Introduction
Welcome to the DVD-Video/ROM disc joint licensing program. Please use the navigation on the right to find all the relevant information related to this program.
If you are a buyer of DVD-Video discs and want to ensure that you are buying licensed products, please visit our special buyer page.
DVD-Video / ROM Disc Patent License
We offer patent licenses to manufacturers of DVD discs. A joint license provides DVD disc manufacturers with all the required Philips, Sony, Pioneer and LGE patents in a package. Please note that separate licenses are also offered by Sony, Pioneer and LGE under their respective patents. For information on the conditions of these separate licenses, please contact these other parties directly.
Philips offers a Philips-only license that covers the Philips patents for DVD-Video/ROM discs. For full details, click DVD Video/ROM Disc (Philips only)
For the dedicated Sony License Program see : http://www.sony.net/license/
Licensing policy
Download request
To download the document, please provide the following information.
Detailed Description
The detailed terms and conditions of the licensing program are described in the patent license agreement that you can find in the patents/agreements section.
Some important information:
The joint DVD-Video Disc and DVD-ROM Disc Patent License Agreement comprises the essential patents of Philips, Sony, Pioneer and LGE. A worldwide list of the essential patents, together with applicable expiry dates is attached to the agreement. Under the terms of the standard license agreement we only require payment of royalties for patents where any of these are actually used – in other words, either in the country of manufacture or in the country of sale.
DVD-Video/ROM disc licensees have at all times the option to transfer to the latest version of the DVD-Video disc and the DVD-ROM Disc Patent License Agreement. In the event of such transfer, we do not require payment of the entrance fee under the new license agreement.
Reference copies of the current version of the Philips DVD Video/ROM Disc Patent License Agreement, together with the relevant Annexes, including worldwide patent lists, can be found in the patents/agreements section and the annexes section. As part of new licenses and as part of settlement of disputes, manufacturers are now required to sign a side-letter setting forth the mandatory LSCD requirement. Such side-letters are also available to existing manufacturers wishing to demonstrate to their customers that they will only ship products covered by a valid LSCD issued by Philips. Manufacturers with this requirement are listed on Philips Licensee database with an asterisk (*). For more information about LSCD’s please visit our Supplier/Buyer page.
The DVD-Video Disc and DVD-ROM Disc Patent License Agreement is offered in conjunction with separate patent license agreements for the use of the AC-3 technology and MPEG-Audio in the manufacture of DVD-Video Players
Patents / Agreements
Below you find patent lists and relevant agreements for DVD-Video/ROM disc.
DVD-Video and DVD-ROM Disc Patent Lists
The essential patents and their expiry dates. Please click the link to open the PDF file..
DVD ROM discs with Single Information Layers
Annex A1- Essential Philips' Patents relevant to DVD ROM discs with Single Information
Layer(s)
Essentiality Report of US Patents mentioned in Annex A1 to the DVD Video/ROM Disc Patent License Agreement, evaluated by Proskauer Rose LLP : Essential Philips' patents relevant to DVD ROM discs with Single Information Layer(s)
Essentiality Report of EP Patents mentioned in Annex A1 to the Philips DVD Video/ROM Disc Patent License Agreement, evaluated by Cohausz & Florack : Essential Philips' patents relevant to DVD ROM discs with Single Information Layer(s)
Annex A1- Essential Sony's Patents relevant to DVD ROM discs with Single Information Layer(s)
Annex A1 - Essential Pioneer's Patents relevant to DVD ROM discs with Single Information
Layer(s)
Annex A1 - Essential LGE's Patents relevant to DVD ROM discs with Single Information Layer(s)
DVD ROM discs with Dual Information Layers
Annex A2 - Essential Philips' Patents relevant to DVD ROM discs with Dual Information Layer(s)
Essentiality Report of US Patents mentioned in Annex A2 to the DVD Video/ROM Disc Patent License Agreement, evaluated by Proskauer Rose LLP : Essential Philips' patents relevant to DVD ROM discs with Dual Information Layer(s)
Essentiality Report of EP Patents mentioned in Annex A2 to the DVD Video/ROM Disc Patent License Agreement, evaluated by Cohausz & Florack : Essential Philips' patents relevant to DVD ROM discs with Dual Information Layer(s)
