The Company
Sisvel is driven by a belief in the importance of collaboration, ingenuity and efficiency to bridge the needs of both patent owners and those who wish to access their technologies. In a complex and constantly evolving marketplace, Sisvel’s guiding principle is to create a level playing field with the development and implementation of flexible, accessible commercialization solutions.
Sisvel powers innovation by providing tailored licensing solutions and patent pools for the delivery of world-class technologies. Working with leading companies and research institutions from across the globe, Sisvel unlocks the full potential of the company’s patents, while easing technology adoption, reducing frictions within the innovation ecosystem and facilitating IP dealmaking.
While today it is a private and independent company, Sisvel has had deep roots in the consumer electronics industry since its incorporation in 1982 as a joint venture among the principal Italian manufacturers of television sets.
A truly global company, Sisvel employs over 85 Engineers, Licensing and Legal Professionals across its 6 offices in Spain (Barcelona), Italy (Turin), Luxembourg, Hong Kong, Japan and the United States (Chicago). The Group develops, promotes and manages 14 active licensing programs in key technological areas, such as mobile communications, IoT, Wi-Fi, digital video and broadcasting, and audio and video coding / decoding.
Licensing Programs
The licensing landscape is continuously evolving as policymaking, jurisprudence, technologies, taxation rules and markets constantly develop. A licensing model that was successful in one field or in one era may not always be successful in the future.
With its significant worldwide presence, long-standing experience in the IP field and diversity of technical expertise, Sisvel is able to respond efficiently to the different challenges that arise in the formation and management of a licensing program or to changes in the landscape.
Sisvel works with its partners to offer a comprehensive approach to patent licensing: from issuing initial calls for essential patents, facilitating discussions among stakeholders, developing multi-party license agreements and executing and administering licenses; to collecting and distributing royalties.
The Opportunity
Sisvel is seeking to appoint a highly competent Senior Licensing Manager, reporting to the Head of Licensing to participate in licensing programs, with the objective of increasing the number of licensees and licensing revenues, alongside existing licensee support.
To achieve this, the responsibilities of the role include:
- Assuming responsibility for the negotiation of patent license agreements with potential licensees:
- Be responsible for negotiating with potential licensees in the field of SEP Licensing with FRAND obligations; relevant companies may be both small and large corporations, with highly sophisticated legal and technical capabilities within the licensing industry.
- Independently coordinate the various departments potentially involved into the relevant various SEP licensing discussions including Legal, Technical and Program Management.
- Participate in ongoing discussions by providing support to the Licensing Team.
- Create and maintain good business relationships with both existing and potential future licensees.
- Close reporting to Head of Licensing and Licensing Coordinator on the status of discussions and agreements pipelines; propose potential solutions or raise potential issues in case of non-progressing discussions for alternative strategies.
- Maintaining reports of open negotiations and licensing activities and actively participating in periodical internal licensing meetings and strategy sessions.
- Be open to participating in international trade shows and travel to visit potential licensees.
The Candidate
The successful applicant will have a strong patent litigation background and educational level, alongside excellent professional qualities, as set out below:
Knowledge
- Advanced knowledge of SEP licensing and FRAND obligations (IP law and patent law).
- Advanced knowledge of negotiation techniques with a business-oriented approach and strong proactiveness.
- Skills in research, market comprehension & business analysis.
- Competent in business conversations, reading and writing skills in English.
- Solid familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, including Office 365.
Capabilities
- University degree from an accredited or otherwise reputable institution, preferably with either a legal background, business administration or engineering.
- 4-6 years of experience in patent licensing (Licensing-Out), particularly in SEP patent licensing and preferably within the consumer electronics sector.
- Results-driven, with good organizational skills and team spirit.
- A proven relationship-builder with good interpersonal skills.
- An enthusiastic, knowledge-hungry learner who is eager to meet challenges and quickly assimilate new concepts.
The position will be based in Sisvel’s corporate headquarter in Barcelona, Spain.
