Viltrox Patents Z-Mount Bayonet Design Amid Nikon Lawsuit

Viltrox has been granted a Chinese design patent (CN 309984573 S, May 15, 2026) covering the ornamental appearance of their Z-mount bayonet ring. It protects the visual design of their specific implementation, not the mechanical function or electronic protocols. The patent landed while Nikon's lawsuit against Viltrox in Shanghai's Intellectual Property Court is active, with Nikon claiming royalties and infringement over Z-mount interface and communications patents.