Annex A2 - Essential Sony's patents relevant to DVD ROM discs with Dual Information Layer(s)
Annex A2 - Essential Pioneer's patents relevant to DVD ROM discs with Dual Information Layer(s)
Annex A2 - Essential LGE's Patents relevant to DVD ROM discs with Dual Information Layer(s)
DVD Video discs with Single Information Layers
Annex A3 - Essential Philips' patents relevant to DVD Video discs with Single Information Layer(s)
Essentiality Report of US Patents mentioned in Annex A3 to the DVD Video/ROM Disc Patent License Agreement, evaluated by Proskauer Rose LLP : Essential Philips' patents relevant to DVD Video discs with Single Information Layer(s)
Essentiality Report of EP Patents mentioned in Annex A3 to the DVD Video/ROM Disc Patent License Agreement, evaluated by Cohausz & Florack: Essential Philips' patents relevant to DVD Video discs with Single Information Layer(s)
Annex A3 - Essential Sony's Patents relevant to DVD Video discs with Single Information Layer(s)
Annex A3 - Essential Pioneer's Patents relevant to DVD Video discs with Single Information Layer(s)
Annex A3 - Essential LGE's Patents relevant to DVD Video discs with Single Information Layer(s)
DVD Video discs with Dual Information Layers
Annex A4 - Essential Philips' Patents relevant to DVD Video discs with Dual Information Layer(s)
Essentiality Report of US Patents mentioned in Annex A4 to the DVD Video/ROM Disc Patent License Agreement, evaluated by Proskauer Rose LLP : Essential Philips' Patents relevant to DVD Video discs with Dual Information Layer(s)
Essentiality Report of EP Patents mentioned in Annex A4 to the DVD Video/ROM Disc Patent License Agreement, evaluated by Cohausz & Florack: Essential Philips' Patents relevant to DVD Video discs with Dual Information Layer(s)
Annex A4 - Essential Sony's Patents relevant to DVD Video discs with Dual Information Layer(s)
Annex A4 - Essential Pioneer's Patents relevant to DVD Video discs with Dual Information Layer(s)
Annex A4 - Essential LGE's Patents relevant to DVD Video discs with Dual Information Layer(s)
AC-3
Annex A - Essential Philips/IRT/France Telecom Patents relevant to DVD Video disc - AC- 3 Audio
Essentiality Report of US Patents mentioned in Annex A to the Patent License Agreement for the use of AC-3 technology in the manufacture of DVD Video discs, evaluated by Proskauer Rose LLP : Essential Philips' patents relevant to DVD Video Disc AC-3 audio
Essentiality Report of EP Patents mentioned in Annex A to the Patent License Agreement for the use of AC-3 technology in the manufacture of DVD Video discs, evaluated by Cohausz & Florack: Essential Philips' patents relevant to DVD Video Disc AC-3 audio
DTS
Philips has decided to suspend the implementation of the DTS Patent License Program in respect of DVD Video Discs until further notice.
MPEG
Annex A - Essential Philips/IRT/France Telecom Patents relevant to DVD Video disc - MPEG audio
Essentiality Report of US Patents mentioned in Annex A to the MPEG Audio Patent License Agreement, evaluated by Proskauer Rose LLP : Essential Philips' patents relevant to DVD Video disc - MPEG Audio
Essentiality Report of EP Patents mentioned in Annex A to the MPEG Audio Patent License Agreement, evaluated by Cohausz & Florack: Essential Philips' patents relevant to DVD Video disc - MPEG Audio
+ link to change history of patent lists
Agreements
Reference copies of current version of the DVD-Video Disc and DVD-ROM Disc License Agreement, and the AC-3 and MPEG-Audio patent license agreements. Please click the link to open the PDF file.
Note : These versions are intended for prospective licensees:
DVD-Video and DVD-ROM Disc Patent License Agreement
+ Manufacturer located in U.S.A
DVD Video Disc and DVD ROM Disc Patent License Agreement (Philips/Sony/Pioneer/LGE) - USA -
+ Manufacturer located in Rest of the World
DVD Video Disc and DVD ROM Disc Patent License Agreement (Philips/Sony/Pioneer/LGE) - Rest of the World -
Note : These versions are intended for Licensees that switch from the 3C agreement to the 4C agreement
DVD-Video and DVD-ROM Disc Patent License Agreement
+ Manufacturer located in U.S.A
DVD Video Disc and DVD ROM Disc Patent License Agreement (Philips/Sony/Pioneer/LGE) - USA -
+ Manufacturer located in Rest of the World
DVD Video Disc and DVD ROM Disc Patent License Agreement (Philips/Sony/Pioneer/LGE) - Rest of the World -
Letter Agreement
Letter Agreement to the DVD Video ROM Disc Patent License Agreement patent-non patent countries.
