The Escalating Legal Conflict
A significant legal confrontation has emerged between major camera manufacturers DJI and Insta360. The dispute centers on two high-profile, self-stabilizing cameras: the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and the newly released Insta360 Luna Ultra. The conflict began on June 11, when DJI initiated litigation against Insta360, alleging the infringement of two design patents and four utility patents in the development of the Luna Ultra. Insta360 has since responded with its own set of countersuits, claiming that DJI has violated five of its proprietary patents concerning gimbal and stabilization systems.
DJI’s Allegations Against the Luna Ultra
In its initial filing, DJI contends that the physical architecture of the Insta360 Luna Ultra encroaches upon design patents protecting the Osmo Pocket line. Specifically, the claims target the handheld chassis, the gimbal arm connection, the scroll wheel, the record button, and the rotating screen mechanism. Furthermore, DJI’s utility patent lawsuit asserts that Insta360 has misappropriated technology related to gimbal tracking systems.
According to reports, DJI is pursuing a permanent injunction that would halt all sales of the Luna Ultra in the United States. Additionally, the company is seeking financial compensation, including reasonable royalties and the surrender of profits generated from Luna Ultra sales to date. DJI further argues that the alleged infringement may have been willful, potentially leading to increased damages.
Insta360’s Defense and Countersuits
Insta360 has rejected these claims, arguing that it is DJI that has failed to respect intellectual property rights. The company alleges that DJI infringed on various patents, including those related to:
- Gimbal stabilization and directional control
- Camera smoothness and telemetry overlays
- Panoramic video stabilization
Insta360 asserts that these technologies are integrated across several DJI product lines, including the Osmo Pocket series, Ronin stabilizers, Osmo Mobile, and the Osmo 360. In an official statement, the company noted that the fundamental technology powering the Luna Ultra is derived from its own legacy hardware, such as the Flow Series gimbals and Link Series webcams.
Strategic Implications for the Market
This legal skirmish holds unique weight for DJI. The company currently faces regulatory hurdles following its inclusion on the Federal Communications Commission’s “Covered List” in December 2025, which restricts the sale of new foreign-made drones and cameras in the US. While DJI has reportedly navigated these restrictions by launching products under the "Xtra" branding, securing a court-ordered injunction against the Luna Ultra would significantly level the competitive playing field for the company.