How does Nullsoft handle MP3 patents?

Avochelm · 2nd January 2006, 18:24

I'm looking for a real world example of MP3 patents. How much does Nullsoft earn annually and how much does it pay in MP3 royalties?

Kieran Walker · 3rd January 2006, 05:54

As far as I know--someone correct me if I'm wrong--the entirety of the per-copy cost of Winamp Pro goes to pay the licensing fee for the MP3 burner.

Other than that, someone who actually works for Nullsoft is gonna have to answer this. >.>

drewbar · 3rd January 2006, 06:37

http://www.mp3licensing.com/royalty/software.html

I assume AOL/Nullsoft pays the same thing everyone else does. From what I heard long ago that the decoder was paid in the flat fee many many years ago. The regristration cost for the MP3 encoder, as well as other fun stuff like AAC/MP4 and the usage of the Sonic burining engine are what the Pro costs go to.

Now, SHOUTcast does include an MP3 encoder. I guess those costs are assorbed as well.

But only the people who wear the fancy expensive suits at AOL know for sure and I doubt you will find any of them around here (like they know this place even exists).

Avochelm · 3rd January 2006, 11:44

Thanks for your speculations, guys. To clarify, more specifically I was wondering how they tracked the per-copy of software that is distributed by download. I suppose only charging per Winamp Pro makes more sense, as this can be tracked by payments and is actually more "commercial" than the free version. The once- off payment seems very expensive.

On the other hand, I guess it's impossible to track Nullsoft's earnings on the stock exchange (if Nullsoft was actually ever on it) as it's actually a part of AOL now...

Have a good one.

mikm · 3rd January 2006, 12:01

It's been part of AOL for several years.

DrO · 3rd January 2006, 12:12

Quote:

Originally posted by Avochelm
The once- off payment seems very expensive.

especially when it was upped for 5.1. the cost of pro handles a number of different license and before pro was present i assume whatever costs were just covered for by aol.

-daz

2nd January 2006, 18:24	#1
Avochelm Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: South Australia Posts: 6	How does Nullsoft handle MP3 patents? I'm looking for a real world example of MP3 patents. How much does Nullsoft earn annually and how much does it pay in MP3 royalties?

3rd January 2006, 06:37	#3
drewbar Sawg 2.0 Major Dude Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 5,916	http://www.mp3licensing.com/royalty/software.html I assume AOL/Nullsoft pays the same thing everyone else does. From what I heard long ago that the decoder was paid in the flat fee many many years ago. The regristration cost for the MP3 encoder, as well as other fun stuff like AAC/MP4 and the usage of the Sonic burining engine are what the Pro costs go to. Now, SHOUTcast does include an MP3 encoder. I guess those costs are assorbed as well. But only the people who wear the fancy expensive suits at AOL know for sure and I doubt you will find any of them around here (like they know this place even exists). Count with us! Jan 1st, 12AM (PST, GMT -8) 2010 - 282,246

3rd January 2006, 12:01	#5
mikm Major Dude Join Date: May 2001 Location: somewhere else Posts: 1,286	It's been part of AOL for several years. powered by C₈H₁₀N₄O₂

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3rd January 2006, 05:54	#2
Kieran Walker Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Wyoming Posts: 155	As far as I know--someone correct me if I'm wrong--the entirety of the per-copy cost of Winamp Pro goes to pay the licensing fee for the MP3 burner. Other than that, someone who actually works for Nullsoft is gonna have to answer this. >.>

3rd January 2006, 11:44	#4
Avochelm Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: South Australia Posts: 6	Thanks for your speculations, guys. To clarify, more specifically I was wondering how they tracked the per-copy of software that is distributed by download. I suppose only charging per Winamp Pro makes more sense, as this can be tracked by payments and is actually more "commercial" than the free version. The once- off payment seems very expensive. On the other hand, I guess it's impossible to track Nullsoft's earnings on the stock exchange (if Nullsoft was actually ever on it) as it's actually a part of AOL now... Have a good one.