Mag War: SIG SAUER Sues Springfield

Did Springfield Armory infringe on SIG SAUER’s patent? Here’s their official statement:

Today, SIG SAUER, Inc., filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, Rock Island Division, alleging that Springfield, Inc. (Springfield Armory) infringes two SIG patents relating to SIG’s P365 magazine.

The P365 has seen tremendous commercial success, due to the innovative design of the high-capacity magazine. In its complaint, SIG alleges that Springfield Armory’s making and selling of certain “Hellcat” branded magazines infringes upon two SIG patents. SIG SAUER is seeking injunctive relief, as well as monetary damages for Springfield Armory’s past and ongoing infringement.

Ron Cohen, President and Chief Executive Officer, made the following statement:

“When the SIG SAUER P365 was introduced it took the market by storm as the most innovative high-capacity, micro-compact pistol to be introduced due to its magazine capacity, and quickly became one of the top selling handguns in the market due to this unprecedented innovation. SIG is not a litigious company, but given the extent of infringement by Springfield, SIG has a responsibility to protect both our intellectual property and the significant investment we make to develop our innovative products. As a company we are proud to yield more than 100 patents worldwide, with more than 40 patent applications currently pending, and we will protect the extensive research and design that goes into developing these patents rigorously.”

Here’s what Springfield has to say…

“Springfield Armory’s highly successful and awarded micro-compact handgun, the Hellcat®, has attracted legal claims from a competitor.

Sig Sauer, Inc. has alleged in a federal court complaint that Springfield Armory’s Hellcat® magazines infringe two patents Sig owns. However, Springfield Armory is steadfast in its conviction that those claims are without merit. The innovative design of the Hellcat® magazine is our own and works only with the Hellcat®. The superior design of the Hellcat® magazine is able to hold more rounds in an overall smaller magazine. Springfield Armory’s Hellcat® magazine was independently awarded several patents of its own and has received numerous industry recognitions.

“We feel that these claims are frivolously litigious in nature and designed to thin out the competition in an increasingly crowded firearms market,” explains Springfield Armory President Steve McKelvain. “Springfield Armory will vigorously defend its right to produce the class-leading patented Hellcat® handgun and magazines for our loyal customers––past, present and future.”

Springfield Armory is proud of its 46-year long commitment to innovative engineering, craftsmanship, and design. The work completed on behalf of our customers and the public is a privilege that we honor with originality and the release of groundbreaking products including the Hellcat®.”

What do you think? We’re keeping a weather eye on this suit, and we’ll keep you informed!