October 21, 2026, 2:45 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
The patent dispute between Disney and InterDigital over various technologies enabling 4K-UHD and HDR content delivery is expanding. After consumer advocates in Germany took action, organizations across Europe are now making clear demands on the entertainment giant. Among other things, they are calling for Disney+ to automatically lower its price.
Disney+ Should Lower Price for Premium Subscription
The company InterDigital took Disney to court because the corporation violated existing patents for its in-house streaming service. As a result, the provision of movies and series in 4K-UHD and HDR was temporarily suspended, including in Germany. As an offer to customers, they could apply for a partial refund for the current billing period or switch plans.
The European consumer protection organization Euroconsumers found this insufficient, especially since Disney continued to advertise the affected premium subscription at full price with 4K and HDR promises in several countries. Therefore, the organization sent a cease-and-desist letter. Among other things, they demand that Disney+ automatically lower the price.
Refund Demanded from Disney+
This should apply to all current and new subscribers of the premium subscription. Furthermore, they are calling on Disney to automatically refund 5 euros per month for the entire period the features were missing. This should also be done as transparently as possible by fully informing everyone about the exact circumstances.
Euroconsumers has given Disney a 14-day ultimatum to implement all demands. If the company does not respond, Euroconsumers’ national member organizations will file with the EU Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) network and national authorities. Subsequently, they will demand fines amounting to four percent of annual sales in the affected countries.
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Initiative Also Realistic in Germany?
As of now, the initiative applies to Italy, Belgium, and Portugal, with customers in Brazil also represented by Euroconsumers. The cease-and-desist letter is issued on behalf of the member organizations Altroconsumo (Italy), Testachats/Testaankoop (Belgium), and DECO PROteste (Portugal).
It remains to be seen whether Disney will lower prices and comply with the other demands. Since Euroconsumers is relying on applicable EU law and represents several EU countries in this matter, the outcome could have a signaling effect for other markets as well–it is conceivable that additional national consumer protection organizations might join Euroconsumers in this effort.
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It would only be logical: Already in March of this year, the Consumer Center of Lower Saxony saw a need for action and a legal deficiency. In September, consumer advocates in France also became active. Pressure on Disney is growing EU-wide.
Statement from Disney
TECHBOOK asked Disney Germany for an assessment of the new initiative and whether it is conceivable that they would comply with it here as well. We received the following response:
“We will respond directly to Euroconsumers and look forward to the exchange. Disney stands by its commitments and is committed to providing a high-quality service. We have quickly implemented solutions for affected customers.
We have fully implemented the court rulings, but continue to challenge the underlying claims and fulfill our obligations to customers. Disney supports the protection of intellectual property and has always been willing to pay reasonable licensing fees for patents.”
A Disney spokesperson
Furthermore, Disney emphasizes its intention to implement the preliminary injunctions from Euroconsumers. At the same time, they still do not agree with InterDigital’s licensing demands, as these are much higher than the technologies are worth. Additionally, this would lead to price increases without providing customers with added value.