DJI has launched legal proceedings against Insta360, alleging that the latter's Luna series gimbal cameras violate several of its patents. These lawsuits, filed in the United States, target both the aesthetic design and functional utility of DJI's established Osmo Pocket 3. This development marks another chapter in the ongoing intellectual property disputes between the two prominent camera technology firms, with DJI seeking various remedies including financial compensation and a cessation of the alleged infringing activities.
The core of DJI's first complaint centers on design patents, asserting that Insta360's Luna Pro and Luna Ultra cameras bear a striking resemblance to the Osmo Pocket 3. DJI emphasizes that its design patents cover distinct elements such as the elongated handheld body, the neck connecting the body to the gimbal arm, and the overall camera assembly. Furthermore, specific features like the rotatable display, control wheel, record button, accessory slot, and port opening are also cited as protected intellectual property. DJI contends that Insta360, through its promotional campaigns and product demonstrations, has deliberately positioned the Luna series as direct competitors that mimic the innovative architecture pioneered by the Osmo Pocket.
In a separate legal action, DJI has also accused Insta360 of infringing four of its utility patents. These patents encompass critical functionalities of gimbal cameras, including a control system that allows for seamless switching between follow and locked modes with a single input. Another patent describes a handheld gimbal with integrated subject tracking and real-time display capabilities, eliminating the need for an external application. The third utility patent outlines a gimbal control method where the device's own captured image of the target directly influences the gimbal's motor commands. Finally, the fourth patent covers a self-contained system for tracking a subject and simultaneously displaying the image on the gimbal's screen. DJI asserts that the Luna cameras, along with their associated accessories and mobile application, blatantly incorporate these patented inventions.
Both legal cases have been initiated in the Eastern District of Texas, a jurisdiction often chosen for patent litigation. DJI's demands include a permanent injunction to prevent further sales of the Luna series, monetary compensation equivalent to no less than a reasonable royalty, disgorgement of Insta360's profits derived from the alleged infringement, and enhanced damages due to what DJI considers willful infringement. It appears DJI meticulously prepared these lawsuits, reportedly waiting for Insta360 to officially launch the Luna products in the U.S. market before proceeding with legal action. This current dispute is not an isolated incident; earlier in the year, DJI filed a similar lawsuit against Insta360 concerning alleged violations of its drone-based image processing technology patents, underscoring a pattern of intellectual property conflicts between the two companies.
These lawsuits underscore the intense competition and strategic importance of innovation in the rapidly evolving camera technology sector. The outcome of these legal battles could have significant implications for both companies, potentially influencing future product development and market strategies. As the legal proceedings unfold, the broader industry will be keenly observing how these claims of patent infringement are addressed and resolved, setting precedents for intellectual property protection in the competitive landscape of digital imaging.