Autel Robotics secured a significant victory against DJI in a patent infringement case at the US International Trade Commission (ITC). The judge ruled that DJI violated Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 by importing and selling drones that infringe on Autel Robotics’ US Patent No. 9,260,184, specifically concerning propeller locking mechanisms and foldable arm designs. This decision could potentially reshape the drone market landscape, particularly in the United States.
DJI’s Infringement on Autel Robotics’ Patent
The core of the dispute revolves around Autel Robotics’ patent for a unique propeller locking mechanism. This mechanism ensures that clockwise propellers engage only with clockwise motor mechanisms, and counterclockwise propellers with their corresponding counterclockwise mechanisms. The patent also covers the design of foldable arms that provide ground clearance for the drone. DJI’s Mavic series, including popular models like the Mavic Pro, Mavic Air, and Spark, were found to incorporate these patented features. Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 prohibits the importation and sale of products that infringe on valid US patents.
Potential Consequences for DJI and the Drone Market
The ITC judge recommended a cease and desist order against DJI, potentially barring the importation and sale of infringing Mavic models in the United States. Autel Robotics has also petitioned for the inclusion of DJI’s Phantom and Inspire series in the exclusion order. If upheld, this decision could lead to the removal of a wide range of DJI products from the US market. This represents a substantial blow to DJI, considering the US is one of its largest markets. DJI now faces the choice of either reaching a licensing agreement with Autel Robotics or redesigning its drones to avoid further infringement. The ruling raises questions about the future of existing DJI products in the US and the potential impact on upcoming releases like the Mavic 3. It remains unclear whether newer models like the Mavic Air 2 and Matrice 300 are also affected by the ruling.
The Future of the Drone Industry
The outcome of this case highlights the importance of intellectual property in the rapidly evolving drone industry. It underscores the potential for patent disputes to significantly disrupt market dynamics and influence product development. The final decision, subject to a presidential review period, could have lasting implications for both Autel Robotics and DJI, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape and innovation within the drone sector. The full decision document offers detailed insights into the legal arguments and technical considerations of the case. The Autel Robotics Dji 337 case sets a precedent for future patent disputes within the drone industry.
