We told you about the new company Side Project LLC right at the beginning of SHOT Show and their upcoming LINK which allows you to mate a Magpul Zhukov stock as a side folder to your CZ Scorpion. Now, it’s available for order.
The Side Project LINK is machined from aircraft-grade aluminum with mil-spec anodized finish. Price includes LINK and Zhukov folding stock. Don’t forget, all 922(r) and NFA rules apply.
sideprojectllc.com/products/link-for-cz-scorpion-magpul-zhukov-folding-stock
After Gibbz Arms sent letters to licensees of Magpul’s M-Lok early this month, Magpul filed an amended complaint asking for a judgment that the M-Lok design does not infringe on the Gibbens brothers’ patent for their GAMA system. To catch you up, Gibbz Arms released their patent pending GAMA system in late February along with copies letters they planned to send to brands that license other, similar weapon accessory attachment systems. The goal of these letters was to assert their patent and to persuade these firms to adopt their device, alleging that it pre-dated the other systems on the market. This was quickly followed by statements of reply from both Magpul and Gibbz Arms. Eventually, Magpul filed suit on March 4, 2016.
In a press release posted to Magpul’s website earlier today, they said this:
Magpul has drawn a firm line in the sand with this expanded lawsuit. “Magpul will take all necessary action against Gibbz Arms, including challenging its patents in Federal District Court, to ensure that adopters of the M-LOK system have complete freedom to operate without concern” said Duane Liptak, Director of Product Management and Marketing for Magpul Industries. Mr. Liptak further stressed that “Magpul will make certain that its M-LOK system can be implemented under its free license without interference from Gibbz Arms.”
Much of the issue at hand revolves around the types of T-nuts used in the design of each attachment system. This image from the Magpul filing illustrates the two types. The Gibbz Arms design is it the left and Magpul’s to the right.
Magpul has petitioned the Court for the following relief:
That Gibbz Arms has infringed the ‘236, ‘209, and ‘210 Patents;
That Gibbz Arms has knowingly and willfully infringed the ‘236 Patent;
That Plaintiff be awarded damages for patent infringement according to proof and ordering that such damages be multiplied up to treble their amount;
Preliminarily and permanently enjoining Gibbz Arms and all others acting in concert with Gibbz Arms from making, using, selling, or offering to sell the infringing firearm accessory mounting interface or any other product that infringes the ‘236, ‘209, and ‘210 Patents without permission or license from Plaintiff;
That Gibbz Arms be ordered to deliver up to Plaintiff all products infringing the ‘236, ‘209, and ‘210 Patents within its ownership, possession, or control for destruction by Plaintiff;
That the making, using, selling, offering for sale, and/or importing of the M-LOK T-Nut, or any component of the M-LOK system, does not infringe the ’D661 Patent, directly or indirectly, literally or under the doctrine of equivalents;
That the Court declare this to be an exceptional case pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 285, and award reasonable attorney’s fees;
That Plaintiff be awarded its costs of suit, and pre- and post-judgment interest on any money judgment; and
For such other relief as the Court deems proper.
You can read the complaint below which offers additional details on the matter including a disclosure that this has been brewing since August 215 when Gibbz initially contacted Magpul. But, it was not until patents were issued and letters of solicitation were sent to M-Lok licensees that the situation escalated.
In late February Gibbz Arms released their patent pending GAMA system along with letters to brands that license other, similar weapon accessory attachment systems to adopt theirs, alleging that it pre-dated the other systems.
This was quickly followed by statements of reply from both Magpul and Gibbz Arms.
But now, the situation has taken a different direction. According to documents obtained by SSD, Magpul has filed suit in Federal District Court in Austin, Texas against Gibbz Arms.
Specifically, Magpul claims that Gibbz Arms has violated three of their patents (8,925,236 B1; 9,239,209 B2 and 9,239,210) and they are suing for treble damages, attorney fees, delivery of all infringing items produced by Gibbz Arms to Magpul for destruction, and a permanent injunction against producing, selling or offering products that infringe upon Magpul’s patents.
Yesterday, we published a story about Gibbz Arms’ new GAMA attachmemt system and their contact with licensees of Magpul’s M-Lok attachment, soliciting them to license their product. This is Magpul’s response.
It has come to our attention that Gibbz Arms claims to have a utility patent application pending for an accessory attachment system for firearms, which they refer to as the “GAMA” system, and that they have recently issued a press release implying that companies that use the M-LOK system will need to pay for a license. However, we also note that this patent application wasn’t filed until September of 2015, which was long after Magpul filed for and obtained its own utility patents for the M-LOK system, and long after Magpul released its own M-LOK products to the market. Gibbz Arms appears be trying to impermissibly backdate its untimely utility patent application based on a prior design patent application that Gibbz filed in early 2013 for an ornamental design directed to a left-handed T-Nut. This 2013 design patent application was not publicly available until earlier this year.
Magpul expects that this attempted back-dating will be unsuccessful over the long run, and that Gibbz Arms will not be able to establish that its utility patent application was timely filed. The Gibbz utility patent filing includes broad proposed claims directed towards functions that are outside the scope of what is disclosed in its prior application for an ornamental design. Regardless, the pending claims in this utility application should not be assumed to be granted—the merits of the patent still need to be determined by the U.S. Patent &Trademark Office. Magpul fully expects that Gibbz Arms will not be successful in obtaining and maintaining a valid utility patent that will pose a concern for users of the M-LOK system. Magpul is also committed to taking whatever action is necessary, including challenges before the Patent & Trademark Office and in Federal District Court, to ensure that users of the M-LOK system continue to have complete freedom to operate without interference from, or the need to obtain a license demanded by, Gibbz Arms.
During SHOT Show there were murmurs about a looming patent confrontation between Gibbz Arms and Magpul. It seems that Gibbz Arms had developed an accessory attachment system for firearms that they were about to release under the name of GAMA, for GIBBZ Arms Modular Attachment. Below are the components of GAMA.
Granted, Gibbz hasn’t publicly used the word ‘Magpul’ but the primary similar design to what we see here is M-Lok. There is also the Manticore Arms ARC LOK system so perhaps Gibbz Arms is going after them as well. But regardless, Magpul M-LOK has been mentioned to me more than once in connection with this move by Gibbz Arms.
Yesterday, Gibbz not only formally announced the product, but we are told they also started sending out notices to licensees of Magpul’s M-Lok attachment system. Below is an example. No word yet on whether they’ve contacted Magpul or Manticore Arms directly as well.
Gibbz is looking for its own licensees and at this point, we don’t know what the terms of that license looks like. However, we do know that licensees of M-Lok don’t pay any fees and that they entered into their agreements with Magpul in good faith. It will be interesting to see how recipients of these letters react.
This is the Gibbz patent application. Don’t let the dates lull you into just dismissing this off hand. Although you notice a filing date of 21 September, 2015 and a publication date of 14 January, 2016, it’s a continuation of an application filed 26 January, 2013. And therein lies the rub. Who did what, when, and what are the claims? It sounds like Gibbz Arms and the companies with similar systems already on the street are going to have to work this one out.
Update: Below are PDFs of the original patent drawings for the GAMA System from 2013, as well as the revised drawings from 2015. Click the images to view the full document.
Original – 2013
Revised – 2015
MAGPUL DAKA POUCHES
The Magpul DAKA Pouch, designed to bring organization to the dusty, dirty, and muddy world we work and play in.
Made from polymer infused textiles that are welded on all seams and use a genuine YKK water resistant zipper. The construction methods and materials used mean that these pouches are at home in hard use applications like tool storage or bulk storage of your reloaded ammunition as well as lighter duties like organizing your personal electronic accessories. Although these pouches are not 100% water proof (read submersible…) they will keep your items dry under most wet weather situations making them a great choice for most outdoor adventures.
