Textron Secures $279M Victory in Patent Battle with Chinese Drone Maker DJI
US aerospace giant Textron Inc (TXT.N) scored a significant Legal victory on Friday, securing a $279 million verdict against China's leading drone producer, DJI Technology. A federal jury in Waco, Texas, concluded that DJI had willfully infringed upon Textron's patents following a week-long trial.
The jury sided with Textron Innovations Inc, a subsidiary of the Rhode Island-based company, affirming that DJI's drones breached Textron's rights in two patents concerning drone flight control systems.
DJI immediately contested the decision, with a spokesperson stating on Monday that the company “strongly disagrees” with the verdict and intends to “vigorously pursue all options” in order to protect its legal rights, Reuters reported.
In their statement, DJI emphasized the differences between the two companies: “Textron is a military helicopter company. DJI is a civilian drone company. No commonality exists between the technologies.” Textron responded on Monday, expressing gratitude that their “history of innovation was recognized.”
The legal battle began in 2021 when Textron sued DJI, alleging that several DJI drone models with automatic hovering capabilities functioned similarly to Textron's patented technology. DJI refuted these claims, maintaining that the patents in question were invalid.
Get your Part 107 Certificate
Pass the test and take to the skies with the Pilot Institute. We have helped thousands of people become airplane and commercial drone pilots. Our courses are designed by industry experts to help you pass FAA tests and achieve your dreams.
FTC: DroneXL.co uses affiliate links that generate income.* We do not sell, share, rent out, or spam your email, ever. Our email goes out on weekdays around 5:30 p.m.
