Nikon's Chinese Patent Loss to Viltrox Could Force Canon's Closed RF Mount Open
In January, Nikon initiated legal action against Viltrox in China, alleging infringement of its Z-mount intellectual property and seeking damages and royalties. However, this summer, the court sided with Viltrox, leading the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) to invalidate a key Z-mount design patent held by Nikon, citing insufficient "inventive step." As a result, Nikon lost its legal grounds for claiming damages and is unable to prevent Viltrox from producing autofocus lenses compatible with the Z-mount. Meanwhile, Canon, which holds patents for its proprietary mirrorless mount, had previously warned Viltrox regarding RF-mount lenses. Analysts speculate that Canon might pursue legal action against Viltrox in various countries or consider a licensing strategy. Canon has declined to comment on ongoing legal matters.
Key facts
- Nikon sued Viltrox in China in January over Z-mount intellectual property, seeking royalties and damages
- The China National Intellectual Property Administration ruled in Viltrox's favor and invalidated a core Nikon Z-mount design patent
- The invalidated patent covered bayonet tabs, terminal pins, and electronic layout; CNIPA found it lacked an "inventive step"
- The ruling prevents Nikon from stopping third-party autofocus lens production for the Z-mount in China
- Canon's China patents cover the three-tab RF bayonet mount, a 12-contact interface, and autofocus and stabilization algorithms
- In 2022, Canon threatened legal action and Viltrox halted autofocus RF-mount lens production
- Viltrox is now larger and wealthier, and could resume RF-mount lens production
- Canon declined to comment on legal proceedings, saying it respects intellectual property rights in every market
Entities
Institutions
- Nikon
- Viltrox
- Canon
- China National Intellectual Property Administration
- Shenzhen Jueying Technology Co. Ltd.
- PetaPixel
- Sony
- Sigma
- Tamron
- CIPA
- DJI
- China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA)
- Nikon Rumors
Locations
- China
- United States
- Europe
- Japan