by SONG Jianan

The U.S. International Trade Commission ruled in favor of Chinese camera maker Insta360 in a trade investigation brought by rival GoPro Inc., clearing the company to continue importing and selling its products in the United States.

GoPro filed the complaint in March 2024, alleging that Insta360 and its U.S. subsidiary infringed six U.S. patents, including utility and design patents. Section 337 investigations can result in exclusion orders barring products from the U.S. market if infringement is found.

In its final determination issued on Feb. 26, 2026, the ITC found that most of the utility patent claims were either invalid or not infringed. Only a previous-generation product was deemed to fall within the scope of a single design patent, and that model has already ceased exports to the United States. Current products use a revised exterior design that the ITC recognized as non-infringing.

GoPro retains the right to appeal within 60 days and may also seek to revive related litigation in federal court.

The U.S. is one of Insta360's key overseas markets. The company, which sells panoramic and action cameras globally, has expanded rapidly in recent years, challenging GoPro's position in the segment.

Earlier this month, Insta360 reported preliminary 2025 results showing revenue rose 76.85% year on year to 9.86 billion yuan (about US$1.44 billion). Despite strong revenue growth, net profit slipped to 964 million yuan, as higher research and development spending and raw material cost fluctuations weighed on margins.

Shares fell 0.79% on Friday.

The ruling eases a key legal risk for Insta360's U.S. business, though appeals could extend the dispute.