[Libav-user] H.264 Decoder and Royalties

[Gonzalo Garramuno]

On 31/10/13 16:35, video_decoder wrote:
> I know this question has been asked in different forms before on this and
> other forums, but I can't seem to find a definitive answer.
>
> I am writing a proprietary in-house application that's using libav built in
> LGPL mode. It is using libav to receive and decode an incoming RTSP network
> stream with an H.264 payload. It doesn't do any encoding or retransmitting
> of the video. It will probably only be distributed to < 10 users.
>
> My question is regarding the need to pay the MPEG-LA royalties for using
> H.264. I've read lots of information about when you do and don't need to
> pay, and I've read that if you only distribute a small number of copies then
> you don't have to pay the royalties, etc.
>
> So, what I'm looking for is the definitive IANL answer?
>
> Thanks.
You only need to pay royalties if you pass the 10,000 mark.  If it is an 
in-house application you don't have to worry as nobody needs to know.