Full Breakdown
DJI and Insta360 Engage in Patent Dispute Amid New Drone Launch
3/26/2026, 11:20:07 PM
Overview of the Patent Dispute
Chinese drone manufacturer DJI has initiated a patent lawsuit against its rival Insta360, just days before the launch of DJI's first 360-degree drone, the DJI Avata 360. This legal action, filed with the Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court, involves six patents that DJI claims are infringed by Insta360’s technology, particularly in areas such as drone flight control, structural design, and image processing. The lawsuit alleges that some of these patents were developed by former DJI employees within a year of their departure, a claim rooted in Chinese intellectual property laws.
Details of the DJI Avata 360 Launch
The DJI Avata 360 is positioned as a significant advancement in the drone market, featuring a front-mounted omnidirectional camera capable of capturing high dynamic range (HDR) images at 8K resolution and 60 frames per second. Priced starting at 4,388 yuan (approximately US$626), the drone resembles DJI's earlier Avata 2 model, which was launched in 2024. This product launch is seen as a direct challenge to Insta360, which has been a pioneer in the 360-degree drone segment.
Insta360's Response
Insta360 has firmly rejected DJI's allegations, asserting that their innovations are the result of independent development. CEO Liu Jingkang stated that the company conducted an internal review of the disputed patents and found that all ideas were generated within Insta360. He emphasized that the legal claims are unfounded and that the company is committed to defending itself through legal channels. Liu also noted that the patent in question related to flight control was his idea, which was not implemented due to current flight restrictions.
Criticism of DJI's Claims
Insta360 has criticized DJI's approach, suggesting that the lawsuit is part of a broader trend where established companies in the action camera industry resort to litigation to suppress competition. Liu pointed out that Insta360 recently achieved a favorable outcome in a U.S. International Trade Commission patent case, which he views as a validation of their independent innovation efforts. He also clarified that the practice of concealing inventors in patent applications is common in China to protect employees from headhunters.
Official Statements & Responses
DJI has not publicly commented on the specifics of the lawsuit following its announcement. However, the company maintains that the patents in question are critical to their technological advancements and that they have a legal right to protect their intellectual property.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While DJI claims that the patents were developed by former employees, Insta360 asserts that their innovations were independently created. The legal proceedings will likely clarify these conflicting narratives. Additionally, the Shenzhen court has not provided any comments regarding the case, leaving some aspects of the dispute unresolved.
What's Next
As the legal battle unfolds, both companies are expected to continue their respective product developments and market strategies. The outcome of this dispute may have significant implications for the competitive landscape of the drone industry, particularly in the emerging 360-degree segment.
