DJI and Autel Robotics, two leading drone manufacturers, have settled their long-standing patent infringement lawsuits out of court. While settlement details remain confidential, the agreement was reached just days before a jury trial.
This legal battle between industry rivals DJI and Autel began in 2016 and involved a series of patent disputes. The initial lawsuit, filed by DJI on August 11, 2016, alleged that Autel’s X-Star and X-Star Premium drones infringed on the design and functionality of DJI’s popular Phantom series. DJI claimed Autel copied the “look and feel” of the Phantom drones, specifically citing infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 9,016,617, 9,284,049, 9,321,530, and D691,514.
DJI’s complaint also implicated Fazhan Chen, a former DJI engineer who subsequently worked for Autel. DJI contended that Chen, who had been significantly involved in the research and development of the Phantom 3, contributed to Autel’s alleged infringement. Furthermore, DJI accused Autel of strategically undercutting DJI’s pricing with its X-Star products.
Pre-Trial Developments in the DJI Autel Lawsuit
Shortly before the scheduled trial, Autel attempted to introduce testimony from Randall Warnas, its then-CEO and former DJI employee. However, the judge rejected this motion, citing concerns about surprising and unfairly prejudicing DJI with last-minute witness testimony. The court order emphasized that the evidence Autel sought to present through Warnas could likely be provided by other witnesses disclosed in a timely manner. DJI also faced a similar setback when their request to introduce additional witnesses was denied for the same reasons.
Settlement Reached in DJI vs. Autel Case
Despite the scheduled five-day trial, with jury selection set to begin on August 16, 2021, both parties informed the court of a settlement on August 12th. This resolution avoided the complexities of explaining intricate patent details to a jury within a limited timeframe. Additionally, Autel’s discontinuation of the X-Star series potentially lessened the impact of the lawsuit. While the specifics of the settlement remain undisclosed, the agreement marks a significant development in the ongoing competition between these drone industry giants. This Dji Lawsuit Autel case highlights the complexities and contentiousness of intellectual property within the rapidly evolving drone market.
This settlement likely benefits both companies, allowing them to focus on innovation and market competition rather than protracted legal battles. The drone industry continues to experience rapid growth and innovation, making this resolution a strategic move for both DJI and Autel. While this particular dispute is resolved, it’s likely that patent disputes will continue to arise in this dynamic and competitive landscape.
