Head of Legal

V-Nova, a London based IP and software company, is dedicated to improving video quality and delivery by building a vast portfolio of innovative technologies based on the game-changing use of AI and parallel processing for data, video, imaging, and point cloud compression, with applications across several industries. This is achieved through deep-science R&D (600+ international patents) and the development of products that test, prove, and continuously enhance the technology portfolio.

V-Nova has contributed part of its IP to the standardization of two video codec formats, MPEG-5 Part 2 (LCEVC (Low Complexity Enhancement Video Coding)), a low-complexity enhancement video and imaging codec, and SMPTE VC-6 (ST-2117), a high-performance AI-based video and imaging codec. V-Nova has developed multiple award-winning software products to kickstart the ecosystems for its technologies and allow their immediate deployment, addressing use cases in TV, media, entertainment, social networks, virtual and enhanced reality, eCommerce, ad-tech, security, aerospace, defence, automotive and gaming and targeting as clients all the major global tech players.

We are committed to the extraordinary and rely on the talent of our high-performing diverse teams to provide innovative solutions and deliver what we promise. We have worked hard to create a company where talented, passionate people can thrive in a culture that values individual empowerment and excellence and achieves through teamwork. We are constantly on the lookout for exceptional individuals who thrive off solving challenging problems and want to make an impact. With ground-breaking technology, a fast-paced collaborative environment and major growth plans, there has never been a more exciting time to join us.

The company counts about 70 employees in its London Headquarters and 10 in Bangalore, India.

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We're looking for a talented, highly motivated and hands-on head of legal to support our rapidly growing business. The role would suit someone currently holding a mid-to-senior position looking to take the next step in their career progression working in-house in an innovative and ambitious tech start-up.

You should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and providing sound, practical and business-focused legal support for licensing our software and IP to customers and partners. You should also be comfortable with advising the business on more generalist legal issues including corporate matters with the support of external specialists when needed and in pro-actively managing the overall legal business needs and risks of the company.

Over time, you will assess the needs of the legal department, defining processes and growing the legal support as needed.

A competitive salary, flexible working and equity potential in a mature start-up with excellent exit opportunities are on the table, as well as the opportunity to learn and develop new skills whilst building on your existing. And of course, a passionate start-up team who believe working hard and having fun are part of the same story.

• Advising the company on all legal matters, with particular focus on commercial matters.
• Owning and driving all legal projects, commercial and corporate, internally and through external specialists as needed, while actively managing those external advisors
• Drafting and reviewing a variety of agreements, including but not limited to:
  • commercial software and/or IP licenses;
  • evaluation and non-disclosure agreements; and
  • collaboration and partnership agreements.
• Liaising with the in-house IP attorneys on any licencing matters as required
• Providing legal support on non-commercial legal matters, including corporate matters;
• Managing relationships with external specialist advisors, particularly around corporate and licensing;
• Assisting in negotiation of various agreements;
• Advising the Board and key stakeholders on commercial legal aspects;
• Educating the business on legal aspects;
• Creating processes, frameworks and templates for an ambitious growing business in preparation for and during its scale-up phase.
• Collaborating cross-functionally as part of the Operations Team (Finance, HR, Legal and IP, Facilities) as well as with the Commercial and Engineering teams as needed.

• Qualified lawyer with at least 5-year PQE
• Strong commercial law background
• Some corporate law experience required
• Experience with technology, IP and software
• Ability to work independently and to operate effectively with the senior team in the company
• Ability to negotiate
• Fluency in English
• Knowledge of common law
• Interest to support on a variety of legal matters
• Knowledge of civil law (preferable)
• Prior in-house experience (preferable)