP, intercompany transactions, royalty revenue and payout cycle, general and entity accounting, and cost accounting. Includes preparing journal entries to support close activities and perform regular account reconciliations, and provide other analyses as requested. All assignments include ensuring compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate with Shared Service OTC to support appropriate program reconciliations, including A/R, Royalties Payable, Enforcement Fund and Revenue.
Prepare critical monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and statements to management and deliver flux analysis including those compared to prior periods and between actuals and budgeted by collaborating with finance team members.
Coordinate with royalty services to prepare monthly billing of reimbursable expenses.
Coordinate with OTC team to provide accounting support to Global Sales, Program Directors, and Legal in the negotiation and deal structuring of customer agreements to ensure favorable terms and conditions while being consistent with revenue recognition policies.
Identify operational finance issues within the business and communicate them to management. Work cross functionally to drive solution. Contribute to continuous system implementations and process improvements.
Interact directly with internal and external auditors to support reviews and audits. Understand the internal controls at Via and maintain proper documentation and backup.
Assist team members as needed. Analysis and other Ad Hoc projects as assigned.

Key Responsibilities

BS with concentration in Accounting or Finance required.
5+ years accounting experience, preferably with a Partnership or Public Company.
Strong knowledge of GAAP accounting and strong familiarity with revenue recognition guidelines (SOP 97-2 and/or ASC 606).
Demonstrated ability to effectively apply principles of accounting in a business environment gained through experience.
Must be highly motivated, with high degree of accuracy, and ability to prioritize multiple tasks and organize work to meet deadlines without direct supervision.
Positive attitude, with a strong initiative to learn, and ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to convey information in a clear and concise manner to all different levels throughout the organization.

The Denver Area base salary range for this full-time position is $85,000 – $102,000 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 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.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume to Careers@Via-LA.com, or apply via LinkedIn here.

Jim Finnegan

Partner, Red Chalk Group

Jim Finnegan is a Partner at Red Chalk Group, a boutique professional services firm. At Red Chalk, Jim provides patent business strategy and execution advice on critical intellectual property issues to leaders in international Fortune 100 companies, technology companies, and private equity firms.

Prior to joining Red Chalk, Jim was Vice President, Intellectual Property Strategy at Comcast Corporation for 17 years, responsible for the continued development and execution of Comcast’s corporate IP strategy, capitalizing on the strong innovation that took place across the company including Comcast Cable, NBC Universal and Sky. Prior to Comcast, he served as Vice President, Intellectual Property, for Qimonda AG in Munich, Germany, where he managed licensing, litigation and patent development related to the spin-out of the semiconductor memory business company from its parent, Infineon Technologies, AG. He also spent 17 years at AT&T and Lucent Technologies contributing to the success of its patent business. As part of that team, he held various senior roles related to international technology licensing, patent portfolio optimization, standards patent licensing and business planning. He also managed Lucent’s worldwide portfolio of over twenty-five thousand patents. Jim began his career in semiconductor manufacturing for AT&T.

Jim has spoken at various venues on the value of intellectual property and standards licensing including the Licensing Executive Society’s IP100 Executive Forum, and at the National Academies’ Board on Science, Technology and Economic Policy. He has been recognized by Intellectual Asset Management (IAM) on its list of the IAM Strategy 300 – The World’s Leading IP Strategists. Jim holds a Master’s Degree, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering as well as an M.B.A., all from Lehigh University.

Injung Lee

Founder, Joonserve IP Consulting

Injung Lee recently founded Joonserve IP Consulting firm and is dedicated to providing expert guidance and innovative solutions to IP clients worldwide. With a distinguished career spanning approximately four decades in intellectual property (IP) management and legal affairs, Injung is recognized for his ability to navigate complex IP landscapes and formulate and implement creative solutions. He crafts strategies that not only maximize the value of intellectual assets but also effectively mitigate risks while negotiating and completing deals.

