Xreal Takes Legal Action Against Viture in US Patent Dispute
Chinese smart glasses pioneer Xreal Inc. has initiated legal proceedings against its competitor Viture Inc. in the United States. The company filed a lawsuit in federal court in eastern Texas on Thursday, accusing Viture of patent infringement.
Xreal contends that Viture has unfairly benefited from Xreal's substantial research investments and technological developments in the augmented reality glasses segment. The legal complaint specifically targets Viture's Luma Pro, Luma Ultra, and The Beast smart glasses models.
Similar Products, Different Innovation Approaches
Both companies manufacture augmented reality glasses that connect to smartphones and laptops, providing users with large virtual displays for entertainment and productivity tasks. Technical specifications including display resolution and field of view show remarkable similarity between the two brands' products.
Xreal revealed in its Thursday statement that the company holds over 800 patents and patent applications worldwide, with dozens registered in the United States and Europe. By comparison, Viture owns approximately 70 or fewer global patents and applications, with none in the United States or European markets.
Broader Implications for AR Industry
The lawsuit emerges at a critical juncture for the smart glasses industry. Apple Inc. is expected to enter the market later this year, potentially reshaping competitive dynamics. Xreal emphasized that this legal action extends beyond individual patent enforcement.
"This lawsuit addresses a pattern of intellectual property infringement that threatens innovation integrity and technological progress in our industry," Xreal stated. The company expressed concern about protecting collaborative partnerships and ensuring co-developed products remain secure from infringement risks.
Market Position and Recent Developments
According to research firm IDC, Xreal commands greater global market share than Viture in the AR eyewear category. However, both companies trail significantly behind Meta Platforms Inc., whose Ray-Ban smart glasses have achieved the most mainstream success to date.
Earlier this month at the CES technology trade show, Xreal showcased new products including an entry-level glasses model and a co-branded version developed with Taiwan's Asustek Computer Inc. The company also announced an extended partnership with Alphabet Inc.'s Google.
Xreal emphasized that these collaborations require protection from unauthorized intellectual property usage. The company stated that partners deserve confidence that their jointly developed products won't face threats from infringers seeking to benefit from others' innovations.
