Following a court case lost to InterDigital, a company that owns an extensive portfolio of communications and video patents, Disney+ has been forced to remove 4K streaming in several European markets.
InterDigital is, in itself, a legitimate research and development company. However, it also controls a vast number of patents essential to modern communications and streaming technologies, including those covering mobile standards such as 5G and the upcoming 6G, as well as the HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) video codec. Critics frequently describe the company as a patent troll, arguing that its licensing strategy places significant obstacles in the way of technology companies.
This time, Disney—and more importantly its Disney+ subscribers—are feeling the impact. As a result of the lawsuit concerning HEVC patents, 4K streaming has been removed from their streaming service in the Netherlands, Germany, the Nordic countries, and the Baltic states. For subscribers who specifically pay for Disney+’s premium tier to enjoy content in 4K, it all has suddenly become far less attractive.
It is currently unclear how long 4K streaming will remain unavailable. The situation could potentially last for months. If you subscribe to Disney+ primarily for its 4K offering, it may be worth considering downgrading to the standard subscription tier until the issue has been resolved, potentially saving you money while features remain limited.