We have the MATEN 308 Billet Sets coming and they should be here shortly. We also have a few other Mega products coming as well.
Unfortunately the Monolithic Uppers can't be legally imported or sold in Canada because of a Patent infringement issue, so that rules out selling the Monolithic Uppers or Mega's newly announced rifle as it is currently configured.
We have spoken to Mega about making a version of their 308 rifle without the Monolithic Upper so that it can be sold in Canada. We have also spoken to them about supplying the BCG's and barrels for customer builds using their MATEN billet set... that optioni should be available later this year.
The problem with their monolithic upper is that LMT has a Patent pending in the US that covers any and all monolithic rail designs for any AR type rifle. The Patent is still pending in the US and once it is approved (which it will eventually be) then Mega will be liable for the lawsuit that will inevitably follow.
Here in Canada the Patent has already been approved and granted, so at this point the product can't be legally imported or sold here.
I know that LMT's Patent lawyers have already started sending out notice letters.
We had some discussion with Mega at SHOT about this... they apparently were not aware of the patent that LMT had filed years ago (when they were creating their MRP upper concept, before their MRP uppers were ever released onto the market). Mega seemed unaware that the patent had been approved in Canada... or that it was pending in the US... they are now.
Back to the MATEN billet sets, I expect that pricing on the MATEN uppers will be up on our website in the next week or so and we'll be taking orders at that time.
Ummmm wasn't NEA making a monolithic upper?
So would they be affected?
The wild still lingered in him and the wolf in him merely slept
"It must be poor life that achieves freedom from fear" - Aldo Leopold
The patent details are extensive so I'll just post the Patent number that was granted and let those who are interested read the details directly from the CIPO website. The Patent is #2485710 and it can be looked up at:
http://brevets-patents.ic.gc.ca/opic...search#Details
The patent covers a number of different design concepts including the Monolithic Rail.
It would affect anyone manufacturing or importing or selling such products in Canada.
Mark
Where does VLTOR/Noveske fit into this fiasco?
Vltor VIS starts with two pieces.
From their website:
"The manufacturing process of the VIS is unique...starting with what is essentially a traditional separate upper receiver and handguard, these parts are partially machined then permanently joined using an exclusive welding process - this composite unit is then stress relieved, final machined and heat treated."
If the patent is enforceable, LMT will just extract it's pound of flesh by asking for a loyalty. I am sure Colt, Colt Canada and others will have something to say about this.
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