Achtung, Baby: Netflix Loses Patent Dispute to Broadcom in Germany, Ordered to Stop Using HEVC to Stream 4K

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Munich court tells Netflix to stop using H.265 video coding to stream UHD

Netflix's Los Angeles office
(Image credit: Netflix)

A Munich, Germany, court has ordered Netflix to stop using high-efficiency video coding (HEVC) to stream 4K video locally, siding with technology company Broadcom in a dispute over patent infringement.

Also read our updated Nov. 13 coverage: Netflix Loses Another Ruling in German HEVC Patent Dispute With Broadcom

HEVC is also known as H.265, the video compression standard that's up to 50% more efficient than previous standards like Advanced Video Coding (AVC). 

“Netflix has built a robust video streaming business that relies on Broadcom’s patented technology to deliver content to its users, and Broadcom is pleased to see this recognized by the German court,” Mark Terrano, VP and general manager of Broadcom’s Intellectual Property and Licensing Division, said in a statement.

Netflix has yet to publicly comment on the injunction.

Netflix and Broadcom have been beefing since 2018, with the video tech company also contesting Dutch and U.S. patents related to HEVC. 

Meta technologist David Ronca, who used to be Netflix's top video engineer, had this to say on LinkedIn Tuesday:

Daniel Frankel
Daniel Frankel

Daniel Frankel is the managing editor of Next TV, an internet publishing vertical focused on the business of video streaming. A Los Angeles-based writer and editor who has covered the media and technology industries for more than two decades, Daniel has worked on staff for publications including E! Online, Electronic Media, Mediaweek, Variety, paidContent and GigaOm. You can start living a healthier life with greater wealth and prosperity by following Daniel on Twitter today!