H264 Licensing Fee Exemptions

Summary

H.264 is a video compression standard often used for streaming. Licensing fees arent required for internet broadcasts free to end users, including monetized YouTube and Twitch livestreams. Fees apply to selling H.264 encoders/decoders, subscription-based services, and pay-per-view. Trailers for your own films or web series, if freely accessible, also fall under the exemption. Always consult a local copyright attorney to confirm.

Full Conversation

I live in United States. I have questionS about h.*. So monetized YouTube videos with h.* don’t require licensing fees if they are free to the viewers?
Hello ****, in general:
- H.* is a video compression standard that's often used for streaming video.
- As per MPEG LA's policy, licensing fees aren't required for internet broadcasting when it's free to end users.
- This includes monetized YouTube videos.
Please verify this with a local copyright attorney.
Internet broadcasting?
Yes, ****. Internet broadcasting refers to the distribution of multimedia content through the internet. This includes activities such as streaming on platforms like YouTube, which is covered under the H.* license exemption for free-to-end-user internet broadcasts.
What DOES require licensing fees for h.* videos?
Hello ****, H.* licensing fees apply to:
- Selling H.* encoders and decoders
- Broadcast services with subscription charges
- Pay-per-view services
It's best to consult a local copyright attorney to understand this better.
What is pay-per-view services?
Pay-per-view services are a type of broadcasting where viewers pay a fee to access specific content, usually live events or special programming. This is different from free-to-view content, where access is available to anyone without a fee.
What about YouTube and Twitch livestreams that are free to watch?
Hello ****, YouTube and Twitch livestreams that are free to watch typically fall under the H.* license exemption for free-to-end-user internet broadcasts. However, it's always best to consult with a local copyright attorney to confirm.
Meaning I can monetize those without having to pay licensing fees for h.*?
Yes, ****. As per MPEG LA's policy, internet broadcasts that are free to end-users, including monetized YouTube and Twitch livestreams, are not typically subject to H.* licensing fees. Please consult a local copyright attorney to confirm.
What about videos that are trailers to films or web series (that I make not someone else’s)
Hello ****, trailers to your own films or web series, if they are freely accessible to viewers, would typically fall under the H.* license exemption. But, as always, it's advisable to check with a local copyright attorney to ensure you're following all legal guidelines.
So like on social media I can post a trailer of a film or web series I’m making that’s free to watch on YouTube that’s under h.* since both the trailer and the project are free to watch?
Yes, ****. Generally, posting a trailer of your own film or web series on social media that's free to watch on YouTube and uses H.* should not require licensing fees. However, you should consult with a local copyright attorney to confirm.
What does MPEG LA say?
MPEG LA states that H.* licensing fees aren't required for Internet broadcasts that are free to viewers. This includes monetized YouTube videos, Twitch livestreams, and your own trailers posted on social media. Always consult a local copyright attorney to confirm.
Ok thank you
You're welcome, ****! If you have any more questions about legal issues in the future, don't hesitate to reach out. Good luck with your projects!