Landscape Study of HEVC Technology

Description

HEVC (high-efficiency video coding), or H.265, is a video compression standard that stands as a testament to the power of global collaboration. It represents a significant advancement in video compression technology, offering efficient delivery of high-quality video. The HEVC patent landscape showcases a dynamic evolution of innovation, with most patents focusing on three primary techniques: video decoding, video encoding, and predictive coding. These patents, whose filing peaked between 2011 and 2013, coincide with the surge in technological advancements that led to the finalisation of the H.265 standard.

The influence of these patents on the HEVC standard is profound, as they form the foundation of essential video coding processes that have enabled higher compression rates, reduced storage requirements, and improved streaming capabilities. Beneficiaries of these advances include streaming services, broadcasting corporations, and telecommunications companies, which leverage HEVC’s efficient compression algorithms to deliver enhanced video quality under bandwidth constraints.

This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the HEVC patent landscape, examining the critical innovations driving the technology and their implications for the industry. It is based on the analysis of an extensive data set comprising approximately 12,000 patents, of which 4,865 were categorised as directly related to H.265 technology. By delving into filing trends, top contributors, and technological breakthroughs, this report offers a detailed understanding of how patents have shaped and continue to influence the HEVC standard.