Analytics and Reports, US Small Arms Market Analytics

Strategic Analysis of Expired Firearm Patents (2024-2025) and Identification of Economically Viable Opportunities

The expiration of a foundational patent is not an end; it is a catalyst. In the small arms industry, intellectual property (IP) often acts as a legal “moat” that allows a single company to define, monopolize, and control an entire product ecosystem. The statutory expiration of this IP is a significant strategic event that recalibrates the market, inviting new entrants and enabling established competitors to capture market share.

Historically, expired patent portfolios have been mischaracterized as a “graveyard” of obsolete technologies.1 This analysis refutes that position. An expired patent on a market-proven technology is a “goldmine”—a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to manufacture a product with demonstrated demand, established supply chains, and a pre-educated consumer base, all without the cost of R&D or licensing.1 This report identifies and analyzes high-value firearm-related patents that have entered the public domain in 2024 or will enter in 2025, filtering them for immediate economic viability.

1.1 The 5.7x28mm Case Study: A Precedent for Viability

To understand the impact of the 2024-2025 expirations, one must first analyze the most recent and relevant market disruption: the expiration of FN Herstal’s 5.7x28mm ecosystem patents.

For decades, FN Herstal (FN) held a de facto monopoly on the 5.7x28mm platform. This platform was a closed system, developed in the 1990s, consisting of the FN P90 personal defense weapon (PDW), the FN Five-seven pistol, and the proprietary 5.7x28mm cartridge itself.3 Foundational patents, such as U.S. Patent 5,012,743 (“High-Performance Projectile,” filed 1990, expired 2010) 6 and the various patents covering the pistol’s unique delayed blowback action (e.g., U.S. Patent 5,347,912, filed 1993) 4, created an insurmountable legal barrier to entry. When FN released the civilian IOM model of the Five-seven pistol in 2004, it was based on this protected IP.4

The expiration of this patent portfolio (circa 2019-2024, based on 20-year terms from the 1999-2004-era priority dates) 9 triggered an immediate and transformative market response. Competitors, no longer blocked by FN’s IP, launched products directly into this proven, albeit niche, ecosystem:

  1. Sturm, Ruger & Co. introduced the “Ruger-57” pistol.10
  2. Palmetto State Armory (PSA) introduced the “PSA 5.7 Rock”.11

This new competition, which also included Kel-tec, CMMG, and others, did more than just capture market share from FN; it grew the entire market.13 The sudden availability of firearms at more aggressive price points created a corresponding demand for ammunition. This, in turn, incentivized ammunition manufacturers (besides FN/Fiocchi) to enter the space, which dramatically increased supply and lowered the price of 5.7x28mm ammunition.13

This precedent serves as the analytical model for this report. The highest-value opportunities are not obscure, forgotten inventions. They are “keystone” patents that protected a dominant, high-margin product ecosystem, and whose expiration will “liberate” that ecosystem for competition. A similar “platform liberation” phenomenon is seen in the proliferation of “clones” of the Remington 700 action after its foundational patents expired, creating a new, modular market for precision rifles.14

Section 2: The 2024-2025 Market Landscape: Identifying Commercial Demand

An expired patent is only economically viable if it provides a technology that the current market desires. The 2024-2025 firearms market is fundamentally different from the “panic buy” market of 2020-2022. This shift in demand provides the filter through which all expired IP must be assessed.

2.1 Market Data: The Post-Pandemic Normalization

The market is contracting from its pandemic-era peak. Retail firearm unit sales saw a 9.6% year-over-year decline in Q1 2025, with revenue down 11.5%.15 Overall 2024 gun sales are estimated to have decreased by 3.4% from 2023.16 NSSF-adjusted NICS background checks, a strong proxy for sales, also show a year-over-year decrease in 2025.15

This data signifies the end of “fear-based buying”.15 The consumer is no longer buying anything that is available. Inventory has been replenished, and consumers are now selective, making purchases based on specific features, innovation, and value.15 This environment is ideal for leveraging public-domain technology, which can be incorporated into products at a high-value, low-cost price point, directly appealing to this more discerning consumer.

2.2 Dominant Consumer Trend 1: The “Optics-Ready” Handgun

The single most dominant trend in the handgun market is the mass adoption of micro red dot sights (MRDS).18 What was once a niche, aftermarket modification is now a mainstream consumer expectation.

  • New handguns are increasingly sold as “optics-ready” or “optics-included” from the factory.19
  • This trend has fundamentally altered pistol design, focusing R&D on slide-mounting “footprints” (the interface between the slide and optic, such as the Trijicon RMR or Shield RMSc).21
  • The integration of optics has driven corresponding design changes in iron sights, with a demand for “co-witness” sights that are visible through the optic’s window as a backup.22

Any expired patent related to pistol form factors or slide design must be evaluated against this optics-dominant paradigm.

2.3 Dominant Consumer Trend 2: Modularity and the “Big-But-Small” CCW

The concealed carry (CCW) market remains a primary driver of handgun sales.24 This market has evolved rapidly, from compact automatics, to pocket.380s, to single-stack 9mm pistols, and then to the “micro-compact” (e.g., SIG P365) which offered high capacity in a small frame.26

The current (2024-2025) dominant trend is an evolution of the micro-compact, dubbed the “big-but-small” platform.26 These are firearms that maintain the thinness of a micro-compact but are “stretched” to provide:

  1. A longer slide (improving sight radius, taming recoil).
  2. A fuller grip (increasing capacity, improving user control).

Examples include the SIG P365XL, the Springfield Hellcat Pro, and the Glock 43X/48.26 This trend reinforces the market’s overarching demand for modularity—the ability to customize a firearm “chassis” for a specific need.18

2.4 Dominant Military/LE Trend: Lethality Augmentation (Suppressors & Smart Optics)

In the military and law enforcement (LE) sector, the focus is on augmenting the operator’s capability.

  • Suppressors: Once a specialized tool, suppressors are now seeing widespread, standard-issue adoption by groups like the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to reduce sound, flash, and heat signatures.28
  • “Smart” Fire Control: This is the true definition of “smart gun” technology in 2025. It does not mean user lock-outs. It refers to integrated fire control systems, like the U.S. Army’s XM157 optic (part of the Next Generation Squad Weapon program), which combine a laser rangefinder, ballistic calculator, and atmospheric sensors to provide the soldier with a corrected aiming point.29 Russia is developing a similar “smart scope” system for its AK-12 platform.31

2.5 The Bifurcation of “Smart” Technology

The analysis of market trends reveals a critical bifurcation in the definition of “smart” technology. This distinction is essential for assessing the viability of expiring patents.

  • 2000s-Era “Smart” (Expiring Patents): This concept was defined by user-authorization and restriction. Patents from this era describe systems using RFID transponders, biometrics, or holster sensors to prevent an unauthorized person from firing the weapon.32
  • 2025-Era “Smart” (Market Demand): This concept is defined by lethality-augmentation and enhancement. The market is aggressively pursuing “smart” technology that assists the authorized user, such as the aforementioned fire-control optics.29

The 2000s-era “smart gun” concept was a commercial failure. Major manufacturers (Smith & Wesson, Ruger) publicly stated that there was “no viable commercial market” for the technology.35 Prototypes proved unreliable; the Armatix RFID-based pistol was notoriously hacked, and FN Herstal’s own DOJ-funded prototypes were dropped for unreliability.35

Most importantly, the technology was rendered politically toxic by New Jersey’s 2002 “smart gun” mandate.33 This law stated that three years after a “smart gun” was sold anywhere in the U.S., all traditional handguns would be banned for sale in the state.37 This “poison pill” weaponized the technology against the industry, leading to massive consumer boycotts of any manufacturer (S&W) or dealer who researched or sold them.36

Therefore, any 2004-2005 era patent for a “smart gun” (user-restriction) technology is economically non-viable. Its expiration is irrelevant because the market, not the IP, is the insurmountable barrier.

Section 3: High-Viability Opportunity: The Magpul Accessory Patents (2024-2025)

The analysis identifies the 2024-2025 expirations of foundational patents assigned to Magpul Industries Corp. as the single greatest economic opportunity entering the public domain. Magpul built an accessory empire on the AR-15 platform, protected by a “thicket” of IP.38 The “moat” created by this IP is now being breached.

3.1 Analysis: U.S. Patent 8,800,189 B2 – “Buffer tube for modular gunstock”

  • Patent/Assignee: U.S. Patent 8,800,189 B2 (“US8800189B2”), assigned to Magpul Industries Corp..39
  • Filing/Expiration: This patent claims priority from a filing date of December 27, 2004.39 Under the 20-year term rule 41, this patent expired on December 27, 2024.
  • Technology Summary: This patent is the keystone for Magpul’s modular stock ecosystem (e.g., the CTR, MOE, STR, and SGA lines).43 The claims do not protect the stock itself, but rather the proprietary interface on the buffer tube. The claims describe a buffer tube assembly featuring a “uniform cheek plate” (the flat top surface) and an underside “rail track” with “interface detents”.46 This is the precise interface that Magpul’s stocks lock onto, including the supplemental friction lock that eliminates “wobble”.47
  • Economic Viability (High):
  • This patent’s expiration is a high-value event. For two decades, competitors (e.g., B5 Systems, BCM) could only manufacture stocks that fit the standard mil-spec buffer tube. They could not legally replicate Magpul’s proprietary lock-up interface, which is a key consumer preference.47
  • With this patent in the public domain, a competitor can now legally manufacture stocks that are 1:1 compatible with the Magpul interface, directly targeting the millions of users who own this de facto industry standard.
  • It also unlocks a new accessory market. A manufacturer can now produce other accessories (e.g., cheek risers, sling mounts) designed to mount to this newly public-domain rail track.46

3.2 Analysis: U.S. Patent 7,093,386 B1 – “Removable base magazine systems”

  • Patent/Assignee: U.S. Patent 7,093,386 B1 (“US7093386B1”). This patent is foundational to the PMAG design, cited extensively as prior art by Magpul in its own subsequent patents and against its competitors in litigation.48
  • Filing/Expiration: The patent was filed on September 13, 2004.48 It expired on September 13, 2024.
  • Technology Summary: The patent claims a polymer magazine body with “inwardly flared flanges” spaced beneath the lower extent of the side walls, and a “base plate assembly” (base plate and retainer) that slides onto these flanges.52 This is the precise, functional design of the iconic Magpul PMAG baseplate.
  • Economic Viability (High):
  • This is arguably the most valuable firearm-related patent to enter the public domain in 2024. The PMAG is the dominant magazine for the entire AR-15 platform.
  • The removable baseplate 52 is key to its reliability (allowing for easy cleaning) and modularity (allowing the addition of Ranger Plates, extensions, etc.).
  • For 20 years, competitors (like ETS, Lancer, and Hexmag) have been forced to design around this patent, using different, often more complex or less robust, baseplate attachment methods.53
  • Its expiration allows any manufacturer to produce a 1:1 functional clone of the PMAG body and baseplate interface.
  • More critically, it unlocks the secondary accessories market. A manufacturer can now produce baseplates, extensions, and other accessories that are 1:1 compatible with the tens of millions of PMAGs already in circulation. The value of this IP is confirmed by Magpul’s own aggressive litigation history, where it has consistently sued competitors for infringing its magazine-related IP.53

3.3 Analysis: U.S. Patent 8,166,692 B2 – “Self-leveling follower for an ammunition magazine”

  • Patent/Assignee: U.S. Patent 8,166,692 B2 (“US8166692B2”), assigned to Magpul Industries Corp..55
  • Filing/Expiration: This patent claims priority from parent applications, the earliest of which is U.S. Application No. 11/307,495, filed on August 4, 2005.55 Per 35 U.S.C. $\S$ 120 and USPTO rules 41, the 20-year term runs from this earliest effective date. Therefore, this patent will expire on August 4, 2025.
  • Technology Summary: This patent protects the famous Magpul “anti-tilt” follower, which was a revolutionary improvement over the standard-issue USGI magazine follower. The claims describe a follower with four-corner “side extensions” that provide “greater stability” and interface with the magazine body to prevent the follower from tilting forward or backward—a primary cause of ammunition feeding malfunctions.55
  • Economic Viability (High):
  • This is a pure, high-value component technology. The anti-tilt follower is the “secret sauce” behind the PMAG’s legendary reliability.
  • Upon its expiration in August 2025, any manufacturer can legally produce 1:1 copies of this follower.
  • This technology can be integrated into any magazine line—not just AR-15s. A manufacturer can produce, for example, a Glock-compatible, Sig-compatible, or even a new USGI-style aluminum magazine 48 and legally advertise it as containing a “proven anti-tilt follower design.”
  • This allows competitors to commoditize Magpul’s core reliability feature, absorbing it into their own products as a “free” upgrade and a powerful marketing tool.

The simultaneous 2024-2025 expirations of US8800189B2 (the stock interface), US7093386B1 (the magazine baseplate), and US8166692B2 (the anti-tilt follower) represent a systemic collapse of Magpul’s foundational IP moat. For the first time, a competitor can build a 1:1 functional clone of the entire Magpul accessory system without significant legal risk. This is a market-share “moment” identical to the 5.7x28mm scenario.13

Section 4: Niche-Viability Opportunity: Piston-Operated AR Systems (2024)

This section analyzes a viable, but more niche, opportunity. The expiration of a key Colt patent related to piston-operated AR-15s “de-risks” a premium, high-margin market segment.

4.1 Analysis: U.S. Patent 7,610,844 B2 – “Firearm having an indirect gas operating system”

  • Patent/Assignee: U.S. Patent 7,610,844 B2 (“US7610844B2”), assigned to Colt Defense LLC.60
  • Filing/Expiration: This patent claims priority from U.S. Application No. 10/911,963, filed on August 4, 2004.60 Therefore, this patent expired on August 4, 2024.
  • Technology Summary: This patent describes an “M4 type automatic or semi-automatic firearm” with an “indirect gas operating system”.62 The claims detail a piston and “striking rod” assembly. In this system, propellant gas moves a piston, which pushes the striking rod, which in turn strikes the bolt carrier to cycle the action.64 This is in contrast to the “direct impingement” system of a standard AR-15, where gas is vented directly into the bolt carrier.
  • Economic Viability (Moderate):
  • This opportunity is viable but limited. The piston-AR market is a mature, premium niche.65
  • Pros: Piston ARs are valued by some users for running cooler and cleaner than DI rifles, theoretically increasing longevity and reliability in harsh conditions.66 This patent’s expiration lowers the R&D and legal barrier for a new entrant. A manufacturer can now produce a piston system based on the Colt design—which is proven—rather than investing millions in developing a proprietary “work-around” (like those from LWRC, PWS, or H&K).66
  • Cons: The piston AR market has seen mixed success. Piston guns are heavier, more expensive, and can suffer from “bolt tilt” (where the op-rod strikes the top of the carrier, causing it to tilt and wear unevenly) if not engineered correctly.66 Some major players, like Ruger (with their SR556), entered and then exited the piston market due to fluctuating demand.67 The “pistons are more reliable” myth has been largely debunked, as modern DI guns are exceptionally reliable.66
  • Conclusion: Viability is “Moderate.” This patent’s expiration will not create a new market. It liberates an existing, high-margin one. It is a strategic “de-risking” for a manufacturer that wants to compete for military/LE contracts or premium civilian sales where piston operation is a desirable feature.

Section 5: Analysis of Non-Viable Expirations: The “Smart Gun” Counterpoint

To prove the economic viability framework, it is essential to analyze patents that are expiring but have no commercial value. The 2004-2005-era “smart gun” (user-restriction) patents are the perfect case study.

5.1 Analysis: US 2005/0066567 A1 – “Gun with user notification”

  • Patent/Assignee: U.S. Patent Application Publication 2005/0066567 A1.32 Assignee: Tony N. Newkirk, et al..32
  • Filing/Expiration: Filed in June 2004.32 Expired in June 2024.
  • Technology Summary: This system detects when a gun is removed from its holster, authenticates the user, notifies remote authorities (a “tattletale” feature), and allows for a remote trigger lock.32

5.2 Analysis: EP 1636536 A2 – “Firearm safety system”

  • Patent/Assignee: European Patent EP 1636536 A2 (and its corresponding U.S. family member, U.S. Application 10/558,955).68 Assignee: FN Herstal, S.A..32
  • Filing/Expiration: Filed June 4, 2004.68 Expired June 4, 2024.
  • Technology Summary: A “smart gun” system using an electronic transponder (like an RFID ring) to authorize the user.32 This was part of a $2.6 million DOJ grant to FN Herstal in 2000.35

5.3 Economic Viability (Low/None)

These patents are commercially and strategically worthless. Their expiration is irrelevant for three primary reasons:

  1. Technological Obsolescence: The 2004-era concepts of RFID rings 36 and holster sensors 32 are technologically “dead.” They were proven unreliable in prototypes (FN’s prototypes were dropped; the Armatix RFID was hacked) and have been lapped by modern biometric sensors.27
  2. Total Market Rejection: The firearms consumer market actively and consistently rejected this entire product category.35 Major manufacturers have publicly stated there is “no viable commercial market” for this technology.35
  3. Political/Legal “Poison Pill”: As detailed in Section 2.5, New Jersey’s 2002 mandate 33 weaponized the technology against the industry, leading to boycotts of any company associated with it.36 The technology is commercially toxic.

This is a clear case where patent expiration is meaningless. The market—not the IP—is the barrier.

Section 6: Summary Table of Key Expired Patents (2024-2025) and Viability

The following table summarizes the key patents identified during this analysis, their status, and their economic viability. This table serves as an executive summary of the findings.

Table 1: Analysis of Firearm-Related Patent Expirations (2024-2025)

Patent NumberTitleOriginal AssigneePriority/Filing DateExpiration DateTechnology SummaryEconomic ViabilityStrategic Rationale
US7093386B1Removable base magazine systemsThomas Vieweg (Magpul-related)2004-09-132024-09-13Foundational design for polymer magazine baseplates (“inwardly flared flanges”) used in the PMAG.49HIGHThe “PMAG baseplate patent.” Allows direct competition with PMAG serviceability and unlocks a massive secondary accessory market.
US7610844B2Firearm having an indirect gas operating systemColt Defense LLC2004-08-042024-08-04Piston-operated gas system (piston and striking rod) for M4-style rifles.60MODERATELowers barrier to entry in the mature, premium piston-AR market. De-risks product development by providing a public-domain design.
US8800189B2Buffer tube for modular gunstockMagpul Industries Corp.2004-12-272024-12-27Proprietary buffer tube interface (cheek plate, rail track) for the CTR/MOE/SGA stock ecosystem.39HIGHUnlocks 1:1 competition with the de facto industry standard for modular stocks. Liberates a proven, high-margin ecosystem.
US8166692B2Self-leveling follower for an ammunition magazineMagpul Industries Corp.2005-08-042025-08-04The four-corner “anti-tilt” follower design that is the key to PMAG’s reliability.55HIGHA high-value component technology. Can be legally integrated into any new magazine line (for any firearm) to boost reliability.
US20050066567A1Gun with user notificationNewkirk Tony N.2004-06-XX2024-06-XXEarly “smart gun” tech with holster detection and remote lockout.32NONETechnologically obsolete (RFID) and commercially/politically toxic. The market has vehemently rejected this concept.35
EP1636536A2Firearm safety systemFN Herstal, S.A.2004-06-042024-06-04Electronic transponder (RFID-ring) based “smart gun” safety system.32NONESame as above. Proven unreliable in prototypes 36 and rendered commercially non-viable by “poison pill” legislation.33

Section 7: Strategic Recommendations

Based on this analysis, the following strategic actions are recommended to leverage these public-domain opportunities.

7.1 Recommendation 1 (Immediate Priority – Accessories)

Immediate R&D resources should be allocated to develop a product line of AR-15 magazines and stocks based on the now-expired Magpul patents (US7093386B1 and US8800189B2). The goal is not simply to create a low-cost clone, but to leverage the compatibility of the public-domain interface. This includes developing a line of accessories (e.g., baseplate extensions, alternative stock modules, rail-mounted accessories) that are 1:1 compatible with the existing, massive ecosystem of Magpul products.

7.2 Recommendation 2 (Mid-Term – Component Integration)

A development plan should be initiated to capitalize on the August 4, 2025, expiration of the “anti-tilt” follower patent (US8166692B2). This public-domain follower design should be integrated into all existing and future magazine-fed product lines (AR-15, pistol, precision rifle, etc.). This is a “free” reliability and marketing upgrade that neutralizes one of Magpul’s key competitive advantages.

7.3 Recommendation 3 (Niche Exploration – Rifles)

The high-margin piston-AR market should be re-evaluated. The expiration of Colt’s US7610844B2 provides a “safe harbor” design 62 that can serve as a baseline, significantly reducing R&D costs and legal exposure. This is a moderate opportunity, best suited for a manufacturer looking to add a “premium” or “duty” grade rifle to its catalog to compete for contracts or high-end civilian sales.

7.4 Recommendation 4 (Strategic Avoidance)

No resources should be expended on developing products based on the expired 2004-2005 “smart gun” patents.32 The market has proven this concept to be commercially toxic and technologically obsolete.35 R&D for “smart” technology should be directed exclusively at lethality-augmentation systems (e.g., “smart” optics, integrated fire control) that align with current military and consumer demand.29

Appendix: Methodology for Patent Identification and Viability Assessment

This appendix details the methodology used to conduct this analysis.

Part A: Patent Identification & Expiration Calculation

  1. Term Calculation: Our analysis targets U.S. utility patents. Per U.S. patent law, patents for applications filed on or after June 8, 1995, have a term of 20 years from the earliest effective filing date.41 This is critical, as the term is not 20 years from the grant date, but from the date of the “earliest related application” for which a benefit is claimed (e.g., a provisional or parent application).41
  2. Targeted Search Window: To identify patents expiring in 2024 and 2025, a search window was established for applications with an earliest effective filing date (priority date) between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2005.
  3. Confounding Factors: It is acknowledged that a precise expiration date can be complex. This analysis does not account for Patent Term Adjustments (PTA) for USPTO delays or Patent Term Extensions (PTE).70 However, it does note that many patents expire early for failure to pay periodic maintenance fees, which are due at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years post-grant.60 For this report, it is assumed that high-value patents (such as those from Magpul and Colt) were fully maintained for their entire statutory term.

Part B: Database Search Strategy

  1. Tools: The primary search tools were the USPTO Patent Public Search database 74 and Google Patents.76 Google Patents is preferred for its superior interface and its ability to quickly analyze “family to family” citations and priority chains.78
  2. Query String Logic: Searches combined filing date, patent classification, and known assignee names.
  • Date Range: (APD>=”2004-01-01″ AND APD<=”2005-12-31″) (priority or application date).79
  • Classification: (CPC=”F41A” OR CPC=”F41C”) (See Part C).
  • Assignee: (ASSIGNEE=”Magpul Industries” OR ASSIGNEE=”Colt Defense” OR ASSIGNEE=”FN Herstal” OR ASSIGNEE=”Glock” OR ASSIGNEE=”Smith & Wesson” OR ASSIGNEE=”Sturm Ruger”).32

Part C: Technology Filtering (Cooperative Patent Classification)

To filter millions of patents 87 to only those relevant to small arms, the following Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) codes were used 89:

  • F41A: FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE (e.g., gas systems, cooling, modular concepts, magazines).52
  • F41C: SMALLARMS (e.g., PISTOLS, RIFLES); ACCESSORIES THEREFOR (e.g., stocks, grips, holsters).90

Part D: Economic Viability Assessment Framework

A four-gate analytical framework was used to filter expired patents from “graveyard” 1 to “goldmine”.1 A patent must pass all four gates to be considered viable.

  1. Gate 1: Market/Political Viability: Does a market for this product exist, or has it been actively rejected?.35 Is the concept politically or legally toxic?.37 (e.g., 2000s-era “smart guns”). If the market is non-existent or hostile, viability is NONE.
  2. Gate 2: Technological Relevance: Is the technology obsolete?.98 Has it been superseded by a superior, non-infringing alternative (e.g., RFID vs. modern biometrics)? If YES, viability is LOW.
  3. Gate 3: Market Trend Alignment: Does the patent-protected technology align with current (2024-2025) market trends?.15 (e.g., modularity, reliability, component improvement). If YES, proceed.
  4. Gate 4: Ecosystem vs. Component Analysis:
  • Ecosystem Potential: Is this a “keystone” patent that protected an entire platform or ecosystem (e.g., PMAG, 5.7x28mm)? If YES, viability is HIGH.2
  • Component Value: Is this a component (e.g., anti-tilt follower) that can be integrated into other products to enhance their value? If YES, viability is HIGH.
  1. Final Check: Incumbent’s Litigation History: Did the patent holder (e.g., Magpul) actively and aggressively defend this specific patent against infringement?.53 If YES, this is a strong independent confirmation of HIGH economic value.

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