Viltrox's Win Over Nikon in China Could Force Canon to Open RF Mount

China's patent office (CNIPA) invalidated a core Nikon Z-mount patent in its case against Viltrox, allowing third-party autofocus lenses for the mount. Patent lawyers say the ruling sets a precedent that could also undermine Canon's closed RF mount, which has so far been protected only by legal threats.

• CNIPA invalidated Nikon's Z-mount patent for lacking an inventive step
• Viltrox can now legally sell autofocus Z-mount lenses in China
• Canon RF is the only fully closed mirrorless camera mount
• Viltrox halted RF lens production in 2022 after Canon's legal threats