U.S.A. –-(AmmoLand.com)- 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.
About Springfield Armory
In 1794, the original Springfield Armory began manufacturing muskets for the defense of our young, free Republic. The Armory functioned as a firearms supplier for every major American conflict until 1968 when the government sadly closed its doors. In 1974, nearly two centuries after its inception, Springfield Armory Inc. in Geneseo, Ill. revived the iconic heritage of the Armory to carry on its legacy.
We strive to honor this responsibility as guardians of the original Springfield Armory legacy by manufacturing the highest quality firearms to enable responsible citizens to preserve their right to keep and bear arms in the defense of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
With an unmatched emphasis on craftsmanship, performance and exceptional customer service, our mission is to forge superior firearms and provide the tools necessary to defend individual freedoms and equality for those who embrace the rights and principles secured by our Founding Fathers. For more information, please visit us at: springfield-armory.com.
As long as the Hellcat doesn’t inadvertently discharge when dropped or drawn from a holster, Springfield should be okay. If it does inadvertently discharge when dropped or drawn from a holster, Sig might rightfully claim some type of patent infringement.
😀
I like your thinking, Grigori.
In my opinion, both companies are fine firearm manufacturers; I like and own models from both. Personally, I don’t see how a magazine you’ve designed to hold more rounds than that of your primary competitor, to fit into/work with only your own firearm, and for which you have received your own patent, can possibly be a patent infringement against your competitor’s version. But alas, I’m not a lawyer.
However I can always appreciate a little sarcastic humor to start my day. Thanks!
I’ve read a bunch of articles about this issue – and of course the attendant comments. Here is what I have decided – wasn’t the 13 round magazine for the P-35 (Browning Hi-Power) the first successful staggered magazine? So ‘technically’ any and all magazines using that technology would be (at least) a ‘clone’ of some sort. I ‘m sure that patent has long since expired.
Seems to me the only ones who will gain out of this brouhaha will the be liars er um lawyers.
The problem with Sig’s patent is that they did not invent anything new, nor did they employ any novel manufacturing process. They changed the angles of the sides of a stamped steel magazine to increase capacity, but that has been done before. This is like Ford suing Chevy for increasing trunk space after Ford bent the metal of their trunk to make it larger.
As always, the lawyers will win.
And the courts.
IKR! The Hellcat is the only micro pistol that has successfully endured TWO back-to-back 10,000 round torture tests WITH ZERO FAILURES! This was videotaped by independent media and test shooters, using Federal premium ammo. The videos are on Youtube. Springfield did a similar 10,000 round torture test before, with the XDM 10MM, and since, with the XDM Elite in 9mm. In every instance, there were no failures. At this point, I’m going to say that Springfield pistols are the most reliable pistols in the world next to Glock… and I don’t care how triggered Glock fanbois get in hearing me… Read more »
stupid ,they are both using slight modifications on mags from machine guns big whoop. need to get back to safety and reliability tests
The Hellcat is perfectly safe and reliable; I know – I’ve shot that plenty. Sig?? They’re the ones who need to bail water. Like Colt, their financial health is floundering and the only reason why they appear flush is their big fat US government contracts. Never mind that SIG was effectively kicked out of Germany or that they have a bang-o-matic pistol that goes off when dropped or even just laid down; theirs is literally the only gun on the market that can literally go off on its own. Yes, I am saying that no amount of testing or redesigning… Read more »
It’s bad enough we have dorks in Washington ready to strip all of our gun rights, but now we are going to fight amongst ourselves? Just gives the Demorat gun grabbers more talking points so they can say crap like “most gun owners want more gun control.” Let’s save the arguing and fighting to keep our gun RIGHTS! We sure as hell can’t count on the NRA to do that anymore. I’m almost ashamed to be a member of that Org. any more.
I don’t really care about the case. Personally, I’ll never buy from Springfield because of their past practices. Apologies are great but they’ve shown their nature and can’t be trusted. I can forgive a poor hungry man for stealing a loaf of bread but I cannot forgive a rich man for the same.
Claims about SA’s “past practices” are based on disinformation originating out of antigun Chicago newspapers and those lies are perpetuated by irate Glockbois who are butthurt that Springfield was the first to intrude into Glock’s monopoly on striker-fired polymer pistols. Nobody who spreads these lies about Springfield EVER bother for a microsecond to mention the VAST amount of pro-2A work that Springfield has done over the years, the money spent, etc. that still would outstrip what all other gun manufacturers COMBINED have done. But shhh… don’t even think it, hating on SA is more important. Better to work to undermine… Read more »
Likewise, does Springfield deserve any criticism for having all their plastic pistols manufactured in Croatia? Can’t they be viewed with a jaundiced eye for still adhering to the “Assault Weapons Ban” restriction that prohibited a bayonet lug? (No one really needs the lug on their M1A but that’s not the point.) You sound like a Springfield fanboi Henry, and that’s fine. But the bottom line is whether the case has any merit and (justified or not) we must put faith in the courts to reach a just decision. If without merit, maybe Springfield can counter sue for damages. If they… Read more »
See Henry’s reply.
How come Springfield possibly stealing from a competitor doesn’t surprise me. Remember the last time they and Rock River tried to screw over the rest of the gun makers in their state?
Glad I decided then to never purchase from either one of them.
Listen up. I’ll tell you the same thing I told Beobear. Claims about SA’s “past practices” are based on disinformation originating out of antigun Chicago newspapers and those lies are perpetuated by irate Glockbois who are butthurt that Springfield was the first to intrude into Glock’s monopoly on striker-fired polymer pistols. Nobody who spreads these lies about Springfield EVER bother for a microsecond to mention the VAST amount of pro-2A work that Springfield has done over the years, the money spent, etc. that still would outstrip what all other gun manufacturers COMBINED have done. But shhh… don’t even think it,… Read more »
Keep repeating the same thing over and over. That might make it all come true! Or use more caps! Freedom of speech includes volume! 🙂
If you repeat a lie often enough and loud enough it will become true… said Joseph Goebbels!
I don’t own a glock nor am I fan. As far as low information and your other personal attacks without facts try some investigation into the subject. Springfield and RI blamed it on the PR firm. Well low and behold that PR firm was started and funded by Springfield and RI and both sat on the PR firms’ board.
So take that info and do some critical thinking.
You know what’s bad in all of this? People confusing Rock River Arms with Rock Island Armory!