Register

DJI Responds to Accusations of Skirting U.S. Bans With Drone Clones

The Chinese manufacturer has been linked to other companies that appear to be selling identical products.

DJI drone
DJI’s Mavic 3 is one of the most popular camera drones in the world and has a sizable user base in the U.S. [Courtesy: DJI]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • U.S. lawmakers accuse DJI, the world's largest drone manufacturer, of using a Texas-based company, Anzu, to sell "clone" drones (like Anzu's Raptor T, similar to DJI's Mavic 3) and bypass federal bans on its technology.
  • DJI defends the relationship as a standard, legal licensing agreement allowing Anzu to modify and manufacture DJI hardware and software in Malaysia without royalties, while denying accusations of government funding or military ties.
  • Lawmakers remain highly suspicious, citing physical product similarities, conflicting statements from Anzu's CEO about payments to DJI and the arrangement's purpose, and a lack of disclosure, prompting a demand for detailed information from Anzu.
See a mistake? Contact us.

China’s DJI, the world’s largest manufacturer and seller of consumer drones, is firing back against accusations that it is selling “clones” of its products through separate companies in order to skirt U.S. federal bans.

The firm on Thursday published a blog post characterizing U.S. representatives’ portrayal of its relationship with Anzu, a Texas-based company selling drones that are eerily similar to DJI’s Mavic 3, as inaccurate. At the center of the controversy is a unique licensing agreement that the companies say gives Anzu access to DJI’s hardware and software—considered some of the best in the industry—essentially for free. Lawmakers believe the arrangement is fishy.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE