Nikon Loses Patent Lawsuit Against Viltrox in China

Nikon faced a setback in a patent lawsuit against the Chinese lens maker Viltrox, which was initiated in January over claims of infringing on Nikon's Z-mount technology. The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) delivered a 25-page decision that invalidated Nikon's patents, stating that the Z-mount bayonet design and electronic terminal structure did not possess enough novelty for patent protection under Chinese law. The ruling concluded that Nikon's designs did not surpass standard lens mount design skills and failed to innovate the technology. Nikon had sought damages for Viltrox's sales of Z-mount lenses using the disputed patent technology. With the patents now invalid, Nikon cannot pursue legal action against Viltrox and has three months to appeal or initiate a new lawsuit. Nikon chose not to comment further, respecting the judicial process, and had previously refrained from confirming the lawsuit in January.