Access Advance Launches Exploration Phase for an AV1/AV2 Device and Software Patent Pool, Invites Participation of Potential Licensors
Access Advance LLC announced today that in conjunction with the recent release of the AV2 video codec specification, it has launched the exploratory phase for a new patent pool covering devices and software implementing the AV2 video codec, as well as its predecessor AV1. During this exploratory phase, Access Advance will engage with market participants to seek their input, including holding pool formation discussions with potential licensors to gather their feedback on the scope, structure, and terms of a prospective program. All patent owners with a good-faith belief that they own or control AV1 and/or AV2 essential patents are invited to participate in the pool formation discussions.
AV1 adoption is being driven largely by members of the Alliance for Open Media (“AOM”). AOM members such as Google, Meta, and Netflix increasingly utilize AV1 to deliver video, and adoption now spans smart TVs, streaming media players, mobile devices, web browsers, and chipsets. AV2, AOM’s successor to AV1, is expected to follow a similar path toward deployment, with encoder and decoder support building ahead of a wider rollout. As the footprint of both codecs broadens, Access Advance believes the market has a growing need for a transparent and efficient pool licensing solution for devices and software implementing the AV1 and AV2 specifications, consistent with the role of Access Advance’s HEVC and VVC patent pools.
