h.264 is already ubiquitous and has been for at least a few years.

The MPEG-LA previously stated that they will not charge royalties at least through 2015 and relatively recently extended that right indefinitely[1]. Obviously we don't know their real intentions, but they have not given me any reason to distrust them so I take them at their word for now.

[1] http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/mpeg-la-makes-h-264-video...