WASHINGTON, May 1 (Reuters) - The U.S. International

Trade Commission is launching a probe into GoPro ( GPRO ) claims

that patents for its cameras, systems and accessories are being

violated by a Chinese firm importing similar products into the

United States.

The USITC said in a public notice on Wednesday that the

investigation under Section 337 of the Trade Act of 1930 applies

to Shenzhen-based Arashi Vision, which makes the Insta360 line

of camera products.

GoPro ( GPRO ), whose brand name is largely synonymous with the

wearable action camera market, has requested that the trade

panel issue exclusion and cease and desist orders that would ban

imports of the Insta360 products.

GoPro's ( GPRO ) complaint said Insta360's products, which include

action and 360-degree cameras and systems and associated

mounting systems and frame, infringe GoPro ( GPRO ) patents for the

"novel and proprietary SuperView, virtual lens, HyperSmooth, and

Horizon Leveling technology" used in its HERO and MAX lines.

It said this allows users to stretch image aspect ratios to

wider frames, creating an "immersive" viewing experience.