Microsoft VC-1 Codec May Face Patent Suits

REDMOND, Wash. — Microsoft may be finding itself in the middle of a costly legal battle soon over the VC-1 video codec, based on Windows Media Version 9 and recently adopted by the Society of Motion Pictures and Television Engineers as an industry standard.

Rethink Research revealed in late January that the software giant’s codec is currently the target of claims from 12 separate companies that the new standard relied on their technology. The claims are currently on file with the MPEG Licensing Authority, an industry organization specializing in one-stop codec licensing agreements.

While MPEG LA would not comment on the claims or name the companies involved, they did tell Rethink’s Faultline news service that there were ongoing negotiations to create a “fair” license.

Speculation on the companies involved include those with prior MPEG codecs, including Samsung, Sharp, Philips, Sony and Toshiba.

Insiders at MPEG LA are now saying that the talks have broken down and at least two of the companies, thought to be Sony and Philips, are considering litigation against Microsoft.

The two companies received at least $440 million as part of an out-of-court settlement with Microsoft in April for another patent infringement claim related to Digital Rights Management concepts.

Sony and Philips have not yet commented on the most recent issue, but a legal squabble over VC-1 technology may have grave implications for the video community. Currently, the VC-1 codec is used on approximately 400 million different devices and was recently adopted by both the Blu-ray Disc Association and HD-DVD for use in their high-definition, high-capacity optical storage standards.

“Questions need to be asked such as : ‘Did Microsoft have access to this technology? Would interference suits against Microsoft filings mean that many of its inventions reverted to other companies? How might a court allocate damages? What other remedies would a court impose if it found Microsoft guilty of patent infringement?’,” said Rethink. “This last could include a consent decree to keep out of the digital market entirely.”

A court ruling against Microsoft in the case could result in licensing fees for all new copies of Media Player and as much as $5 billion in damages.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Taylor Nicole Launches New Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Creator Taylor Nicole has launched her new official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Adult Networking Platform SpicyGigs.com Launches

SpicyGigs, a new adult industry networking platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Cream Pie Challenge' Fundraiser

Pineapple Support is hosting its Cream Pie Challenge through August to raise funds for mental health services for industry performers.

Kyrgyzstan President Signs Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday signed into law legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

NC Legislature Overrides Veto of Extreme Anti-Adult Industry Bill

The North Carolina state legislature on Tuesday voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill imposing regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most creators and content.

Report: VPN Downloads Soar in UK Following Age Verification Deadline

Virtual private network apps, which can be used to circumvent geo-specific age verification requirements, are topping Apple App Store downloads in the U.K. in the wake of new Online Safety Act rules, the BBC is reporting.

Strike 3 Holdings Sues Meta for Pirating Vixen Media Group Content to Train AI

Vixen Media Group owner Strike 3 Holdings filed suit in federal court this week, accusing Facebook parent company Meta of copyright infringement and alleging that Meta has extensively pirated VMG content to train its artificial intelligence models.

Pineapple Support, Streamate to Host 'Navigating Grief and Loss' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Streamate are hosting a free online support group to help performers cope with grief and loss.

Friday is Final AV Compliance Deadline in UK

Friday, July 25 marks U.K. media regulator Ofcom’s deadline for user-to-user services such as tube, cam and fan sites to implement its requisite “highly effective age assurance” measures for preventing minors from viewing adult content.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for May, June

AEBN has released the top search terms for the months of May and June from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Show More