Fraunhoffer and Dolby try to collect royalties on the Opus codec

London, UK:

UK-based IP licensing and technology company Vectis IP today announced a patent call essential to the Opus codec. The upcoming patent pool license will cover the Opus interactive voice and audio codec, as defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force. Early participants in the potential Vectis IP pool include Fraunhofer and Dolby. The planned Opus program will focus on hardware devices and will not be geared towards open source software, applications, services or content.

"We are delighted to act as administrators in the development of this important patent pool which aims to support efficient, fair and transparent access to hundreds of patents covering technologies used in the Opus codec," Giustino said. de Sanctis, CEO of Vectis IP. "The reasonable royalty rates of this pool will balance the interests of program innovators and end-user device manufacturers whose products benefit from the use of these patented technologies."

Vectis IP expects to launch the program in the coming months and for the program to include access to hundreds of patents with a royalty rate in the range of 15 to 20 c€ per unit . Royalties for voluntary licensees will be applicable upon program launch, with further incentives available for licensees who quickly execute a pool license.

Vectis IP invites other innovators holding Opus-essential patents to submit applications for consideration in the program at opus@vectis.com.

About Vectis IP Ltd

Vectis IP is a UK based IP licensing and technology company. Vectis IP supports a level playing field for IP owners and implementers and is dedicated to finding collaborative and balanced licensing solutions. With a global reach, its seasoned management team has led the formation and management of numerous patent pools and programs in telecommunications and consumer electronics. In addition to developing a patent pool for Opus, Vectis IP is currently working on programs spanning imaging, video, communications, e-commerce and networking technologies.

Contact

Vectis IP LtdSandro Spina, Licensing Director+44-7899354712spinas@vectis.com