Arizona Tribune - Access Advance Applauds Historic Preliminary Injunction in German HEVC Enforcement Action Against Roku

The injunction for infringement of EP 2 777 270, a patent essential to the HEVC/H.265 video coding standard, is believed to be the first preliminary injunction ever granted on a standard-essential patent, or SEP, in Germany -- and the first such ruling in Europe.

"Today's ruling reflects the strength of our Licensors' HEVC portfolios and the importance of respecting patent rights in global markets," said Peter Moller, CEO of Access Advance. "This outcome reinforces why efficient licensing platforms like Access Advance exist -- to ensure fair competition, broad access to essential technologies, and reduced litigation for the entire industry."

Multiple Access Advance Licensors have initiated claims against Roku for infringing HEVC patents since May 2024. Dolby's preliminary injunction follows its June 2025 motion seeking interim relief and reflects the Munich court's determination that an immediate injunction was warranted.

The preliminary injunction represents a breakthrough in SEP enforcement in Europe. In this case, Roku's pursuit of anti-suit relief and an interim license in a U.S. court combined with a recent ruling by the German Federal Court of Justice upholding the asserted patent's validity opened the window for urgent action by Dolby. While the Munich court has not published the grounds for its judgment yet, the fact that an injunction was issued demonstrates that the court considered Roku unwilling to take a license. Roku can appeal the decision.

Three court systems globally have granted preliminary injunctions based on infringement of SEPs, with Germany following earlier rulings in Brazil and Colombia. These decisions underscore the seriousness with which courts may respond when an implementer refuses to engage constructively in FRAND licensing negotiations.

"Access Advance patent pools exist to promote innovation and reduce licensing costs and litigation by allowing companies to obtain licenses to the essential patents of multiple Licensors through a single agreement," Moller said. "By making essential technologies widely and efficiently accessible, patent pools enable broader industry-wide standardization. That benefits consumers through increased device interoperability and innovation."

Dolby was represented by Bardehle Pagenberg.

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About Access Advance

Access Advance LLC is an independent licensing administrator company formed to lead the development, administration, and management of patent pools for licensing essential patents of the most important video codec technologies. Access Advance provides a transparent and efficient licensing mechanism for both patent owners and patent implementers.

Access Advance manages and administers the HEVC Advance Patent Pool for licensing over 29,000 patents essential to HEVC/H.265 technology and the VVC Advance Patent Pool for licensing over 4,500 patents essential to VVC/H.266 technology. The company's Multi-Codec Bridging Agreement provides eligible licensees with a single discounted royalty rate structure for licensees participating in both the HEVC Advance and VVC Advance pools. In addition, Access Advance offers the Video Distribution Patent Pool, a comprehensive licensing solution for video streaming services covering HEVC, VVC, VP9, and AV1 codecs. For more information, please visit: www.accessadvance.com.

Media Contact:
Meredith Hollander
Director, Strategic Communications
Access Advance LLC
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.accessadvance.com

Licensing Inquiries:
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: Access Advance

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

R.Garcia--AT