How long until Sony's patents on Blu-ray run out?

[jangofett]

Don't patents last just 7 years? Doesn't the ability to collect royalties after the patents run out? I think that sony got the patents for Blu ray in 2005....so doing the math they don't have that long to collect $$$$$$

[benricci]

There are many patents involved with blu-ray technology, most of which Sony does not own. Sony is a big proponent of the technology, but they do not solely run and control everything relating to blu-ray. There are many players.

Also, blu-ray was developed much earlier than 2005. The founders of the format created an early version of the Blu-ray Disc Association as early as 2002.

And lastly, patents typically last much longer than seven years.

[blujacket]

Originally Posted by jangofett

Don't patents last just 7 years? Doesn't the ability to collect royalties after the patents run out? I think that sony got the patents for Blu ray in 2005....so doing the math they don't have that long to collect $$$$$$

I believe patents are good for 20 years.

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by jangofett

Don't patents last just 7 years? Doesn't the ability to collect royalties after the patents run out? I think that sony got the patents for Blu ray in 2005....so doing the math they don't have that long to collect $$$$$$

like others have mentioned, Sony isn't even the biggest patent holder, let alone the only one. On the other hand Patents last 14-20 years depending on when the patent was filed and what type of patent it is.

[Elandyll]

If memory serves, both Samsung and Pana have more patents involved with BR than Sony (who does have some key patents though), Philips having a bit less than them.

[Musashi]

Originally Posted by Elandyll

If memory serves, both Samsung and Pana have more patents involved with BR than Sony (who does have some key patents though), Philips having a bit less than them.

I'm not sure where Samsung ranks in. I thought it was Panasonic at the top followed by Pioneer. I do know that Panasonic is the chair of the BDA with Pio and Sony as vice-chairs.

[Elandyll]

Originally Posted by Musashi

I'm not sure where Samsung ranks in. I thought it was Panasonic at the top followed by Pioneer. I do know that Panasonic is the chair of the BDA with Pio and Sony as vice-chairs.

According to my checking in the patents, Samsung is #1 in quantity.
This being said, they patented a humongous amount of ridiculous things, like some designs associated with BR. It's a lot of fluff and few real tech things.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by blujacket

I believe patents are good for 20 years.

yes, and from the filing date, not awarded date. so if i apply for a patent in 2005, and its awarded in 2009, the patent will expire in 2025, not 2029.