MPEG LA releases systems license

MPEG LA, a group representing patent holders of emerging digital media standard MPEG-4, on Tuesday issued terms for its systems portfolio license, a key piece to promoting the adoption of the compression technology. MPEG LA represents 18 patent holders, including Apple Computer and Sun Microsystems, that have claims on underlying MPEG-4 technology. The group set royalty rates for its visual codecs in November, but was delayed on the systems license, which is a chief component for delivery of products supporting the standard. "MPEG-4 Systems is an indispensable technology," said Baryn Futa, chief executive of MPEG LA. "MPEG LA is pleased to be able to offer this license for the benefit of the marketplace."