Insta360 infringed on a GoPro Hero camera patent, US judge rules

A US judge with the International Trade Commission (ITC) has ruled that Insta360 broke federal law with products that “...infringe GoPro intellectual property covering GoPro’s iconic HERO camera design.” A press release from GoPro says the judge found that “Insta360 infringed on a patent covering GoPro’s iconic HERO camera design” as well as “its validation of multiple patent claims covering GoPro’s industry-leading HyperSmooth video stabilization.”

Insta360, in a press release of its own, characterized the decision differently, saying the judge ruled that “GoPro’s five utility patents relating to stabilization, horizon leveling, distortion, and aspect ratio conversion are invalid, not infringed, or both.”

The ITC launched its investigation into Insta360 in 2024 following a complaint by GoPro. In its complaint, GoPro said that Insta360 infringed on patents for the “novel and proprietary SuperView, virtual lens, HyperSmooth, and Horizon Leveling technology” in the company’s HERO and MAX cameras, according to Reuters.

The judge’s ruling is an initial determination. A final determination “on all of GoPro’s infringement claims against Insta360” is expected to be issued by November 10th, GoPro says.