Before starting Joonserve, Injung worked for Samsung for over 16 years, holding key executive positions, all within IP and legal capacities. He last served as Executive Vice President and Head of the IP Center of Samsung Electronics, responsible for its global patent portfolio management, inbound and outbound patent licensing programs and projects, as well as global IP litigation and disputes. Throughout his illustrious career at Samsung, he played a pivotal role in shaping and safeguarding the company’s formidable IP portfolio while supporting Samsung’s Business Units’ needs and objectives. His accomplishments include negotiating significant licensing agreements, resolving intricate legal disputes, and spearheading high-stakes litigations against industry giants. In that regard, throughout his career, he has managed and resolved various IP disputes and agreements with nearly all global technology companies around the world.

Injung’s expertise spans a wide range of industries, with a particular focus on the IT and Electronics sectors, including telecommunications and semiconductor businesses. His profound understanding of licensing and litigation intricacies has earned him a reputation as an effective IP negotiator and thought leader in the field.

Beyond his professional achievements, Injung holds a Master of Intellectual Properties from UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Seoul National University. This academic background, combined with his hands-on experience, equips him with a unique perspective and insight into the complexities of the IP landscape.

Larry Horn

CEO, DRI Biosciences Corporation

Larry Horn is presently CEO of DRI Biosciences Corporation. He was previously president and CEO of MPEG LA L.L.C., the world’s leading provider of one-stop licenses for standards and other technology platforms. MPEG LA pioneered the modern-day patent pool, helping to produce the most widely used standards in consumer electronics history.

Before joining MPEG LA, Mr. Horn was:

Head of business development, marketing and sales for Martek Biosciences Corporation, where he helped launch its first nutritional/medical product lines worldwide, introduced new product, and planned IP strategies;
President and owner of HKM Corporation, where he helped to organize Cable Television Laboratories Inc, advised early-stage investors at The Discovery Channel, and devised successful business plans for media industry and other financings;
Senior vice president and general counsel of the Public Broadcasting Service, where he was recognized for turning around the television network company through a restructuring of its network distribution, programming and labor assets, while also managing human resources, labor negotiations, and conference services;
An attorney with the US Securities and Exchange Commission Office of the General Counsel; and
Adjunct professor of Chinese law at Georgetown University Law Center.

Mr. Horn graduated from Yale University (BA, Chinese Studies) and Columbia University (JD).

Licensing Associate, Via LA

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Join the leader in collaborative licensing and help us advance inclusive and efficient new patent licensing approaches. Via Licensing Alliance is dedicated to accelerating global technology adoption, fostering participation, and generating return on innovation with balanced licensing solutions for innovators and manufacturers of all sizes around the globe. Via LA has operated dozens of licensing programs for a variety of technologies consisting of nearly 50,000 patents in over 130 countries with more than 500 patent holders and nearly 10,000 licensees. Via LA is an independently managed company owned by industry-leading participants with over 25 years of intellectual property licensing leadership.

Via LA’s 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.

Via LA is seeking a highly motivated and self-driven Licensing sales person to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will be an ambitious individual, eager to dive into the competitive markets to uncover new licensing opportunities. This person must possess a proactive mindset, with a relentless drive to plan and execute innovative licensing strategies. They must demonstrate a strong ability to work independently, with a sharp focus on achieving and exceeding assigned goals and targets.

Key Responsibilities

Identify new accounts to continue building a pipeline and implement strategies for licensing Via LA’s licensing program portfolio to increase licensees.
Negotiate and execute licensing agreements and finalizing contracts while managing relationships with assigned licensees.
Collaborate with internal teams, including Program management, legal, finance/accounting to align licensing strategies with overall business objectives.
Keep abreast of industry trends, competitive landscape, and intellectual property to inform strategic decisions.
Prepare and present reports on licensing activities, progress, and forecasts to senior management.
Utilize CRM tool effectively to track and manage client interactions, ensuring all relevant information is up-to-date and accurately recorded.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, or a related field
Minimum of 2 -3 years of experience in Sales, Licensing, or a related field.
Strong understanding of market landscape and industry trend
Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with licensing databases and software.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in the technology, Consumer Electronics, Automotive telecommunications industry.
Familiarity with international licensing and intellectual property laws.

At Via Licensing Alliance, you will be part of a forward-thinking company that values innovation, integrity, and collaboration. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth in a supportive and dynamic environment.

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.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume to Careers@Via-LA.com explaining why you are the ideal candidate for this position. Include examples of your achievements in Sales, licensing or intellectual property management that demonstrate your suitability for this role. Or apply via LinkedIn here.

