Swiss Suppressor Manufacturer Takes Legal Action Against SureFire in Federal Patent Dispute

B&T Launches Counteroffensive Over Rotex Technology Claims

The firearms suppressor industry is witnessing a significant legal battle as B&T USA and its Swiss parent company B&T AG have initiated federal court proceedings against SureFire, LLC. The dispute centers around allegations that SureFire has been wielding a questionable patent to intimidate B&T and its customer base, despite knowing the Swiss company's technology predates SureFire's patent filing by several years.

Background of the Dispute

According to the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, B&T alleges that SureFire was fully aware that B&T had developed, manufactured, and commercially distributed its innovative Rotex quick-detach suppressor system well before SureFire submitted its patent application. The Swiss company's technology had already gained traction in the U.S. market, including documented sales to U.S. Navy personnel.

The crux of B&T's legal argument rests on the claim that SureFire failed to disclose critical prior art information to the United States Patent and Trademark Office during the patent application process, potentially undermining the validity and enforceability of U.S. Patent No. 7,676,976.

Legal Claims and Objectives

B&T's comprehensive legal action encompasses multiple claims against SureFire:

• Declaratory judgment of non-infringement
• Patent invalidity challenge
• Breach of contract allegations
• Tortious interference claims

The lawsuit stems from what B&T characterizes as "unwarranted legal threats" from SureFire, which the Swiss manufacturer claims have disrupted their legitimate business operations and damaged relationships with commercial partners.

Official Statement from B&T Leadership

CEO Addresses Patent Controversy

Jon Scott, Chief Executive Officer of B&T USA, provided an official statement regarding the legal proceedings:

"B&T has a long and well-documented history of innovation that predates SureFire's patent by several years. Despite having full knowledge of B&T's prior invention, SureFire withheld critical evidence from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office while using that same patent as a cudgel against not only us, but our partners. Our lawsuit seeks to hold SureFire accountable for this misconduct, to clear the record regarding B&T's rights, and to ensure B&T can continue serving the defense and commercial markets without interference."

Prior Agreement and Alleged Breach

The legal dispute is further complicated by B&T's assertion that both companies had previously established a mutual understanding. According to the complaint, this agreement stipulated that B&T would refrain from challenging SureFire's patent validity, provided SureFire committed to not asserting the patent against B&T or its customers.

B&T maintains that SureFire's recent aggressive legal posture represents a clear violation of this understanding, forcing the Swiss company to abandon diplomatic resolution attempts in favor of federal court intervention.

Complete Official Press Release

B&T USA, LLC and its parent company B&T AG of Thun, Switzerland, have initiated legal proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida against SureFire, LLC. The complaint seeks a declaratory judgment of non-infringement and patent invalidity and brings claims for breach of contract and tortious interference.

This action follows a series of unwarranted legal threats made by SureFire, which has sought to disrupt B&T's lawful commercial activities by alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,676,976 — despite knowing that the underlying technology, B&T's proprietary Rotex quick-detach suppressor system, was developed, publicly displayed, and sold to U.S. government end users years prior to SureFire's patent application.

Despite clear evidence of B&T's prior invention — including exports to the United States and documented use by the U.S. Navy — SureFire failed to disclose this information to the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This material omission calls into question the enforceability of the asserted patent and the good faith underlying SureFire's conduct.

"B&T has a long and well-documented history of innovation that predates SureFire's patent by several years," said Jon Scott Chief Executive Officer of B&T USA. "Despite having full knowledge of B&T's prior invention, SureFire withheld critical evidence from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office while using that same patent as a cudgel against not only us, but our partners. Our lawsuit seeks to hold SureFire accountable for this misconduct, to clear the record regarding B&T's rights, and to ensure B&T can continue serving the defense and commercial markets without interference."

Moreover, B&T and SureFire had previously reached a mutual understanding: that B&T would not challenge SureFire's patent so long as SureFire refrained from asserting it against B&T or its customers. SureFire's recent actions constitute a clear breach of that agreement, forcing B&T to take legal action to protect its rights, its reputation, and its longstanding customer relationships. B&T has pursued every reasonable path to resolve this dispute privately and professionally. Unfortunately, SureFire's continued and deliberate actions have left no other choice.

Industry Implications

This legal confrontation highlights ongoing tensions within the suppressor manufacturing sector, where patent disputes can significantly impact market competition and innovation. The outcome of this case may establish important precedents regarding prior art disclosure obligations and the enforcement of informal agreements between industry competitors.

As the case proceeds through federal court, both companies' reputations and market positions hang in the balance, with potential ramifications extending throughout the firearms accessories industry.