OPPO has joined the VVC Advance Patent Pool as a licensee and renewed its HEVC Advance license, Access Advance LLC announced January 9, 2026. The Chinese smartphone giant now participates across all three Access Advance video codec licensing programs, marking expanded commitment to next-generation video technology. This positions OPPO to implement H.266/VVC codec technology, which delivers up to 50% better video compression than current standards.
What’s New
OPPO signed dual agreements with Access Advance covering both VVC (Versatile Video Coding) and HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) standards. The company has been an HEVC Advance participant since 2020 and recently joined the Video Distribution Patent (VDP) Pool as a licensor.
The VVC Advance Patent Pool provides access to over 4,500 worldwide essential patents covering the VVC/H.266 standard. HEVC Advance manages more than 29,000 patents for the H.265 technology.
Key details:
- Effective date: January 9, 2026
- Coverage: VVC/H.266 and HEVC/H.265 codecs
- Eligible for Multi-Codec Bridging Agreement (MCBA) benefits
- Applies to OPPO devices across 70+ countries
Why It Matters
VVC/H.266 enables significantly higher-quality video experiences with smaller file sizes. The standard supports 4K, 8K, and HDR content with faster downloads and lower latency compared to HEVC.
For OPPO smartphone users, this means future devices can deliver better video quality without consuming more storage or bandwidth. The H.266 codec provides up to 50% improved compression efficiency over H.265.
As both a licensee and licensor across Access Advance programs, OPPO benefits from streamlined patent access while contributing its own video technology patents. The company qualifies for the MCBA, which offers substantially reduced royalty rates for products implementing multiple codecs.
Industry Impact
OPPO joins other major manufacturers adopting VVC technology. Xiaomi signed similar agreements with Access Advance in November 2025, participating in both HEVC and VVC pools.
Vincent Lin, Head of Patent Licensing at OPPO, stated the decision “reflects our continued commitment to supporting balanced patent pools that benefit the entire video codec ecosystem”. Peter Moller, CEO of Access Advance, noted OPPO’s comprehensive engagement “demonstrates the value our pools provide to companies that are simultaneously driving innovation and implementing these critical video technologies”.
The Multi-Codec Bridging Agreement provides:
- Single discounted royalty rate structure for dual licensees
- Simplified reporting and payment processes
- Significantly reduced total rates versus separate pool payments
Patent Pool Comparison
| Feature | HEVC Advance | VVC Advance |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | H.265 | H.266 |
| Essential Patents | 29,000+ | 4,500+ |
| Compression vs Predecessor | 50% better than H.264 | 50% better than HEVC |
| Launch Date | Earlier | July 2021 |
| OPPO Status | Licensee since 2020 | New licensee 2026 |
What’s Next
OPPO’s implementation timeline for VVC/H.266 in commercial devices remains unannounced. The technology typically requires hardware encoder support in chipsets before widespread adoption.
Access Advance continues expanding its patent pool ecosystem. The company recently acquired Via LA’s HEVC/VVC program, now called VCL Advance (Video Codec Licensing), in December 2025. This consolidation aims to provide comprehensive licensing solutions for HEVC and VVC technologies across applications.
Industry watchers expect more smartphone manufacturers to join VVC Advance as 8K video recording and AI-powered video features become standard. The codec’s efficiency gains are particularly relevant for 5G networks and cloud gaming applications.
Featured Snippet Boxes
What is VVC Advance Patent Pool?
VVC Advance Patent Pool licenses over 4,500 essential patents for the VVC/H.266 video codec standard. Managed by Access Advance, it provides technology companies standardized access to next-generation video compression technology that offers 50% better efficiency than HEVC.
What benefits does OPPO get from joining VVC Advance?
OPPO gains legal access to implement H.266 video technology in smartphones, enabling 4K/8K video with faster downloads and lower latency. The company also qualifies for Multi-Codec Bridging Agreement discounts, reducing royalty costs for devices using both HEVC and VVC codecs.
How does VVC/H.266 differ from HEVC/H.265?
VVC (H.266) is the successor to HEVC (H.265), delivering approximately 50% better video compression. It supports higher resolutions like 8K and HDR content with smaller file sizes, faster streaming, and reduced bandwidth consumption compared to HEVC.
What is the Multi-Codec Bridging Agreement (MCBA)?
MCBA is an administrative agreement allowing companies licensed under both HEVC and VVC pools to pay substantially reduced combined royalty rates. It simplifies reporting and invoicing while providing discounted pricing versus paying separate rates for each codec.
