DJI and Insta360 Initiate Patent Lawsuits Over Gimbal Action Cameras in U.S.

DJI has initiated legal action against Insta360 in the United States, filing two separate patent lawsuits. These lawsuits specifically target Insta360's Luna series of cameras, including the Luna Pro and the recently released Luna Ultra.

The first lawsuit from DJI alleges two design patent violations, claiming that Insta360's products copy the design of DJI's Osmo Pocket 3 camera. DJI states that the accused products are handheld gimbal cameras with integrated optics, an architecture it claims was pioneered by its Osmo Pocket line, and are marketed as competitors.

The second lawsuit filed by DJI asserts four utility patent violations. These claims are related to patents covering the gimbal aspect of the camera, its tracking features, and its operational mechanisms. DJI is seeking a permanent injunction to prevent Insta360 from selling its Luna line of cameras, in addition to monetary damages.

In response to DJI's legal action, Insta360 has filed its own countersuit, alleging five patent infringement claims against DJI. Insta360 asserts that DJI has infringed upon its patents relating to gimbal stabilization, gimbal directional control, camera smooth stabilization, telemetry overlay, and panoramic video stabilization. Insta360's claims target multiple DJI products, including the Osmo Pocket series, Ronin/RS series, Osmo Mobile series, and Osmo 360.

This legal dispute follows a previous lawsuit filed by DJI against Insta360 in China in March. In that instance, DJI claimed that six drone-related patents held by Insta360 were developed by Insta360 employees who had previously worked for DJI and left within a year. Under Chinese patent law, the timing of an employee's departure and patent development can impact ownership.

According to Mashable Tech, the timing of DJI's U.S. lawsuits is notable as DJI is currently unable to sell several of its products, including its DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Pro and drones, in the U.S. market. This inability stems from the U.S. government's classification of DJI as a "Chinese military company."

(Source: Mashable Tech)