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 Chinese drone manufacturer DJI of using a licensing agreement with Texas-based company Anzu to sell "clone" drones and circumvent federal bans on DJI technology.
  • Concerns are fueled by the striking similarity between Anzu's Raptor T and DJI's Mavic 3, conflicting statements from Anzu's CEO regarding the deal's nature and financial terms, and alleged ties between DJI and the Chinese government.
  • DJI defends the Anzu arrangement as a standard, legal licensing agreement for hardware and software modification, denies any military or government affiliation, and states Anzu manufactures its drones in Malaysia to avoid U.S. restrictions.
  • Lawmakers have demanded Anzu provide detailed information about its relationship with DJI, manufacturing processes, and component sourcing to address ongoing suspicions of ban circumvention.
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