I’m a member on a Facebook gun forum local to me. A guy that does engraving has posted 80% AR lowers that are marked just like HK AR lower are...complete with like and model and manufacture. Is this copyright infringement or no big deal?  Just curious.

If they are not genuine HK then it sure sounds like infringement.


Not cool as it steals business and possibly makes HK out to be of lesser quality than they are.

People do it to make clone guns that are otherwise unobtanium. I've seen 80% lowers with Diemaco markings on them for people who want C7 and C8 clones. I'm sure manufacturers could go after these guys if they wanted to.

Is attempting to interfere with what people are having engraved on their own guns not an infringement?
(Private property rights, and all that.)

It should be cool with all of us, if HK doesn't offer whatever they're copying, or imitating.
(It's nbd to me personally, even if HK does offer it to the civilian market.)

I doubt any of these guys are trying to pass their stuff off as genuine HK.

Even if they are, that only matters if it's for sale, and that lack of authenticity isn't disclosed. (IMHO). Then it could possibly lessen HK's rep, and clearly would be an attempt to deceive/defraud potential buyers.

Trademark infringement is generally not a crime. It's a civil tort, not criminal law.

It's up to HK to protect (via lawsuit, or more often just a C&D letter) their own Intellectual Property.
In other words... If you're not HK, don't worry about it.

...Unless you're an engraving business (or individual) offering fake-engraved "HK" products for sale to the general public.
Then you may need to worry about being served with a C&D letter, being sued civilly by HK, or just becoming known as a sleazy scamming bastard.

I personally have no problem with a business simply offering engraving services for people's private property (of whatever they want engraved on there).

HK (just like Colt) is likely to send the engraving service a C&D letter (and threaten a lawsuit) if they find out they're offering engraving of their trademarked IP however.

Lasers (much like CNC machines and 3D printers) are a great thing.
I like clones, and believe the firearms community is better off with helping people get the most awesome stuff they can get their hands on.

(Obviously I like the real stuff better, but since not everyone can get it, we must all work within our limitations.)

It is no big deal as far you are concerned. And since it has been going on for a decade, I imagine it is no big deal to HK either.

I bet if HK even has time to think about it going on, they likely think of it in a similar way that famous bands feel about their tribute bands...  sure they’re blasting their copyrighted music for money, but in the end actually promotes the brand/image overall as its something their fans like.

Avoid ....

H&K won't go after anyone unless they are making a lot of money on it, like GSG .22