Photo: Baidu
Chinese video surveillance giant Hikvision has been hit with a 10.31 million yuan patent infringement lawsuit by competitor Hongmen Group, a national high-tech enterprise specializing in intelligent access management systems.
The case, initiated on January 7, 2025, in the Wuhan Intermediate People's Court, centers on Hongmen's claim that Hikvision infringed its invention patent, titled "Electric Fence Gate Capable of Three-Dimensional Rotation" (Patent No. ZL200810142110.6).
On June 5, 2025, the Supreme People's Court (SPC) rejected Hikvision's appeal to transfer the case to its home court in Hangzhou, affirming that even the sale of a single infringing product can establish jurisdiction. The ruling also clarified the legal boundaries of "forum shopping" in patent disputes—where plaintiffs strategically purchase products in certain jurisdictions to file suits there.
According to relevant reports, the disputed patent has been challenged for invalidation seven times, with three rulings so far upholding its validity. In 2024, Hongmen licensed the patent to fellow Chinese high-tech firm Chian Technology Co., Ltd., which it touted as an industry first.
Founded in 1993 and based in Shenzhen, Hongmen specializes in intelligent access control products including electric gates, barriers, and industrial doors. The company has a strong track record of defending its intellectual property. Past cases include successful trademark and unfair competition lawsuits against entities misusing the "Hongmen" name and brand. In 2022, the SPC ruled in its favor against Shenzhen Caimen Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. for infringing another of its patents.
Hikvision, headquartered in Hangzhou, is a partially state-owned firm known for civilian and military surveillance systems. It ranks second in China's access gate industry, just ahead of Hongmen, which placed fourth in a 2023 industry ranking. Currently, Hikvision remains under sanctions from the U.S. and EU.