Made in the U.S.A.
<u>FEATURES</u>
· Reinforced polymer fabric with anti-slip texture
· Welded construction creates permanent impenetrable seals
· YKK AquaGuard water repellant zipper
· 550 paracord with heat shrink tubing for enhanced grip, even with gloves
· Paint pen dot matrix debossed into body for identification marking
· Carabiner attachment points
LIBERTY OR DEATH T-SHIRT
At the Virginia convention held May 1775, The Colony was divided into 16 districts and each district instructed to raise and discipline a battalion of men “to march at a minute’s notice.”
On July 17, 1775 a cadre of 350 men called the Culpeper Minute Men were organized under a large oak tree in “Clayton’s old field”
They adopted uniforms consisting of hunting shirts of strong, brown lines, dyed with an extract of the leaves of trees. On the breast of each shirt was worked in large white letters the words: “LIBERTY OR DEATH.”
Their flag had a rattlesnake with 13 rattles, coiled in the center, ready to strike. Underneath it were the words: “DON’T TREAD ON ME.” On either side were the words: “LIBERTY OR DEATH.” And at the top “THE CULPEPER MINUTE MEN.”
No sooner were they formed than the companies of Culpeper Minute Men were absorbed into regiments of the Continental Line, and by Act of Assembly in October 1776, they were dissolved and merged into the militia. Many went on to serve, and die in places like Valley Forge.
As with much of the art created in an era long before “cut-n-paste”, many versions exist. The snake and the text on the Magpul “Liberty or Death” T-shirt are inspired from some of the more rare versions of this original artwork.
WILDERNESS NAVIGATOR COURSE
This two day course is designed for anyone looking to learn the skills that it takes to navigate by map and compass in the wilderness. Using a systematic approach, we will introduce you to the lifetime skill of orienteering. As your confidence grows, you will be continuously challenged to move longer distances with more precision, thus increasing your sense of independence in the wilderness. Whether you an outdoor professional, competitive adventure racer or just someone looking for the freedom of knowing where you are in the backcountry, this course will give your skills to never get lost again.
MAGPUL TEJAS BELT HARDWARE KITS
Using the same high quality hardware that comes on our Tejas “El Original” Gun Belt, this hardware kit allows you to change the color of your hardware or upgrade any belt that uses a standard 1-1/2” buckle and two removable screws.
FEATURES
· Tool-free fasteners
· 1-1/2” compatible buckle
Inspired by their new home in Central Texas and their love for traditional things that just work, the Magpul Core Ranch Gloves are a modern interpretation of a classic.
The Ranch Gloves feature a modern athletic fit, touchscreen enhancement, and 100% goatskin leather construction for hard-working hands to feel at home.
FEATURES
– Constructed with soft and durable goatskin for roping, riding, or simply working around the ranch
– An elasticized wrist and extended gauntlet gives you an easy on and off glove
– Conductive thread on the index finger for touchscreen compatibility
– Subdued branding
The most lightweight and tactile glove in the Magpul line up, the Technical Gloves offer abrasion protection with maximum dexterity.
Durable synthetic construction for a second-skin fit with terry backed thumbs and touch screen capability that provide protection for active hands with minimum impact on fine motor skills.
FEATURES
– Lightweight, durable glove without compromising dexterity
– Tough synthetic suede palm and inner finger construction for wet or dry grip on all firearms
– Narrow, minimalistic forefinger for easy access and better control of firearms triggers
– Terrycloth backed thumb area to quickly remove fogging on hunting optics and glasses
– Ambidextrous three-finger touchscreen capability
– Elastic wrist closure keeps out debris
– 100% synthetic
– Subdued branding for better camouflage and concealment
I ran across the Magpul booth and who was there, but the Indomitable Drake Clark.
I don’t know what’s more impressive. That beard, or the Remington 700 decked out in Magpul furniture.
