Codec Licensing Clarification Guide

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DaVinci Resolve says it exports under h.* but can be used for commercial purposes, does this mean they paid the h.* license for me?
Hello Sean, your question is quite specific. Generally, software companies pay licensing fees for codecs like h.*. However, it would be best to directly contact DaVinci Resolve or view their license agreement for clarification.
And what about Toonsquid?
Hello Sean, similar to DaVinci Resolve, Toonsquid may also have paid licensing fees for codecs. However, it's advisable to review their license agreement or get in touch with them directly for a precise answer.
Ok well Toonsquid says I can sell animations I make on there
Hello Sean, if Toonsquid gives you permission to sell your animations, it's usually legal. However, ensure to:
- Review their terms and conditions
- Keep a record of their permission
- Check if they require a share of your profits or any fees.
They don’t, but since I’m planning to use it I’m just wanting to make sure if I make them commercial use
Hello Sean, if Toonsquid doesn't require any fees for commercial use, you can sell your animations. However, it's always wise to:
- Document their policy
- Regularly check for updates in their terms
- Consider seeking legal advice for a thorough understanding.
And if I was told I violated patent rules it would be their responsibility? Because I followed the app terms of service and did what they told me is allowed
Hello Sean, generally, if you strictly adhered to the app's terms of service, the responsibility would lie with the app provider. However, the specifics can vary. Therefore, consider:
- Consulting with a patent attorney
- Keeping a copy of the terms of service
- Documenting all your actions in line with the terms.
So if an app that uses h.* says you can make videos commercial use/sell them then I can do so without having to worry about patents?
Hello Sean, generally, if the app's terms of service permit you to commercially use/sell videos made using h.*, it implies they've taken care of patent aspects. However, specifics may vary. It's advisable to:
- Review their terms regularly
- Consult with a patent attorney
- Keep a record of their permission.
And if its included in its frequently asked questions?
Hello Sean, if the app's Terms of Service or Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) clearly state you can sell or use the videos commercially, it generally means you can. However, it's wise to:
- Keep a copy of these terms and FAQs
- Check regularly for updates
- Consult a patent attorney for further clarity.
So if the app terms of service or official answers in frequently asked questions say I can sell/use content made on the app for commercial purposes it means the video codec patents are covered by them?
Yes, generally if the terms of service allow you to use/sell content made on the app for commercial purposes, they should cover video codec patents. However, it could vary based on the specific terms of service. Can you share your location to provide more specific information?
USA
In the USA:
- Patent infringement is a complex issue.
- Generally, app developers are responsible for securing patent rights.
- However, reading the TOS and any other agreements carefully is important.
- If in doubt, consulting with a patent attorney is recommended.
Please note this is general information and not legal advice.
I’m saying if the tos/faq of an app says I can sell/use the video for commercial purposes they paid MPEG LA licensing for h.* for me?
Yes, if the terms of service (TOS)/FAQs of an app state that you can sell/use the video for commercial purposes, it generally implies they've obtained necessary licensing, such as MPEG LA for h.*. However, it's always prudent to directly confirm with the app's team.
Meaning I won’t have to pay royalties/licensing myself?
Yes, if the app's terms of service state that they cover the necessary licensing, you shouldn't have to pay royalties/licensing fees yourself. However, it's always a good idea to confirm this directly with the app developers.
Well it just says I can sell/use for commercial purposes so I was asking
If the app's terms of service explicitly state you can sell/use content for commercial purposes, it generally means they've covered patent licensing, such as h.*. However, to ensure no legal issues, it's best to directly contact the app's team for confirmation.
Meaning they paid it for me?
Yes, typically, if an app's terms of service specify you can sell/use content for commercial purposes, it means they've handled licensing fees like those for h.*. Always verify with the app's team to avoid legal issues.
Does this include other codecs like h.*?
The same principle applies to h.* or any other codecs. If the app's terms of service state you can sell/use the content for commercial purposes, it generally means they've handled the necessary licensing. However, it's advisable to confirm this with the app's developers.