Some say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Others call it patent infringement. Magpul Industries seems to be in the latter category, as they just filed a lawsuit against ProMag Industries and a handful of other mag makers for infringing on some of their AR-15 magazine patents. In their press release (full text below), Magpul states that they filed the lawsuit to protect their patent for their plastic fantastics, presumably trying to crack down on some of the fake Magpul products that have been making their way onto the market recently. On a personal level, I’ve been fooled by a Magpul impersonator offering some backup iron sights for a “too good to miss” price. Whether this will put the fear of God into the hearts of counterfeiters is yet to be seen . . .
BOULDER, Colorado — July 25, 2013
Magpul Industries Corp announced today that it has filed patent infringement lawsuits against four companies for offering for sale, selling, and distributing magazines for AR15/M16 compatible weapons in violation of Magpul’s patents. The company’s lawsuits allege infringement of Utility Pat. No. 8,069,601 for a novel ammunition magazine, in addition to numerous Magpul design patents.
The lawsuits, filed in United States District Court, Colorado, provide another example of Magpul’s dedication to protecting its valuable brand while sending a warning to others attempting to infringe on our innovations. “These patents exemplify the industrial design-focused spirit at Magpul, which drives us to create novel solutions that enhance user experience with our products,” said Duane Liptak, Director of Product Management and Marketing for Magpul Industries. “People who use Magpul products have high expectations and a great deal of trust regarding the value, quality, and amount of thought put into every design we release. As such, we cannot allow others to misappropriate the patented technology that helps us generate that consumer confidence and trust.”
The lawsuits are the largest and most significant to date brought by Magpul, and are part of the company’s ongoing proactive efforts to combat the unlawful production, distribution, and sale of products that infringe on its valuable intellectual property rights.