Hélène Jay

Vice President, Audio Programs, Via Licensing Alliance

Hélène Jay is Vice President of Audio Programs at Via Licensing Alliance, the collaborative licensing leader. An accomplished IP leader and attorney, Ms. Jay has over 20 years of experience collaborating with licensees and licensors across the IP ecosystem to develop joint licensing programs covering speech and audio compression technologies, broadcast, automotive, and wireless standards.

In her current role at Via LA, an independently managed company owned by industry-leading participants with over 25 years of IP licensing leadership, Ms. Jay is responsible for the company’s Advanced Audio Coding program. AAC is one of the industry’s most successful patent pools offering access to more than 6,000 patents with nearly 1,000 licensees. Ms. Jay is an indispensable member of the team, closing some of the most significant licensing deals in the industry with the largest device manufacturers in the world, notably OPPO, Reliance, TCL, and Xiaomi. She also collaborates with many major global innovators in Via LA’s pools, including Apple, AT&T, Dolby, Fraunhofer, Microsoft, NTT, Orange, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, and Sony.

Also in this role, Ms. Jay led the initiative to develop the new MPEG-H patent pool. The international standard MPEG-H 3D Audio brings the next level of entertainment to the user and enables content providers to create an innovative and immersive experience. Under her leadership, the pool’s aggregation represents more than 95% of the total SEP stack for the implementation of this spatial audio technology. Very few joint licensing programs attain this level of IP coverage. Ms. Jay’s leadership, deep industry knowledge, and established relationships with the global partners involved in MPEG-H enabled her to bring this extraordinary pro-ecosystem program to the market.

Before joining Via LA, Ms. Jay resided in Montréal, where she served as the vice president of licensing for Voice Age. She began her career as the trusted Legal Counsel of the European Standardization Organization, ETSI.

Ms. Jay studied in Paris and Oxford and holds a Master of Université Paris X Nanterre in International Business Law.

Willy Chang

Vice President, Program Management, Via Licensing Alliance

As Vice President, Program Management, Willy Chang leads the operation of video, power, and broadcast patent pools at Via Licensing Alliance, where he formulates and executes plans to grow these pools in a manner that is fair and reasonable to both licensors and licensees.

Willy’s intellectual property experience runs the gamut having worked in prosecuting, litigating, and licensing all types of intellectual property. Prior to Via LA, Willy was Senior Director at Qualcomm, where he worked on the outbound licensing of cellular essential SEPs. He was also Senior Counsel at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd., where he focused on international patent litigation and inbound patent licensing. His experience as both a licensor and licensee, as well as his experience in litigating patents domestically and internationally, give him a strong foundation on which to guide Via LA’s patent pools through legal and business issues.

Willy has additional experience as an attorney at Fish & Richardson, where he focused on patent litigation and prosecution, and as an attorney at Baker & Hostetler, where he focused on copyrights, trademarks, and patents.

Willy earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and History at New York University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Alpha Theta honors. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, where he was Managing Editor of the Michigan Telecommunications and Technology Law Review. He is a registered patent attorney and is licensed to practice law in New York, California, and various federal courts in the United States.

Jonathan Gramil

Chief Operating Officer, Via Licensing Alliance

Jonathan Gramil is Chief Operating Officer of Via Licensing Alliance, the collaborative global licensing leader.

Jonathan is a multi-dimensional executive with an established record leading cross functional teams while driving sustainable growth and quantifiable operational efficiencies.

At Via LA, a leader in multi-party licensing programs and an independently managed company owned by industry-leading participants with over 25 years of intellectual property licensing leadership, Jonathan oversees the company’s finance, accounting, business systems, and global operations teams. He also created the company’s license compliance program, which now functions within the legal department. His success in fostering a positive work environment across a diverse set of resources maximizes the productivity of Via LA’s global team. As a distinguished leader at Via LA, Jonathan drives the company’s strategic plan to optimize operational business growth.

Jonathan led the acquisition and integration endeavor of MPEG LA, thus leading to the formation of Via LA, a new collaborative licensing organization combining the expertise, infrastructure, and relationships of two of the most successful patent pool administrators.

