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Thompson/Center Arms and Traditions Sporting Goods Settle Patent Infringement Dispute
Companies Sign Licensing Agreement Regarding Thompson/Center Arms Patents.

Thompson Center Arms

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.--(Ammoland.com)- Thompson/Center Arms Company, Inc. (“TCA”), Traditions Sporting Goods, Inc. (“Traditions”), and Ardesa S.A. d/b/a Ardesa Firearms (“Ardesa”), announced today that they have reached an agreement to settle patent infringement complaints brought by TCA in the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) and U.S. federal court.

Under the terms of the agreement, Traditions and Ardesa have agreed to a multi-year license agreement, allowing them to use certain TCA muzzleloader rifle technology. In exchange, TCA has agreed to dismiss all infringement claims asserted in the complaints. Further details and financial terms of the settlement are not being made available.

“We are always looking for ways to protect our innovative designs and technology, which are the cornerstones of our business, and key components of what our brands stand for in the eyes of the consumer,” said James Debney, President and CEO of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, TCA’s parent company.

“We look forward to working with Traditions to bring the highest quality and most advanced muzzleloading rifles to the market.”

“Traditions and Ardesa join with TCA in looking forward to bringing the highest quality muzzleloading rifles to the market,” said Tom Hall, President of Traditions.

“We are pleased that the companies were able to work together in a pragmatic way to amicably resolve this litigation. Traditions will continue to sell all products in its existing product line and intends to continue its ongoing efforts to innovate in the field of muzzleloading rifles to meet market demand.”

About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC) is a U.S.-based, global provider of products and services for safety, security, protection, and sport. The company delivers a broad portfolio of firearms and related training to the military, law enforcement, and sports markets. For more information on Smith & Wesson call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.

About Traditions & Ardesa
Traditions Performance Firearms located in Old Saybrook, CT imports, distributes, and sells top quality muzzleloading firearms and accessories. Ardesa S.A., located in Vizcaya, Spain, manufactures top quality reproductions of famous flintlock and percussion rifles and pistols, 209 primed in-line ignition rifles, and a full line of accessories, that are imported by Traditions Performance Firearms. For more information on Traditions call 860-388-4656 or log on to traditionsfirearms.com.

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Kansas City To Host Pheasants Forever’s 2012 National Convention Feb. 17-19 2011
Kansas City Convention Center site of Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -–(Ammoland.com)- – For the first time, the nation’s biggest event for pheasant and quail hunters and bird dog enthusiasts is coming to Kansas City.

Pheasants Forever’s National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic will be held Feb. 17-19, 2012, at the Kansas City Convention Center in downtown Kansas City, Mo. The event will be sponsored by Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter.

The annual convention has topped 20,000 in attendance each of the last six events. The Quail Classic portion of the 2012 event will be a first, representing the strong tradition of bobwhite quail hunting and conservation found in Kansas, Missouri, and across the Great Plains and southeast United States. Both the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the Missouri Department of Conservation will participate in the event.

Kansas and Missouri are home to a combined 47 local Pheasants Forever chapters and 34 Quail Forever chapters. With more than 10,000 Pheasants Forever and/or Quail Forever members in the two states, Howard Vincent, Pheasants Forever, Inc.’s National President and CEO, says it’s time to bring the organization’s premiere event to Kansas City.

“Kansas is one of the elite states for pheasant hunting and wildlife habitat conservation, and Missouri has positioned itself as a clear leader in efforts to restore bobwhite quail populations,” Vincent said. “Kansas City is the perfect meeting place to have fun celebrating both great game birds.”

All things bird dog-related have been the biggest attractions at previous National Pheasant Fest events, and that’s expected to be the case at the inaugural appearance in Kansas City. Approximately 40 different sporting dog breeds will be represented; dog training seminars will be held throughout the three-day weekend; and attendees will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with breeders, trainers, and dog kennel and club representatives.

A “Youth Village” is another popular show attraction, where youth can participate in archery and air rifle ranges, a casting booth, laser shot, and more.

For more information, including exhibitor details, phone Brad Heidel, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Director of Corporate and Special Event Sales at 651-209-4956 or email bheidel@pheasantsforever.org.

Filed under: Conservation News, Hunting News by Ammoland No Comments »