As you may recall, back in 2024, GoPro filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission against Insta360 parent company Arashi Vision. In its complaint, GoPro alleged that the latter company had infringed upon some of its patents. In July 2025, the ITC issued an initial determination that mostly found in Insta360's favor.
However, that wasn't the end of the road; indeed, the ITC needed more time to issue a final determination, and said as much. On February 26, 2026, it finally issued that determination, which prompted both GoPro and Insta360 to issue press releases declaring their own personal (and complete, natch) victory in the fight.
That might be nice for someone's ego, but unfortunately the language included in both press releases isn't particularly useful or helpful to the many US-based action camera users who are probably wondering how this news affects them, as well as their ability to purchase new action cameras, to use action cameras they may already have, and/or to obtain parts and service for those cameras.
But that's okay, because it means that I get to write this explainer for you to break it all down!
If you're unfamiliar with me, I'm the kind of person who likes to dig in and read primary source documents, not just what someone else (anyone else) has to say about them. So, to answer your unasked question, yes, I have indeed read the brand-new documents that the ITC has issued in this case (which, for the record, is called by the very exciting and descriptive title of, "Certain Cameras, Camera Systems, and Accessories Used Therewith; Inv. No. 337-TA-1400 (Violation)."
And now, I'm here to tell you what they mean so you can go about recording all the action camera footage you like without worry.
What the US International Trade Commission Decided
On February 26, 2026, the ITC issued two final and official Orders, which both have somewhat clearer and more concise titles than the overarching title of this case. One is titled "Cease and Desist Order for Arashi Vision (U.S.) LLC," while the other is titled "Limited Exclusion Order."
Both of these orders amount to a ban on the importation and sale of specific Insta360 cameras into the US that were found by the ITC to infringe upon GoPro's HERO design patent. They state, in legal terms, that Insta360 must cease and desist in importing and selling very specific models of cameras.
In other words, this is by no means any kind of blanket ban on Insta360 products. Furthermore, while the design patent on the GoPro HERO was found to have been violated by certain specific Insta360 products, multiple technology patent complaints that GoPro alleged to have been violated were found to either be invalid, or otherwise not in violation.
Both the Cease and Desist Order and the Limited Exclusion Order refer to specific Insta360 cameras that were found by the ITC to violate that GoPro HERO Design Patent.
So, Which Specific Insta360 Cameras Are Covered By The Limited Exclusion Order?
Only older models of the Insta360 Ace, Ace Pro, and Ace Pro 2 that have already been discontinued in the U.S. market are included in this order.
An updated version of the Ace Pro 2 was released in 2025, and that updated version is NOT included in this order, according to a company spokesperson.
Do These Legal Decisions Have Any Impact On Any Cameras That Customers May Already Own?
Cameras that customers have already purchased are not affected. Customers may continue to use those cameras without any restriction.
Will These Orders Affect Repair Service and/or Parts Availability for the Affected Cameras?
The US ITC granted a repair carveout from both Orders for existing affected cameras that are already in customer hands. Service/repairs and parts needed for those repairs will still be available, and customers will be able to have their cameras repaired and/or obtain replacement parts if necessary.
The TL;DR Summary
Powersports enthusiasts and other folks who enjoy action cameras can still have the choice to buy either GoPro or Insta360 action cameras as they choose. The US International Trade Commission is disallowing the sale of certain specific, older Insta360 models that were found to have violated a GoPro design patent within the US market.
Customers who already purchased the affected cameras can still continue to use them, and should still also be able to obtain parts and service for them, per Insta360.
Furthermore, no Insta360 cameras or other products that are or were not part of the Ace line are affected.
