Skydio Buys 114 Patent Assets From GoPro in Major Drone Industry Move

In a significant development for the Drone Industry, Skydio has acquired 114 US patent assets from action camera giant GoPro. The transaction, recorded by the US Patent and Trademark Office in October 2024, marks one of the largest patent deals of the month, reports IAM.

Strategic Implications for Both Companies

This substantial patent acquisition comes at a pivotal time for both companies. Skydio, the autonomous drone Specialist, has been steadily expanding its presence in military, public safety, and industrial applications. Meanwhile, GoPro has been implementing strategic changes to navigate challenging market conditions.

“GoPro is actively managing its intellectual property portfolio,” notes the IAM report, highlighting the company’s recent strategic moves, including a patent infringement complaint against competitor Insta360.

Financial Context

GoPro’s decision comes amid a period of financial restructuring. The company recently announced plans to reduce operating expenses to $250 million in 2025, representing a substantial $110 million reduction from 2024 levels. This patent sale could provide valuable capital for GoPro’s core business initiatives.

Market Position and Future Impact

Skydio’s acquisition of these patents could significantly strengthen its position in the autonomous drone market. The company, which has already secured $230 million in Series E funding from investors including Andreessen Horowitz and Lockheed Martin, continues to expand its technological capabilities.

DroneXL’s Take

This patent acquisition represents a fascinating convergence of action camera technology and drone innovation. As we’ve seen in our coverage of drone AI technology and first responder applications, Skydio’s focus on autonomous capabilities could be significantly enhanced by GoPro’s imaging expertise. This move might accelerate the development of more sophisticated drone imaging systems, particularly beneficial for Skydio’s public safety and industrial clients.

What do you think about this strategic move in the drone industry? Share your thoughts in the comments below.