China Invalidates Nikon Z-Mount Electronic Interface Patent in Viltrox Case

China's patent authority CNIPA has declared one of Nikon's Z-mount patents entirely invalid, ruling on 17 July 2026 that the electronic communication interface technology between Z-mount bodies and accessories lacks inventiveness. The successful challenge came from Shenzhen Jueying Technology, the company that makes Viltrox lenses. Nikon can still appeal to the Beijing Intellectual Property Court within three months, and the patent stays legally in force while that process runs.