The streaming video on demand (SVOD) market is set to further intensify following reports US juggernaut, HBO, has filed a trademark for ‘HBO Max’ in Australia.
Owned by WarnerMedia, HBO Max was unveiled in July, with its promo video featuring scenes from Last Week Tonight, Game of Thrones, A Star is Born and Justice League.
Taking on the likes of Netflix, Stan, Disney+ and 10 All Access, the service holds the streaming rights to several blockbuster serials in the US including The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Friends.
The platform is tipped to shake-up competition, with Foxtel and Stan currently holding the Australian streaming rights to several WarnerMedia titles.
Game of Thrones is said to be a major coup for Foxtel, driving an influx of paid subscriptions, however, reports suggest the company also has a long-term deal in place with HBO.
Other US-owned streaming services hitting the local market include Disney+ and Apple TV+, further intensifying pressure on local content platform providers.
Introducing the next big thing: HBO Max, our upcoming streaming service featuring exclusive originals and the best-of-the-best from the WarnerMedia portfolio. Learn more: https://t.co/MHHIkV0ohz pic.twitter.com/N9jb9FifIW
— WarnerMedia (@WarnerMediaGrp) 9 July 2019