SAF and Defense Distributed Sue Department of State

Nathan S
by Nathan S

Cody Wilson is not one to shy away from a fight, much less choose enemies his own size. In a David vs. Goliath match-up, Defense Distributed has teamed up with the Second Amendment Foundation to sue the Department of State over “Censorship of 3-D Printing Information.”

Defense Distributed, known for its 3-d printed Liberator pistol, had the Department of State require him to cease distribution of the 3-D files for the liberator under ITAR – International Trade and Arms Regulations. The DoS contends that the files were needed for review (a “determination/classification letter” for those in the industry) and after 2 years, had not rendered a decision. (Typical turnaround for a letter when I was in the industry was 60-90 days.

The Government’s restraint against the publication of this critical information, under the guise of controlling arms exports, violates the First Amendment right to free speech, the Second Amendment right to bear arms, and the Fifth Amendment right to due process, the lawsuit alleges.

For full details and the press release, click here to be taken to the SAF website.

Nathan S
Nathan S

One of TFB's resident Jarheads, Nathan now works within the firearms industry. A consecutive Marine rifle and pistol expert, he enjoys local 3-gun, NFA, gunsmithing, MSR's, & high-speed gear. Nathan has traveled to over 30 countries working with US DoD & foreign MoDs.The above post is my opinion and does not reflect the views of any company or organization.

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  • J.J J.J on May 08, 2015

    The last I checked we as U.S citizens are already allowed to manufacture new firearms. so basically I can buy a milling machine, like the new ghost gunner, and make legal firearms just not with a 3-D printer. Another genius gun law from our incompetent government.

    • Noob Noob on May 10, 2015

      @J.J the court case is significant because it will impact milling machines as well as 3d printers - the are fighting to keep the 3d files and blueprints available online and make sure it is not a crime to have the files.

      If this application of ITAR is allowed to stand, it could be hard to circumvent. Imagine a world where you could get sent to prison for posting a schematic of an AR-15's trigger pack as an image comment on TFB...

  • 1911a145acp 1911a145acp on May 09, 2015

    Obviously, he should appeal on 1st Amendment grounds since it's his "printing' rights that are being violated!

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