Access Advance Launches AV1 and AV2 Patent Pool Exploration
Access Advance LLC has launched an exploratory phase for a potential new patent pool covering devices and software that implement the AV1 and newly released AV2 video codec specifications. The initiative comes as AV1 adoption continues to expand across the technology industry, while AV2 is expected to see broader deployment in the coming years.
During this initial phase, Access Advance will engage with market participants to understand industry requirements and gather feedback on the potential licensing program. The company plans to hold discussions with patent owners and other stakeholders regarding the possible scope, structure, and commercial terms of a future AV1/AV2 patent pool.
Access Advance has invited patent owners that have a good-faith belief that they own or control patents essential to AV1 and/or AV2 to participate in the pool formation discussions.
Growing Adoption of AV1
AV1 adoption has accelerated significantly, driven in part by members of the Alliance for Open Media (AOM). Major technology and content companies, including Google, Meta, and Netflix, have increasingly adopted AV1 for video delivery and streaming applications.
The codec is now being implemented across a broad range of products and platforms, including smart TVs, streaming media players, mobile devices, web browsers, and semiconductor chipsets. This expanding ecosystem indicates that AV1 is becoming an increasingly important technology for modern video distribution.
As more manufacturers and software developers adopt AV1, the number of products potentially requiring consideration of related patent rights is also increasing.
AV2 Expected to Drive the Next Wave
AV2 is the successor to AV1 and is expected to follow a similar path toward adoption. Although widespread commercial deployment is still developing, encoder and decoder support is expected to grow as technology companies prepare for broader implementation.
The release of the AV2 specification has prompted Access Advance to begin exploring a licensing framework that could address patent rights associated with both generations of the codec.
By considering AV1 and AV2 together, Access Advance aims to provide a potential centralized licensing solution as the video codec ecosystem evolves.
Addressing the “Royalty-Free” Perception
One of the key issues highlighted by Access Advance is the common perception that AV1 and AV2 are completely “royalty-free.” According to the company, this perception does not necessarily account for patents owned by companies outside the Alliance for Open Media.
AOM members have made royalty-free commitments covering certain intellectual property associated with the technologies. However, companies that are not AOM members may own patents that are essential to implementing AV1 or AV2 and may not have made similar commitments.
As a result, manufacturers, software developers, and other implementers could potentially face licensing requirements or patent infringement risks involving patents held by third parties.
Need for a Centralized Licensing Solution
Access Advance believes that the growing adoption of AV1 and the expected adoption of AV2 create a need for a transparent and efficient licensing mechanism.
A patent pool could bring together patents from multiple owners under a centralized licensing framework, potentially allowing companies implementing the codecs to obtain licenses more efficiently rather than negotiating separately with numerous patent holders.
Peter Moller, CEO of Access Advance, emphasized the importance of such a mechanism as codec adoption expands.
“As adoption of AV1 accelerates, with AV2 adoption expected in the near future, device and software makers need a clear, centralized way to license patents held outside AOM’s royalty-free commitments,” Moller said.
He added that Access Advance expects broad participation from potential licensors and believes a future pool could address the interests of both patent owners and technology implementers.
Potential AV2 Expansion of the VDP Pool
Access Advance also expects that licensors participating in its existing Video Distribution Patent (VDP) Pool may approve adding AV2 coverage to the VDP Pool license in 2027.
The VDP Pool currently provides licensing coverage for VP9, AV1, HEVC, and VVC codecs. Adding AV2 would expand the range of video technologies covered by the program and could provide another licensing option for companies using multiple video codecs.
The potential AV2 expansion remains subject to approval by the relevant licensors.
Access Advance’s Existing Licensing Programs
Access Advance is an independent licensing administrator focused on developing and managing patent pools for major video codec technologies. Its programs are designed to provide licensing mechanisms for both patent owners and companies implementing standardized video technologies.
The company currently manages the HEVC Advance Patent Pool, which covers more than 30,000 patents essential to HEVC/H.265 technology. It also administers the VVC Advance Patent Pool, which covers more than 6,200 patents essential to VVC/H.266 technology.
In addition, Access Advance operates a Multi-Codec Bridging Agreement that provides eligible licensees with a discounted royalty structure when they participate in both the HEVC Advance and VVC Advance pools.
Supporting Video Streaming and Distribution
Access Advance also manages the Video Distribution Patent Pool, which provides a licensing solution for video streaming services using HEVC, VVC, VP9, and AV1.
The company has further expanded its licensing activities through the acquisition of the administrator of Via LA’s HEVC/VVC patent pool. The program now operates under the name VCL Advance, or Video Codec Licensing.
These existing programs form the broader foundation for Access Advance’s work in video codec patent licensing and provide experience that could inform the development of a future AV1/AV2 pool.
What the Exploration Phase Means
The current initiative does not represent the final launch of an AV1/AV2 patent pool. Instead, the exploratory phase is intended to determine market interest and gather feedback before a formal licensing program is established.
Access Advance will engage with potential licensors and other industry participants to evaluate the potential scope and structure of the pool. Discussions are expected to help identify essential patent holders, understand market requirements, and develop licensing terms that are workable for both patent owners and implementers.
Looking Ahead
The growing adoption of AV1 and the development of AV2 highlight the continuing evolution of video compression technology. As streaming services, connected devices, browsers, and other digital platforms increasingly rely on advanced codecs, efficient patent licensing is becoming an important consideration for technology companies.
Through its exploratory AV1/AV2 patent pool initiative, Access Advance is seeking to create a centralized approach to licensing patents that may fall outside existing AOM royalty-free commitments.
Patent owners interested in participating in the pool formation discussions can contact Access Advance at The company will continue engaging with industry participants as it evaluates the potential development of a new AV1/AV2 licensing program.
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