Prior to joining Via LA, Jonathan was instrumental in developing and growing new business models at Ernst & Young. He also held several audit, compliance, revenue, operations, and sales roles at Riverbed Technology, Parker & Lynch, KPMG, and Oracle.

Jonathan has a BBA in accounting from Loyola University Maryland.

Jane Bu

Chief Licensing Officer, Via Licensing Alliance

As the Chief Licensing Officer at Via Licensing Alliance, Jane Bu is a pivotal member of the executive team. Her deep expertise in intellectual property strategy and multi-party licensing programs is widely recognized within the industry, and she is a frequent speaker at international IP events. Leveraging more than two decades of experience in all aspects of patent and IP law, Ms. Bu specializes in patent licensing transactions, and when necessary, utilizing strategic cross-border enforcement actions to help technology companies worldwide develop, protect, and monetize valuable IP.

At Via Licensing Alliance, an independently managed entity with over 25 years of rich IP licensing history and owned by industry-leading participants, Ms. Bu leads a global team of licensing experts. Her team focuses on providing licensees streamlined access to essential IP through Via LA’s diverse patent pool offerings. In her role, she plays a crucial part in driving licensee participation in some of the industry’s most successful collaborative licensing programs. Ms. Bu is committed to Via LA’s mission to fostering fair and transparent licensing practices, striking a true balance between the needs of innovators and manufacturers worldwide.

Before her tenure at Via LA, Ms. Bu honed her skills in high-tech patent litigation and transactions at international law firms, such as Ropes & Gray and McDermott Will & Emery. Her private practice included management of complex IP litigations, encompassing both offensive and defensive strategies, and advised many technology firms on portfolio development and monetization matters.

Ms. Bu’s career began in the field of medicinal research, where she was a patented scientist focused on designing and synthesizing novel drug candidates for neurological disorders. Her academic credentials include a Juris Doctor (cum laude) from Santa Clara University School of Law, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of California, San Diego, among other art and music-based minors. Ms. Bu is also a registered U.S. patent attorney, further underscoring her comprehensive expertise in the field of intellectual property.

Kyle Niemi

General Counsel, Via Licensing Alliance

Kyle Niemi is the General Counsel at Via Licensing Alliance. In this role, Kyle leads the legal function at Via LA and provides cross-functional support to business teams, with a focus on developing practical and actionable legal guidance to help the business meet its goals. Kyle also oversees Via LA’s legal operations and compliance teams.

Prior to joining Via LA, Kyle was legal counsel to the engineering, supply chain and trade groups at Solidigm. Prior to that, Kyle was at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, where he practiced in a broad range of areas including IP, securities, commercial and antitrust litigation, and also advised on M&A and technology licensing transactions.

Kyle earned his JD at Stanford Law School and his BA in Biology at Case Western Reserve University.

Senior Managing Director, Patent Pool Programs, Via LA

Location: San Francisco, California, US

Join the leader in collaborative licensing and help us advance inclusive and efficient new patent licensing approaches. Via Licensing Alliance is dedicated to accelerating global technology adoption, fostering participation, and generating return on innovation with balanced licensing solutions for innovators and manufacturers of all sizes around the globe. Via LA has operated dozens of licensing programs for a variety of technologies consisting of nearly 50,000 patents in over 130 countries with more than 500 patent holders and nearly 10,000 licensees. Via LA is an independently managed company owned by industry-leading participants with over 25 years of intellectual property licensing leadership.

Via LA’s 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.

The Senior Managing Director, Patent Pool Programs, role reports to the President of Via LA and is based in San Francisco, California. As Senior Managing Director, Patent Pool Programs, you will be responsible for developing, managing, and overseeing the operations of patent pool programs. This includes facilitation collaboration and negotiation among the participating licensees/licensors to achieve mutually beneficial agreements related to the licensing and use of patents. To excel in this role, strong leadership, negotiation, communication and analytical skills are critical. A deep understanding of IP law, licensing practices and technology trends is also important. Additionally, a strategic mindset, business acumen and the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders are needed for success in the role.