AC-3
Patent License Agreement for the use of AC-3 technology in the manufacture of DVD-Video ROM Discs
+ Manufacturer located in U.S.A.
Patent License Agreement for the use of AC-3 technology in the manufacture of DVD-Video Discs (Philips/IRT/France Telecom) - USA -
+ Manufacturer located in Rest of the World
Patent License Agreement for the use of AC-3 technology in the manufacture of DVD-Video Discs (Philips/IRT/France Telecom) - Rest of the World -
DTS
Philips has decided to suspend the implementation of the DTS Patent License Program with respect to DVD Video Discs until further notice.
MPEG
MPEG Audio Patent License Agreement
+ Manufacturer located in U.S.A. / Rest of the World
MPEG Audio Patent License Agreement (Philips/IRT/France Telecom) - USA/Rest of the World -
NOTE :
To view Royalty Reporting Forms, Audit Guidelines, Manufacturing Equipment list and Side Letters go to section Annexes
Annexes
Royalty Reporting Form
Annex B1: The Royalty Reporting Form DVD Disc/AC3/MPEG - future reporting -
Annex B1: The Royalty Reporting Form DVD Disc/AC3/MPEG - past use –
Annex B1: The Royalty Reporting Form - USA –
Annex B1 : Royalty Reporting Form DVD Discs supplied to Warner (3C)
Annex B1 : Royalty Reporting Form DVD Discs supplied to Warner (4C)
Royalty Reporting Forms related to the Letter Agreement patent-non patent countries
Annex B1 : Royalty Reporting Form DVD Discs/AC3/MPEG patent-non patent countries - future reporting -
Annex B1 : Royalty Reporting Form DVD Discs/AC3/MPEG patent-non patent countries - past use reporting -
Audit Guidelines
Annex B2 Audit Guidelines - Rest of the World –
Annex B2 Audit Guidelines - United Kingdom -
Manufacturing Equipment list
Annex B3 Manufacturing Equipment List
Side letters
Side letter DVD-Discs supplied to Warner (3C)
Side letter DVD-Discs supplied to Warner (4C)
Pricing Information
The royalty rate is determined by two key factors:
1) Functionality of the product.
A regular DVD disc contains DVD-Video and makes use of AC-3 technology
2) Status of the licensee
If the company fulfills certain conditions, such as complete, true and accurate reporting and timely payment, reward rates are available. Otherwise the standard rate applies.
Note of caution
Compliance reward royalty rates are only made available to licensees who are in FULL compliance with their obligations under the license agreement.
Regular DVD-Video ROM Disc | JOINT standard rate |
JOINT Compliance Reward Rate |
DVD Video | 0.0250 USD | 0.01875 USD |
AC-3 (>3 chan) | 0.0030 USD | 0.00300 USD |
Sum | 0.0280 USD | 0.02175 USD |
Note: In the event of any discrepancy in respect of the above information with relevant license agreements, the license agreements shall prevail. All terms and conditions will be subject to relevant license agreements.
Overview of royalty rates for all formats
+ link to overview of royalty rates for all formats
Services / Information
Ordering & Services:
We provide a number of services for optical disc and drive manufacturers. These include:
· Physical and logical verification
· Specification documents
· Test discs
· Tools
. Ordering specifications
For more information go to the Ordering & Services section
FAQ
Are you a buyer?
Please visit our special buyer page.
What is the SID code?
The CD replication industry developed a code system (SID code also known as IFPI code) to be employed by CD, DVD & SA-CD manufacturing plants to identify all discs mastered and/or replicated in their plant. Each CD-, DVD- and SA-CD manufacturing facility around the world has their own unique code and this enables the music industry to trace the origin of CDs.
The Source IDentification Code (SID Code) provides an optical disc production facility with the means to identify:
- all discs mastered and/or replicated in its plant;
- and the individual Laser Beam Recorder (LBR) signal processor or mould that produced a particular stamper or disc.
