As TFB recently reported, on May 11th, 2021, SIG SAUER filed a lawsuit against Springfield Armory. This lawsuit alleges that Springfield infringed upon SIG’s intellectual property in the form of patents on their pistol magazines, specific to the P365 and Hellcat model mags. Clearly, there is a great deal of overlap in terms of the sector of the market that each company is targeting with these handguns. Springfield has now fired back with their own statement, asserting that they believe this is the real cause for SIG’s lawsuit, and that their Hellcat magazines do not actually breach any of the rules surrounding US patent law. Springfield’s press release to this effect reads as follows.

Springfield’s Hellcat magazine options, which are the subject of SIG’s patent lawsuit.

Springfield Armory® Responds to Competitor’s Claims

May 12, 2021

GENESEO, ILL. (5/12/21) –  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®.

Some of SIG’s P365 series magazines, shown from left to right: 12 rounds, 10 rounds with the pinky extension, and 10 rounds flush-fit.

What do you think, readers? Does SIG have a point, or is this a frivolous lawsuit, as Springfield has stated? How do each company’s statements and stances on this issue affect your view of the manufacturers or their products, if they have any effect at all? Are you more or less likely to buy either a P365 or a Hellcat, in light of this lawsuit and the press releases surrounding it? Or do you not care either way, and you more just view the guns based on their own performance and merit? Let us know your feedback in the comments below! See you at the range.

Photos courtesy of SIG SAUER and Springfield Armory.