Largan Precision accused of unauthorized copying of MVTec image inspection software
Largan Precision, a major smartphone camera lens manufacturer, was indicted in Taiwan for allegedly cracking and making unauthorized copies of MVTec's HALCON image inspection software after purchasing only nine licensed copies. MVTec subsequently filed a civil lawsuit in Germany seeking 22 million euros in damages.
What happened
Largan Precision purchased the HALCON image inspection software from MVTec but was accused by the German company of cracking the software and making unauthorized copies for widespread use.
The Taichung District Prosecutors Office indicted Largan Precision and eleven company officials in April 2024 for alleged violation of copyright law.
Reported impact
MVTec filed a civil lawsuit on December 31, 2024, at the Munich Regional Court seeking damages of 22 million euros (over 800 million Taiwan dollars).
Largan Precision claimed in court proceedings that inability to use HALCON would stop production lines, delay shipments, reduce market share, and cause significant damage to reputation and operations.
Index analysis
Largan Precision had purchased only nine copies of the HALCON development version but was accused of installing it on many other computers through cracking.
The software displayed a complete licensing agreement upon installation requiring user consent, according to court rulings and technical assessment reports.
Governance controls
Taiwan's Intellectual Property and Commercial Court ruled on April 25, 2025 that Largan Precision's request for a preliminary injunction to continue using HALCON was unfounded, as the licensing terms were clearly presented during installation.
The court's appeals panel rejected Largan Precision's appeal on September 18, 2025, affirming that MVTec as copyright holder has the right to demand proof of legal authorization.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.