Each production facility that wishes to implement the use of the SID Code is issued with its own unique code(s). The SID Code was developed for use with the CD format, but is now being used for both CD and High Density disc formats, including DVD and Super Audio CD.
The SID Code was developed jointly by rights owners and the optical disc industry, primarily as an anti-piracy tool. However, since its introduction in 1994, the SID Code has proved a major benefit to optical disc producers. Its use both as a quality control tool and as a marketing tool has ensured that the SID Code, which was introduced on a purely voluntary basis, has now been implemented in over 80% of the world’s optical disc plants, representing over 90% of worldwide optical disc manufacturing capacity.
Link to IFPI
Document: SID code implementation guide
Document: Application form SID code
Document: Good Business Practices for optical disc mastering & manufacturing plants
Who owns and licenses the DVD Video and the DVD-ROM logo?
The DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation (DVD FLLC) owns the DVD specifications and associated DVD logos.
The DVD format and Logo License, which defines the conditions under which the DVD specifications (excluding DVD+RW and DVD+R) and associated DVD logos can be used is handled by the DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation (DVD FLLC). Patent licenses are explicitly excluded from this license. Specifications and logo use for the DVD+RW and DVD+R formats are handled by Philips.
For more information on DVD specification and logo use (excluding DVD+RW and DVD+R) contact: DVD FLLC, Daimon Urbanist Bldg. 6F, 2-3-6 Shibadaimon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0012, Japan; Tel: +81-3-5777-2883; Fax: +81-3-5777-2884
For more information on DVD+RW and DVD+R specification and logo use:See other sections on this website for details or Contact Us
What other parties or companies have a licensing program for DVD?
This question is asked frequently and below we give an overview, after stating that this is by no means a comprehensive overview.
6C DVD player and disc licensing
The licensing program of originally 6 companies (hence 6C) which has grown to 9 companies: Hitachi, Ltd., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (Panasonic), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sharp Corporation, Toshiba Corporation, Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. (JVC) and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc. and since November 2006 Samsung Electronics Co.
For information visit: www.dvd6cla.com or contact: TOSHIBA CORPORATION, DVD Business Promotion and Support, 1-1, Shibaura 1-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-01, JAPAN, Fax +81-3-5444-9430, Tel +81-3-3457-2473 or one of the other companies concerned.
Discovision DVD player and disc licensing
DISCOVISION ASSOCIATES have yet to announce their DVD-ROM and DVD-Video patent license programs. Their website: www.discovision.com
Thomson (or 1C) DVD player and disc Licensing
THOMSON MULTIMEDIA has announced its DVD-ROM and DVD-Video patent license programs. The contact: Alfred Chaouat, Vice President Intellectual Property and Licensing, 46 Quai Alphonse Le Gallo 92648 Boulogne Cedex FRANCE Fax +33-1-4186-5637 Tel +33-1-4186-5284 e-mail alfred.chaouat@thomson.net
Macrovision DVD analog copy protection licensing
A DVD analog copy protection (encoder) system license from MACROVISION CORPORATION (USA). Product certification is mandatory (applicable for DVD player and DVD disc manufacturers only, but not restricted to these categories). Their website: www.macrovision.com
DVD Content Scrambling (CSS) Licensing
DVD Content Scrambling System (CSS) applicable for DVD player and DVD disc manufacturers but not restricted to these categories. Their website: www.dvdcca.com
MPEG-LA MPEG-2 Video licensing
A joint license program of a number of companies, including PHILIPS, holding essential MPEG-2 Video patents has been negotiated successfully in the MPEG Intellectual Property Rights Working Group. The MPEG Licensing Agency MPEG-2 is appointed to license the essential patents. (applicable for DVD player and DVD disc manufacturers but not restricted to these categories) Their website: www.mpegla.com
Dolby Digital (AC-3) licensing
A Dolby Digital (AC-3) license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation (USA). Product certification is mandatory (optionally for DVD player manufacturers, but not restricted to this category). Their website: www.dolby.com/professional/licensing_trademark/basics.html
note: Other companies, including Philips, also have patents related to the AC-3 technology. See the DVD Player and DVD Disc programs
Does Philips provide Formatters for mastering systems?
Yes. For info go to our Mastering/Analyzers page
Information and contact
General Licensing information
This document explains our main principles for administering licensing programs related to CD, DVD and Blu-ray Disc. This document is for information purposes only.