At the conclusion of the hearing on 15 October 2026 in Snap v. Dolby and Access Advance, Mellor J ordered an expedited trial to be listed with a time estimate of 15 days in a window commencing on 1 November 2027. The Court indicated that that expedited trial is to have as its scope that which was contended for by Snap at the hearing, which was to determine Snap’s entitlement to, the scope of, and RAND value of a licence to the Video Distribution Patent pool (the “VDP Pool”). The Court directed that the parties are to engage in discussions in advance of a mid-November CMC and seek to agree a more precise list of issues for determination at that expedited trial.

The Court has now handed down judgment with reasons for the above decision, which can be found here.

Snap operates the popular “Snapchat” visual messaging application. Access Advance is the VDP Pool administrator. Dolby is a licensor in that pool.

Dheemanth Vangimalla appeared for Snap, led by James Segan KC and instructed by Winston Taylor International LLP. Bethany Halbard appeared for Dolby, led by Sarah Ford KC and Jennifer Dixon and instructed by Bird & Bird LLP.