uh oh... tippmann getting sued?

Because of the overall look of the a-5? 

I can't find anything on a legitimate site about this...?

Saw this yesterday on the Nation, too.  I mean the A5 is similar, but not that similar...

haha, H&K is pulling a smart parts.

they probably google searched mp5s an found a bunch of milsim a5s

Interesting, the A-5 as designed by Brad Stewart took the basic form of the MP5, and the sights are the only direct copy. Those of you that remmember myself and Brad play tested the prototypes at a game in Kentucky. That was my first comment was its resemblance to the MP5.

Now in the airsoft community the MP5 is a comman weapon used. And they are an exact copy of the weapon. Several manufacturers make MP5's in various forms and even the trademerks are present on the weapons. So this in itself is an interesting string of events.

I have looked to see if airsoft manufacturers have licensed the copy of the MP5, for I know to get the correct markings and design of Colt weapons the manufacturers bought a license to market the guns. My M16 has correct Colt markings, and my M14 has correct Springfield Armory markings.

The paintball A5 is close but not a dircet copy, so the reasoning to me is not that clear. Even with the BT front stock group, the A5 is still not a direct copy as the airsoft MP5's are.

Classic Army an airsoft manufacturer has issued a statement that they had purchased a license to manufacture HK, Colt, and other direct copies of real weapons. So my question is, is a license required for a simular but not direct copy, many paintball guns have roots in military designs, is the door going to be opened to kill the milsim market?

I think H&K is going to have a tough time winning this one. They haven't taken enough steps in the past to prevent the use of the MP5's image or style from being used for decades. Case in point? Video games have been using the MP5's design/model for decades and have only changed the name of the weapon and have never been sued by H&K for infringement upon their IP. Furthermore, their have been numerous companies to not only make look-alike paintball guns and airsoft guns, but water-guns and even actual firearms as well.

Yeah, I don't really see them having any ground for this, unless they have a specific patent on the rotating rear site. Other than that, the A5...... KINDA... looks like an MP5, but it has to be modded with aftermarket parts to really be considered a clone.

On the other hand, Ben Tippmann with the TM7, that might be an easier target. Maybe HK should do what SP did, go after smaller companies first to set president  so its easier to go after large companies. Like SP going after ICD first.

Benjichang wrote: Rofl_Mao wrote: Heckler & Koch, Inc. HAHAHA! How is that funny?

oldsoldier wrote: many paintball guns have roots in military designs, is the door going to be opened to kill the milsim market?

Hopefully.