Dev Tools · 19h ago
Last MPEG-4 Visual Patent Expires, Opening Codec for Free Use
The final patent covering MPEG-4 Visual (Advanced Simple Profile) has expired, ending decades of licensing fees. This allows unrestricted use of the codec in software and hardware without royalty payments. Developers can now integrate MPEG-4 Visual without legal or financial barriers.
Meridian48 take
While the expiration is a win for open standards, MPEG-4 Visual is largely obsolete compared to modern codecs like AV1 and HEVC, limiting practical impact.
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