Leupold alleges that Nightforce’s optics are in violation of at least six patents. (Photo: Nightforce/Facebook)
Riflescope maker Leupold & Stevens, Inc. filed a lawsuit earlier this week in an Oregon federal court against Nightforce over patent infringements.
The civil complaint names Nightforce’s ATACR, B.E.A.S.T., NXS and SHV riflescopes and alleges infringements on six features: the locking turret knob, locking adjustment knob, auto-locking adjustment device, locking adjustment device, pre-assembled pivoting lens and pivoting lens covers.
The Oregon-based Leupold asked for an unspecified amount of money in damages in the Aug. 2 filing. “Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is committed to protecting its intellectual property and the innovations developed by its engineering and design teams,” the company said in a statement.
Founded in 1992 in Idaho, Nightforce specializes in rifle and spotting scopes. Sean Murphy,Nightforce’s marketing project manager, told Guns.com in an email that the company stands behind its products.
“We have investigated their claims and we are confident there is no infringement,” he said. “We look forward to full and fair competition with Leupold in the future.”
Article updated Aug.6, 2016, at 7 a.m. CST
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