In response to swirling rumors on social media platforms claiming that DJI, the renowned drone manufacturer, has been fined a staggering $6 billion for alleged patent infringement in the United States, the company swiftly issued a statement on October 31 vehemently denying the speculation.
DJI’s Senior Director of Strategic Planning and External Communications, Christina Zhang, refuted the claims, clarifying that the accurate settlement amount, as determined by the jury in April of this year, stood at $279 million US dollars.
Zhang emphasized that the case remains under trial, and as of the present, no updated judgment information has been provided. DJI adamantly contested the jury’s decision, stating firmly that their products do not employ Textron’s technology. Textron, a military helicopter company, had accused DJI, a civilian drone manufacturer, of patent infringement.
DJI argued that the technologies in question were fundamentally distinct, with the core patent cited by Textron filed in 2011. Remarkably, DJI had already incorporated this technology into its XP3.1 model, released back in 2009.
Given these circumstances, DJI expressed its intention to explore further legal avenues, contemplating the possibility of continuing its appeal. The company maintained confidence in the legal process, believing that local laws would ultimately deliver a fair and just resolution to the ongoing dispute. As the case continues to unfold, DJI remains resolute in its position, refuting the rumors and reaffirming its commitment to defending its stance in the courtroom.
What is the DJI vs Textron case:
In 2021, Textron Inc., the U.S. aerospace company, initiated legal proceedings against Chinese drone manufacturer DJI Technology, alleging patent infringement related to drone flight control systems. The case, filed in federal court in Waco, Texas, accused DJI of willfully violating Textron’s patents with their drones’ automatic hovering capabilities.
After a week-long trial, the case culminated in a significant victory for Textron. The federal jury ruled in favor of Textron, awarding the company $279 million in damages. The jury found DJI guilty of infringing on Textron’s patents, despite DJI’s staunch denial and insistence on the dissimilarity between their technology and Textron’s military helicopter systems.
DJI responded to the verdict, expressing strong disagreement and affirming their determination to vigorously defend their legal rights. This ruling came amid broader concerns, as the U.S. Department of Defense had previously limited investments in DJI and other Chinese companies due to alleged connections with the Chinese military.
Throughout the legal proceedings, DJI maintained that their products were never intended or marketed for military use, emphasizing their civilian drone status. Despite their defense, the court ruled in favor of Textron, marking a notable legal victory for the U.S. aerospace company.
Related:
- DJI Osmo Pocket 3 launched with 1″ CMOS sensor & 4K/120FPS Video support
- Major US Chip Developer, Micron Technology is Looking to Partner with Chinese Chipmakers
- Alleged Huawei Nova 12 Pro render appears to reveal unique dual punch-hole display design
(via)
