Rare Breed Triggers Patent Litigation
The patents involved, such as US 12,031,784 B1, describe a trigger mechanism with a trigger locking member that interacts with the bolt carrier to enable a forced reset, enhancing safety and firing reliability. Infringement occurs when a trigger mechanism employs similar features without authorization, causing the patented function to be performed and thus infringing the patent rights.
34
Pending actions
36
Total actions filed
Active
Status
04/02/2026
Established
Filing deadline
The MDL was transferred on March 26, 2026, effective April 9, 2026. The general statute of limitations for patent infringement claims is six years from the date of infringement. A specific deadline of September 30, 2025, was noted for an agreement not to produce FRTs for handguns, which may impact related claims.
Who qualifies
Patent infringement claims are typically qualified by the patent holder or licensee alleging unauthorized use of patented technology. In this case, the plaintiffs, including Rare Breed Triggers and ABC IP, LLC, claim infringement of patents related to firearm trigger mechanisms, specifically involving features such as a trigger locking member with one-way folding capability that interacts with the bolt carrier to facilitate a forced reset.
Products involved
- US 12,031,784 B1 - Adapted Forced Reset Trigger
Bellwether trials
The case was transferred to the Eastern District of Texas on March 26, 2026, and is in the early stages of litigation with no bellwether trials or verdicts yet. The case remains active with ongoing proceedings.
Settlement landscape
A settlement was reached between Rare Breed Triggers and the Department of Justice, though the specific amount was not disclosed. A related damages claim reported a value of approximately $588 million, indicating significant potential case values, but no publicly available average case value exists for this MDL.
Lead counsel
- Milberg LLP
This page is generated from the official JPML pending-MDL report and public court records, refreshed monthly. It is provided for attorney reference and is not legal advice.
