German Camera Maker Zeiss Sued Over Kodak Digital Imaging Patents

Monument Peak Ventures alleges Zeiss products infringe on patents developed by Eastman Kodak.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A company called Monument Peak Ventures has filed a lawsuit against German camera and imaging company Carl Zeiss AG, alleging that Zeiss imaging software products like Zen Blue and Surgery Optimizer infringe on several digital imaging patents originally developed by Eastman Kodak. Monument Peak claims Zeiss has encouraged customers to infringe on these patents by providing technical support and promoting the products.

Why it matters

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing battle over digital imaging patents, with companies like Monument Peak seeking to monetize intellectual property developed by legacy tech firms like Kodak. The case also underscores the importance of patent protection in the highly competitive camera and imaging software market.

The details

According to the complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, the patents at issue cover systems for digital imaging and editing. Monument Peak alleges that Zeiss products like Zen Blue and Surgery Optimizer infringe on U.S. Patent Nos. 7,062,085, 7,065,255, 7,742,145, 7,827,508, and 8,953,024, which were originally developed by Eastman Kodak. Monument Peak says Zeiss has encouraged customers to infringe on these patents by providing technical support and promoting the products.

  • The lawsuit was filed on February 6, 2026.

The players

Monument Peak Ventures LLC

A company that owns patents originally developed by Eastman Kodak and is alleging infringement against German camera maker Carl Zeiss AG.

Carl Zeiss AG

A German company that manufactures cameras, imaging software, and other optical products, which is being sued by Monument Peak Ventures for alleged patent infringement.

Eastman Kodak Co.

The legacy photography and imaging company that originally developed the digital imaging patents now owned by Monument Peak Ventures.

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What’s next

The case will now proceed through the legal system, with Zeiss likely to mount a defense against the patent infringement allegations.

The takeaway

This lawsuit underscores the ongoing battle over digital imaging patents, with companies seeking to monetize intellectual property developed by legacy tech firms. The outcome could have significant implications for the camera and imaging software market.