Key Responsibilities

1. Business Development

Identify new opportunities for patent pools and lead the formation of new programs.
Actively seek new participants and promote the benefits of joining to relevant patent owners.
Engage in marketing and business development activities to attract both licensors and licensees

2. Relationship Management

Build and maintain relationships with participating licensors and licensees.
Serve as a liaison between patent owners, facilitating communication, addressing concerns, and ensuring alignment of interests.
Foster a cooperative and collaborative environment among the pool members.

3. Licensing Negotiations

Lead negotiations with potential licensors and critical licensees, working closely with legal, sales and technical teams.

4. Pool Administration

Oversee the overall administration of patent pools, including establishing and maintaining the pool’s organizational structure, legal framework, and operational procedures.
Establish the necessary agreements, governance mechanisms, and compliance protocols.
Collaborate with Via LA teams, including accounting, IT, compliance, legal, and other internal stakeholders, to assure pool programs operate according to procedures and requirements.

5. Intellectual Property Strategy

Develop and implement an effective intellectual property (IP) strategy.
Evaluate patent portfolios, identifying opportunities for expansion, and providing guidance on patent development and management to participating patent owners to maximize the pool’s value.

6. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Stay abreast of relevant intellectual property laws, regulations, and licensing practices.
Ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements, antitrust regulations, and industry standards to avoid any legal or ethical issues.

7. Monitoring and Reporting

Monitor and report on pool performance, financials, and licensing activities.
Track revenue streams, analyze market trends, and present reports to stakeholders, including pool members, management, and external partners.

Qualifications and Skills

Degree from an accredited law school, along with active bar membership, preferred but not required.
Substantial experience with patent licensing and multi-party contract negotiation. Experience with patent pools preferred but not required.
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.

The San Francisco/Bay Area base salary range for this full-time position is $270,000 – $335,000 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.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume to Careers@Via-LA.com, or apply via LinkedIn here.

Andy Sherman

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Dolby Laboratories

As Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Andy Sherman oversees Dolby’s patent and IP licensing businesses, government relations, and Dolby’s worldwide legal affairs, including all corporate, regulatory, intellectual property, litigation, and licensing activities. Andy also serves as the chair of the board of directors of Via Licensing Alliance, a leading global provider of multilateral patent licensing solutions.

Prior to joining Dolby, Andy served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel at CBS Interactive, where he led the legal group advising CBS’s online entertainment, mobile, technology, sports, news, games, lifestyle, and international business units. Andy joined CBS Interactive following CBS’s acquisition of CNET Networks, where he was Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, responsible for global legal and regulatory matters.

Earlier in his career, Andy worked in private practice with Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich (now DLA Piper), specializing in the representation of emerging technology companies in intellectual property and technology-related legal matters. Andy holds a JD from the University of the Pacific, as well as a BS degree from the University of Southern California.

Andy is the executive sponsor of Mundo, Dolby’s employee network dedicated to the Hispanic members of the Dolby community. Andy was born in Uruguay and grew up in Argentina and other international locations.

Jako Eleveld

Head of IP Licensing, Vice President, Philips

Jako Eleveld has been on the executive team of Philips Intellectual Property & Standards since 2009. Philips Intellectual Property & Standards is a leading industrial IP organization that handles all IP matters for Royal Philips. Mr Eleveld leads a successful global licensing team covering IP creation, standardization, new program development, licensing programs and software licensing, and manages his own profit and loss account with very significant value creation from Philips intellectual property.

Philips has invested billions of euros in research and development and has a long history in making many resulting technologies available to third parties through licensing. Patent and technology licenses can be obtained directly from Philips’ own global licensing team, and in certain cases also through patent pools and partnerships. For decades, Philips Intellectual Property & Standards has been at the forefront in developing standards, patent pools and other innovative solutions to promote the IP marketplace.

Mr Eleveld has about 25 years’ experience in IP business. In previous positions, he was responsible for the IP portfolio and transactional matters of Philips Semiconductors (now NXP), Philips Innovation and Emerging Businesses, and Philips Consumer Lifestyle. His experience covers the whole spectrum of intellectual property, including portfolio management, standardization, acquisition, licensing, litigation, mergers and acquisitions and other transactions – always with a good view on the relationship between intellectual property and business impact. Mr Eleveld is also a board member of various IP companies, including Access Advance, One-Blue and Open Invention Network.

