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GoPro Takes Legal Action Against Insta360 for Alleged Patent Infringement
GoPro files complaint against Insta360 for alleged patent infringement with the USITC. GoPro seeks to halt the sale of certain Insta360 cameras, software, and accessories in the US. Insta360 holds a leading market share of 41% in the global market for panoramic cameras.
In a recent development, US sports camera company GoPro has filed a complaint against Chinese camera maker Shenzhen Arashi Vision, commonly known as Insta360, with the United States International Trade Commission (USITC). The complaint, filed under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, alleges patent infringement by Insta360 and seeks an investigation by the USITC to halt the sale of certain Insta360 cameras, software, and accessories in the United States.
The move by GoPro highlights the company's determination to protect its intellectual property rights and prevent the sale of disputed products in the US market. GoPro has submitted evidence of patent infringements to the USITC, covering a wide range of consumer products sold by Insta360 in the country.
Among the products mentioned in GoPro's complaint are Insta360's popular models such as ONE X, ONE R, ONE R1-inch, ONR X2, ONE RS, ONE RS 1-inch 360, X3, GO3, Ace, and ACE Pro, according to a report by Chinese media outlet Jiemian.
The Section 337 investigation, also known as an "unfair import" investigation, is an administrative inquiry conducted by the USITC under the provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930. It specifically targets intellectual property infringement and other unfair competitive practices by goods importers. Compared to traditional patent litigation, these investigations tend to resolve faster, although they require companies to gather evidence swiftly, hire lawyers, and bear significant costs, which can amount to millions of dollars.
The Jiemian report suggests that GoPro's market share has declined in recent years due to the rise of Insta360, which was founded in 2015. As of the end of 2021, Insta360 held a leading market share of 41% in the global market for panoramic cameras, followed by Japan's Ricoh at 22%. GoPro ranked third with a market share of 19%, according to consulting firm Frost & Sullivan.
GoPro, established in 2002, has seen a significant decrease in its market value. Currently valued at $331 million, it is over 97% lower than its peak market value of $13 billion in June 2014 when the company listed on the NASDAQ. On the other hand, Insta360 generates nearly 70% of its revenue from overseas markets, with total revenue reaching around $280 million in 2022.
This legal action by GoPro against Insta360 is part of a broader trend. In 2023, the USITC initiated investigations into 72 Chinese companies, with 48 of them choosing to respond, as reported by Jiemian.
GoPro, based in California, specialises in manufacturing action cameras and developing its own mobile apps and video-editing software. The company focuses on the connected sports genre, providing action cameras and video editing software for outdoor activities.
Shenzhen-based Arashi Vision, known as Insta360, is a camera company with offices in Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Berlin. It offers a range of products, including action cameras, 360-degree cameras, editing software for mobile and desktop, and 180-3D cameras.
GoPro files complaint against Insta360 for alleged patent infringement with the USITC
GoPro seeks to halt the sale of certain Insta360 cameras, software, and accessories in the US
Insta360 holds a leading market share of 41% in the global market for panoramic cameras
Source: TECHNODE