DJI has launched two patent lawsuits against rival Insta360, alleging the company’s new Luna series of gimbal cameras infringes on proprietary designs and utility technologies. Filed as Insta360 released its Luna Ultra model, the legal action seeks a permanent injunction to halt U.S. sales of the devices, while Insta360 has countered with five patent infringement claims against DJI’s own camera and drone product lines.
Why is DJI suing Insta360 over the Luna series?
DJI alleges that the Insta360 Luna line, including the Luna Ultra, copies the fundamental architecture of the DJI Osmo Pocket series. According to court filings cited by PetaPixel, DJI claims the accused products feature integrated optics and handheld gimbal stabilization that mirror its own patented inventions. DJI is seeking both monetary damages and a permanent injunction to stop the sale of the Luna series in the United States, arguing that Insta360 markets these devices specifically as direct competitors to the Osmo Pocket line.
The core of the dispute involves utility patents related to gimbal movement, tracking algorithms, and camera stabilization—technologies that have defined the handheld vlogging camera market for years.
What are the grounds for the countersuit?
Insta360 has responded by filing five patent infringement claims against DJI, asserting that the manufacturer has violated its intellectual property. According to official statements from Insta360, the company alleges that DJI’s Osmo Pocket, Ronin/RS, Osmo Mobile, and Osmo 360 series incorporate its patented technology. These claims cover specific areas including gimbal directional control, telemetry overlays, and panoramic video stabilization techniques.
How does the U.S. market influence this legal battle?
The timing of these lawsuits is critical due to trade restrictions affecting the industry. DJI currently faces significant barriers in the U.S. market, where it is unable to sell certain products, including the Osmo Pocket 4 Pro, following its classification as a “Chinese military company” by the U.S. government under the Trump administration. Because DJI cannot effectively distribute its latest hardware, analysts suggest the company is utilizing patent litigation to challenge Insta360’s ability to capture the market share DJI previously dominated. By targeting the Luna Ultra, DJI is effectively attempting to use legal proceedings to mitigate the impact of its restricted market access.
Industry Comparison: DJI vs. Insta360
| Feature | DJI Claims | Insta360 Claims |
|---|---|---|
| Core Allegation | Design/Architecture infringement | Stabilization/Tracking IP |
| Affected Products | Luna series | Osmo, Ronin, RS series |
When comparing these cameras, look closely at the software telemetry overlays and tracking responsiveness. These features are often the primary focus of utility patent litigation in the gimbal camera space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can DJI stop Insta360 from selling cameras in the U.S.?
DJI is seeking a permanent injunction, which would legally require Insta360 to cease sales of the Luna series if the court rules in DJI’s favor. However, these cases often take years to resolve.
Why is the Osmo Pocket 4 Pro unavailable in the U.S.?
The product is restricted due to U.S. government designations labeling DJI as a “Chinese military company,” which limits the company’s ability to distribute specific hardware domestically.
What does the countersuit mean for consumers?
For now, products remain available for purchase. If a court eventually grants an injunction to either party, it could result in product recalls or the removal of specific features from future firmware updates.
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