Disney+ Disables Dolby Vision and HDR10+ in Europe Amid Patent Dispute
Disney+ subscribers across several European countries have recently encountered the unexpected removal of advanced High Dynamic Range (HDR) features, specifically Dolby Vision and HDR10+. This development has sparked widespread concern and speculation among users and industry observers alike.
The Emergence of the Issue
The first signs of this change emerged in Germany, where users began reporting the absence of Dolby Vision support on Disney+ in late 2025. These reports quickly spread to other European nations, including France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, and Poland. Subscribers in these regions noted that content previously available in Dolby Vision and HDR10+ was now limited to standard HDR10 or even standard dynamic range formats.
Disney’s Official Response
In response to the growing concerns, Disney issued a statement attributing the unavailability of Dolby Vision to technical challenges. The company assured subscribers that they are actively working to restore access to Dolby Vision and will provide updates as soon as possible. In the interim, Disney emphasized that 4K UHD and HDR support remain available on supported devices.
Underlying Legal Complications
While Disney’s official stance points to technical issues, further investigation reveals a more complex scenario involving legal disputes. A significant factor appears to be a patent infringement lawsuit filed by InterDigital, a U.S.-based company specializing in video technology patents. In November 2025, the Munich Regional Court ruled that Disney+ infringed upon InterDigital’s patents related to streaming video technology, specifically methods for dynamically overlaying video streams with additional content, such as subtitles. This ruling led to an injunction requiring Disney to cease the use of the patented technology in Germany.
The legal ramifications of this injunction have seemingly extended beyond Germany, affecting Disney+ operations in other European countries. The removal of Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support aligns with the timeline of the court’s decision, suggesting a direct correlation between the legal dispute and the technical changes experienced by subscribers.
Impact on Subscribers and Content Quality
The absence of Dolby Vision and HDR10+ has notably impacted the viewing experience for Disney+ subscribers. These advanced HDR formats are renowned for delivering superior brightness, contrast, and color accuracy, enhancing the visual quality of streamed content. Without access to these formats, viewers are left with standard HDR10 or standard dynamic range, which may not provide the same level of visual fidelity.
This change is particularly significant for users with high-end display equipment designed to take full advantage of advanced HDR technologies. The downgrade in content quality has led to dissatisfaction among subscribers who expect premium viewing experiences from their Disney+ subscriptions.
Broader Implications and Industry Context
The situation with Disney+ underscores the intricate relationship between technological advancements and intellectual property rights within the streaming industry. As streaming platforms strive to offer cutting-edge features to attract and retain subscribers, they must also navigate the complex landscape of patents and licensing agreements.
InterDigital’s legal actions against Disney highlight the challenges companies face when implementing advanced technologies that may be subject to existing patents. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough due diligence and licensing negotiations in the development and deployment of new features.
Looking Ahead: Potential Resolutions and Subscriber Communication
As Disney works to address the current limitations, several potential resolutions may emerge. One possibility is that Disney reaches a licensing agreement with InterDigital, allowing for the reinstatement of Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support. Alternatively, Disney may seek to develop or adopt alternative technologies that do not infringe upon existing patents, though this approach could require significant time and resources.
In the meantime, clear and transparent communication with subscribers is crucial. Providing regular updates on the status of the issue, expected timelines for resolution, and any interim measures being taken can help maintain subscriber trust and satisfaction.
Conclusion
The disabling of Dolby Vision and HDR10+ on Disney+ in several European countries highlights the complex interplay between technological innovation and legal considerations in the streaming industry. As Disney navigates this challenging situation, the outcome will likely have broader implications for how streaming services manage advanced features and intellectual property rights in the future.
