InterDigital Disney patent injunction targets VP9 codec and Up-Next features

This escalation demonstrates the difficulty streaming platforms face when attempting to bypass hardware-level patent disputes through software-based codec swaps. By targeting VP9, InterDigital is effectively closing the technical loophole Disney used to restore 4K UHD support after losing its HEVC rights. This aggressive litigation strategy at the Unified Patent Court signals a shift where patent holders can now disrupt service features across multiple European territories simultaneously. The outcome will likely force Disney into a licensing agreement similar to those already signed by Amazon Prime. Watch for the Mannheim local division's decision on the preliminary injunction, which could result in a total blackout of high-resolution Disney+ content in the German market.

InterDigital has built a broad enforcement campaign around video codec patents at the Unified Patent Court, targeting multiple streaming platforms beyond Disney. In early 2025, InterDigital secured a UPC injunction against Amazon over HEVC-related patents, which pressured Amazon into a licensing agreement covering its Prime Video service across European markets. The company's patent portfolio spans HEVC, VVC, and VP9 standards, and its litigation strategy has focused on streaming services that use these codecs without taking licenses through established pools like Access Advance or Via LA. Disney's attempt to sidestep the HEVC ruling by switching to VP9 represents exactly the kind of workaround InterDigital's multi-codec portfolio is designed to block.

The VP9 patent landscape has become a contested area as streaming platforms seek alternatives to HEVC licensing. Access Advance launched its VP9 patent pool in 2024, attracting licensors including InterDigital, signaling that patent holders view VP9 as a monetizable standard rather than a royalty-free alternative. Google, which developed VP9, has historically positioned it as an open codec, but third-party patent holders have consistently asserted that their essential patents cover VP9 implementations regardless of Google's licensing posture. InterDigital's VP9 portfolio was identified as among the largest declared essential patent families in a 2024 analysis by IPlytics, giving the company significant leverage against any platform relying on VP9 as a licensing workaround.

The Unified Patent Court's preliminary injunction mechanism has proven particularly effective for patent holders in codec disputes, enabling rapid enforcement across multiple EU member states from a single filing. The UPC's Mannheim local division has become a preferred venue for patent holders seeking injunctive relief in technology disputes, with judges known for granting preliminary measures when infringement appears likely on the merits. For Disney, the stakes extend beyond Germany: a UPC injunction can be enforced across all participating member states simultaneously, potentially affecting Disney+ availability in France, Italy, the Netherlands, and other markets. The case also raises broader questions about codec switching as a litigation defense, a strategy that other streaming platforms facing patent assertions may be watching closely.