We’ve contacted Nikon to make a comment on the lawsuit from RED Digital Cinema regarding the claimed violation of RED’s compressed raw patent on Nikon’s Z9 flagship camera. However, Nikon preferred not to comment by releasing a banal response due to the pending litigation. That can be defined as a misguided response. Here is our interpretation.

RED sues Nikon regarding its main feature

As reported before, RED Digital Cinema is suing Nikon regarding the use of the compressed raw video recording capabilities (N-RAW) available on the Z9 flagship camera. All the lawsuit’s highlights are in our previous article. Why is this a big deal? Because the internal compressed raw capabilities of the Nikon Z9 are one of its main features, especially for filmmakers. Furthermore, the ability to record compressed raw transformed the Nikon Z9 into the most advanced mirrorless on the market. Disabling this feature due to patent violation can lead to ‘converting’ the Z9 to a…regular mirrorless with no significant advantage over competitors, at least from a cinematography/filmmaking aspect. 

We have a policy of not commenting on pending litigation.

Nikon

Nikon’s response

We’ve reached out to Nikon for a comment on this issue. We asked one simple question: “Will the N-RAW be removed from the Nikon Z9 due to the lawsuit by RED Digital Cinema?”. Nikon’s answer was: “We have a policy of not commenting on pending litigation”. Our following question was: “As for Nikon’s comment, the readers would appreciate getting more information. As we understood, Nikon is going to fight the lawsuit? We’re asking this since many users are sitting on the bench waiting for the final decision regarding the N-RAW capabilities of the Z9. Hence, we’d appreciate more elaboration on this, since the legal process can take some time…” Nikon hasn’t answered that yet. We’ve also reached out IntoPix as well, which are the developers of the N-RAW. IntoPix hasn’t responded. Hence, the sole comment we got from Nikon is a banal response that Nikon has a policy of not commenting on pending litigation. Nikon’s answer can be defined as a misguided response since it suppressed transparency which is a crucial factor between a company to its consumers/customers.

Not commenting = impaired business strategy

As explained, transparency is a crucial factor in a company’s credibility. The policy of not commenting on pending litigation is misguided and indicates on faulty reasoning. In that case, Nikon is not going to comment on the litigation even though the litigation is happening now, and the public is very aware of the lawsuit due to this current round of media coverage. This strategy will do more harm than good to Nikon’s reputation. In fact, speaking about pending litigation will not make it worse. Thus, an organization’s policy of not commenting on pending litigation is incorrect. The policy is bad for the organization’s reputation, legal position, and ultimately, its business, especially when it’s related to a major feature implemented in its flagship product. Nikon must elaborate more on that matter, and explain to the public its business/legal steps and complications derived from the RED Digital Cinema lawsuit.

Product List

Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers. 

• Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Camera
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA