Description
To identify relevant patents, comprehensive searches were conducted across multiple patent databases using a combination of search strings, IPC/CPC classifications, and HEVC–specific keywords.
To determine the essentiality of a patent, each claim is compared to the H.265 standard to identify whether the patented claim’s elements are present in the standard. Essentiality is checked with respect to all versions of HEVC, respectively, as improvements have been gradually implemented to address evolving technological demands in HEVC.
Patented claim is compared to the standard, and if every element of the claim aligns with the H.265 specifications, the patent is considered essential. On the other hand, if any element is not present or there is a contradiction between the claim and the standard (e.g., conflicting requirements or descriptions), the patent is considered non-essential. This manual evaluation process ensures that only patents fully aligned with the H.265 standard’s requirements are classified as essential.
Frequently asked questions
What does this report tell me about Microsoft’s HEVC patents?
It sets out an essentiality analysis of Microsoft’s portfolio against the HEVC/H.265 standard. A total of 60 active granted patents related to HEVC were identified. Each was assessed by mapping its independent claim elements to the relevant sections of the standard, so results are tied to specific text rather than to broad categories. The analysis shows where Microsoft’s claims align with the standard and how its work relates to high efficiency video coding.
How are the patents grouped in the analysis?
Grouping follows the main technical areas of the standard: block based coding, predictive coding, transformation and quantization, multi-layer and filtering. Each patent is placed in the area its claims address, which shows how the portfolio spreads across the standard. The same grouping is used across these HEVC assessments, so one portfolio can be compared with another on the same basis. Within each area, results still rest on the claim by claim mapping.
What decisions does this report support?
It supports decisions that depend on knowing how a portfolio maps to HEVC. Typical uses include preparing for licensing discussions, reviewing a portfolio before a transaction, testing public statements about patent strength, and planning where to file next. Technical teams also use it to see which parts of the standard a company has worked on. Because the method and criteria are stated, each classification can be reviewed rather than taken on trust.
How is the report obtained?
Through a request on the contact page of this website. Explain what you need and the team will reply with the details and confirm what the analysis includes. Scope can be adjusted, so the review can be narrowed to particular HEVC areas or applied to a different portfolio. The page carries no download, because each report is discussed and prepared around the request.
