BOSTON -- Responding to growing market demand for an industry solution for codec licensing in the video distribution market, Access Advance LLC (“Advance”) announced the launch of its Video Distribution Patent (“VDP”) Pool.

The VDP Pool will build upon the success of Advance’s existing HEVC and VVC Advance Patent Pools, which are supported by a substantial majority of video codec implementers and patent owners. It will provide a single one-stop-shop license, covering internet streaming with all four of the most recently developed video codecs (i.e., HEVC, VVC, AV1, and VP9) available today, with fixed tiered pricing scaled to the size of the video distributor’s business. This structure provides simplicity and predictability to internet video distributors, allowing them to choose which codec(s) to use based on technical and business merits rather than royalty costs or the need to negotiate multiple licenses.

According to Peter Moller, CEO of Advance, “In recent years, the industry has increasingly sought to license video codec patents directly to content streaming providers, which have benefitted tremendously from their use of patented, efficient video codecs. Advance has been approached by market participants, from both internet video distributors and patent owners, who believe we are uniquely positioned to achieve a rapid aggregation of patents to clear substantial IP risk while establishing a framework for fair and reasonable rates.”

“Our patent pool approach not only balances the interests of both internet video distributors and patent owners but also takes into account the many different business models for internet video streaming. We expect our pool will quickly gain market support and help prevent the alternative of significant market disruption: litigation (where injunctive relief and large damages may be sought), and slower or stalled market adoption and innovation in video codecs due to fear and uncertainty over royalty rates.”

“With regards to royalty rates, we have met with many internet video distributors and patent owners over the past year to review and seek input on the program. Nevertheless, to prevent any confusion, we plan to dedicate the next two to three months to further engage with interested market players before announcing the rate structure to the public.”

The VDP Pool also offers substantial incentives for internet video distributors and patent owners that join the program on or prior to June 30, 2025. We encourage every market participant to learn more about the program, including available incentives and discounts, by emailing us at licensing@accessadvance.com.