Huawei Enters Patent License Agreement for Fraunhofer IIS MPEG-4 Audio Patent Portfolio

Erlangen, Germany -- February 26, 2018 -- Global communications equipment provider Huawei has entered into a worldwide patent license agreement with the renowned developer of audio and media technologies, Fraunhofer IIS, for Fraunhofer's MPEG-4 Audio patent portfolio. The license agreement addresses past and future use of Fraunhofer's MPEG-4 Audio patent portfolio in Huawei's products.

“We are delighted that Huawei has chosen to license our MPEG-4 Audio patent portfolio for this important and innovative technology, which, to date, has been implemented in more than ten billion devices worldwide,” said Stefan Geyersberger, Head of Patents and Licensing and Deputy Division Director Audio and Media Technologies of Fraunhofer IIS.

Fraunhofer IIS is one of the main developers of the MPEG-4 Audio codec family. The audio codecs are used in communications services, TV, radio and streaming services worldwide. The codecs combine high quality audio with low bit rates and advanced features enabling an impressive audio experience for communication systems, broadcast and streaming.

By making these technologies accessible as open standards, smartphone manufacturers like Huawei are provided the opportunity to successfully enter ever-expanding markets globally. Fraunhofer IIS is committed to maintaining a level playing field in the market place by making its MPEG-4 Audio patent portfolio available through its pool and individual patent licensing programs on FRAND terms.

Through the granting of licenses, Fraunhofer receives the necessary resources to reinvest in the research and development of next generation audio and media technologies, and, in turn, secure its position as the worldwide leading competence center in the field of audio coding and signal processing.