Mr Eleveld holds an MSc in applied physics from the University of Twente, the Netherlands and is a European and Dutch patent attorney, as well as a representative before the EUIPO. In 2018, 2019 and 2020, IAM listed him in the Top 40 of Global IP Market Makers.

Keiko Higuchi

Senior Manager and Head of Patent Pools, Corporate Licensing Division of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Ms. Keiko Higuchi is Senior Manager and Head of Patent Pools, Corporate Licensing Division of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.

Ms. Higuchi has been dealing with intellectual property licensing and transaction for more than 30 years. Her previous career includes managerial position at Renesas Electronics Corporation and at Megachips Corporation where she dealt with licensing and IP litigations mainly in the field of semiconductor business.

Ms. Higuchi received her bachelor’s degree in North American Studies at the University of Tokyo.

Heath Hoglund

President, Via Licensing Alliance

Heath Hoglund is President of Via Licensing Alliance, the collaborative licensing leader.

Via LA was formed in May 2023 when Via Licensing and MPEG LA – two of the most successful patent pool administrators – united to form the industry’s largest collaborative licensing organization. Via LA administers dozens of licensing programs for a variety of technologies consisting of nearly 50,000 patents in over 130 countries with more than 500 patent holders and nearly 10,000 licensees.

Heath leverages over 30 years of technology and intellectual property expertise to manage Via LA’s transparent IP licensing solutions, balancing the needs of implementors and innovators around the world. He is a highly respected IP leader who has built a reputation for collaborating across the ecosystem to maximize innovation, foster participation, and advance technology adoption.

Prior to joining Via in February 2022, Heath was the Vice President of Intellectual Property and Standards at Dolby in San Francisco, California, where he had global responsibility for patents, trademarks and copyrights. In this role, he led the development of Dolby’s patent portfolio, oversaw Dolby’s patent licensing programs, and led the formation and design of several collaborative patent pools and standards activities.

Before joining Dolby, he founded Hoglund & Pamias, a full-service IP law firm in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he represented a broad range of clients in the federal courts and at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He also served as an adjunct professor of patent law at the University of Puerto Rico School of Law.

IAM Magazine has named Heath an IAM Top 40 Market Maker every year since 2019. He previously served as chair of the American Bar Association IP Section’s Patent Division, and Heath is also a past-president of the San Francisco IP Law Association.

Heath has a JD (cum laude), an MS, and a BS (cum laude) from the University of Minnesota.

Pat Patnode

President of GE Licensing, GE Corporate

Pat Patnode, President of GE Licensing, leads a team of over 50 global Licensing professionals working to create value from GE’s extensive portfolio of intellectual property. Under Pat’s leadership, GE Licensing has expanded beyond traditional patent licensing to offer creative and innovate solutions to help partners access GE’s 50,000+ patents, the GE trademark and the inventions that come from the thousands of scientists at GE’s Global Research Centers and across GE’s Business Units of Aviation, Healthcare, Energy and Digital. GE Licensing also works with outside entities to create stronger portfolios of patents and brings intellectual property from outside GE to create more complete solutions. GE Licensing has active programs in materials, electronics, software, electrification of transportation, power generation, wearables, healthcare, and many other areas.

Before becoming President of GE Licensing in early 2016, Pat was General Counsel and managed the Legal team for GE Ventures, responsible for all legal and compliance needs for the various business units. The legal team’s practice areas span numerous industries and subject areas including securities, intellectual property, litigation and complex commercial & licensing transactions.

Previously, Pat served as the Chief Compliance Officer for GE Global Research. He managed compliance for the GE Global Research Centers around the world, including sites in India, China and Germany.

Pat graduated cum laude from Albany Law School and holds an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University.

Pat and his wife, Cyndi, reside in Saratoga Springs, New York, with their three children, and Pat is based at GE’s Global Research Center in Niskayuna, NY.

ABOUT

THE COLLABORATIVE LICENSING LEADER

VIA LA - THE COLLABORATIVE LICENSING LEADER

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Heath Hoglund

PRESIDENT

JANE BU

CHIEF LICENSING OFFICER

JONATHAN GRAMIL

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER