Georgia gun manufacturer Daniel Defense is suing rival Remington Outdoor Company Inc., accusing the company and an affiliate of trademark infringement and deceptive trade practices.
In its complaint, filed this week in U.S. District Court in Savannah, Daniel Defense seeks unspecified damages and recovery of legal costs from Madison, N.C.-based Remington and its DPMS Firearms/Panther Arms subsidiary based in St. Cloud, Minn.
Efforts to reach Remington for comment Thursday were unsuccessful.
Daniel Defense, based in Black Creek near Savannah, claims it has trademark rights to the slogan “Lighter, Stronger, Better,” which the company said it has used since 1996 to promote accessory parts for its custom-made rifles.
The company also claims it has trademark rights to a “>>” chevron, an image of two strips meeting at an angle, which the company has used to promote its firearms and accessories since early 2012.
Daniel Defense said Remington’s use of the slogans “Lighter, Stronger and even more badass” and “Lighter, Stronger and every bit as accurate as the original” in marketing material confuses consumers since the material does not prominently carry the Remington or DPMS names.
Daniel said the slogans and a chevron similar to its double-striped symbol have appeared in Remington’s print and online advertising, in catalogs, on marketing banners and at trade shows, including one this year in Las Vegas.
“The purchasing consumer is likely to be confused as to the source, origin or sponsorship of the firearm for sale,” the lawsuit said.
Daniel Defense produces custom-made rifles, parts and gear for consumers and law enforcement. The weapons can start at $1,000 and cost more than $3,000.
Remington Outdoor’s firearms and ammunitions include the Remington, Marlin, Bushmaster and DPMS brands and they are sold to consumers, law enforcement and the military.
About the Author
