Tech Giants Embrace Video Distribution Patent Sharing by Access Advance
The Video Distribution Patent (VDP) Pool is a groundbreaking patent licensing solution designed to simplify royalty negotiations, provide predictable costs, and create operational flexibility for companies implementing video distribution technologies. This initiative, backed by a diverse group of global technology leaders, aims to streamline the complex licensing challenges in the rapidly evolving video streaming market.
The VDP Pool boasts an impressive composition, encompassing patent holders, video platform operators, semiconductor companies, and consumer device manufacturers. Notable members include ByteDance, Dolby, OPPO, Kuaishou, JVCKenwood, MediaTek affiliates, Mitsubishi, Philips, Tencent, and others, collectively covering four major video codecs with broad industry representation.
Companies such as ByteDance, Dolby, and OPPO have joined the pool with distinct motivations. ByteDance, for instance, has demonstrated a commitment to open collaboration and equitable innovation. Kuaishou, on the other hand, has joined to gain access to a broad ecosystem of patents while contributing their own, with the aim of accelerating innovation and fueling digital-driven economic growth. Meanwhile, OPPO has praised the pool for balancing the interests between licensors and licensees.
MediaTek, a global semiconductor company, has joined the pool to promote the adoption of the latest video codecs and drive innovation in the device ecosystem. Tencent, a leading global technology company, has committed to helping the industry foster a robust and sustainable video codec ecosystem, emphasizing the operational benefits of the one-stop licensing model.
Access Advance LLC, an independent licensing administrator company, manages the VDP Pool. With a proven track record administering the licensing of over 30,000 patents in the HEVC Advance Patent Pool and the VVC Advance Patent Pool, Access Advance brings a wealth of experience to the table. The VDP Pool's licensing model covers standard essential patents for all four major video codecs: HEVC (H.265), VVC (H.266), VP9, and AV1.
In summary, the VDP Pool serves as an industry-wide platform to pool patents related to key video codecs, streamline licensing, and encourage innovation and collaboration among leading video technology companies. By joining forces, these companies aim to ensure equitable and efficient access to essential intellectual property, paving the way for smoother adoption and innovation in video streaming technologies.
The VDP Pool has included technology leaders in various sectors, such as MediaTek in semiconductors and Tencent in global technology, all collaborating to drive innovation and adoption of the latest video codecs. Companies like Kuaishou, with a focus on accessing a diverse patent ecosystem, strive to accelerate innovation and propel digital-driven growth, while others like OPPO value the pool's balanced approach to licensors and licensees in the finance and business realm of video streaming technology.
