Following the ITC ruling that it has infringed on multiple GoPro patents, Insta360 has released a statement setting out its own position on the matter.
It's hardly a spoiler to say that Insta360 takes a different view of the ITC ruling that we reported on yesterday, but some of the language in a prepared statement it released not long after is particularly combative.
"This is about an ecosystem where established players use litigation as a business strategy, hoping to stall faster, smarter, more agile challengers," JK Liu, Founder of Insta360 is quoted as saying. "It's a familiar playbook: instead of building better products, they try to slow down those who do."
The company points out that while GoPro alleged violation of multiple patents, only two were mentioned as possibilities in the ruling, including the key one for Hypersmooth. Five other claims were dismissed.
"We will not be deterred by legal maneuvering aimed at protecting market share rather than consumers," says Liu.
To that end, Insta360 is embarking on legal manoeuvres itself, filing petitions with the US Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the GoPro patents, while also stating litigation against 'GoPro-affiliated entities' in China.
No sales of either side's products are affected at the moment, and a final ruling on the case is not expected until November 10.
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has rejected GoPro's utility patent claims against Insta360 in Investigation No. 337-TA-1400. The initial determination, which was issued by an Administrative Law Judge in Washington, D.C. yesterday, ruled that that GoPro's five utility patents relating to stabilization, horizon leveling, distortion, and aspect ratio conversion are invalid, not infringed, or both. In addition to clearing Insta360 completely as to these five patents, the Administrative Law Judge confirmed that Insta360's proactive design updates fall outside the scope of GoPro's lone asserted design patent (U.S. Patent No. D789,435).
"The U.S. International Trade Commission's initial determination affirms what many in our industry already know: the future belongs to innovators, not litigators," said JK Liu, Founder of Insta360. "While GoPro sought to block competition by asserting a wide array of patents, the majority of those claims were either found not to be infringed or ruled invalid. That speaks volumes."
"This isn't just about Insta360. This is about an ecosystem where established players use litigation as a business strategy, hoping to stall faster, smarter, more agile challengers. It's a familiar playbook: instead of building better products, they try to slow down those who do. We will continue to stand up for our products, our team, and the creative community we serve - and we will not be deterred by legal maneuvering aimed at protecting market share rather than consumers."
Insta360 also filed multiple inter partes review (IPR) petitions with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to challenge the validity of GoPro's patents, some of which remain under review. The company has also initiated patent litigation in China against GoPro-affiliated entities.
The ITC's preliminary determination does not affect Insta360's U.S. product availability or its global operations. The company continues to manufacture and sell its full line of cameras without restriction.
A final determination from the full Commission is expected by November 10, 2025.