ATI stole a key to the Beretta factory?

[Python73]

Haven't had time to fully research this... but what's the deal with the ATI Beretta clones? Did the patent on the 92FS expire? If you haven't seen what I'm talking about look here: http://dealer.americantactical.us/products?product=594

Not sure how I feel about that. I have 2x 92FS Berettas, so I'm not much in the market for one myself. But I have some gun newbs that I would recommend this gun to, and them getting into a new 92 model under $300 is a strong argument. Also I'd love to have an 84/85 for plinking .380 but the 700+ price tag keeps me buying 1911s instead. But < $400 retail means a killer low price on this gun: http://dealer.americantactical.us/products?product=626

Hmmmmm...

[Neko456]

I don't know how they produce a direct copy of the 92 without a copyright violation maybe Berettas pattern has expired. This seems almost illegal but if its not I'd like to buy that SS compact 92 and maybe a 1911. Looks like they have some nice CZ and Sig 380 clones. Whats the world coming to when companies can clone brand names with no penalties. I do like that SS compact.

[Rosco the Iroc]

Wow with that kind of patent infringement you expect "made in china" on it.

Only Taurus had lic to make beretta guns like the PT-92. I can't see how they are ok with this.

[ksig1869]

Can't the same be said for the Taurus 92 clone? They just tweaked the design a bit to avoid infringement. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but didn't they change/add a safety on it? Maybe that is the case with this design

[knight0334]

Generally patents only last 10-20, sometimes 50 years or so depending on country of register. Some countries have the option to renew, some don't. Even with the option to renew, the renewal can be denied.

With this gun, I think I read an article a couple years ago about it being a licensed product with Beretta. It is made in Turkey, and parts are supposed to interchange with the real McCoy's.

[streaker69]

Answer is either, they licensed the design from Beretta, which is legal, stole the design, or Beretta's patent expired.

I'm going with the patent expiring.

http://www.inventionstatistics.com/P...e_Periods.html

[BDK]

ATI's guns are imported from Turkey I believe. That factory has or had license to manufactuer 92s and I'm guessing the 80 series as well, and something happened similar to the the Taurus break I believe.

[fritz1]

Beretta had a contract with Taurus in Brazil and facilities, when the contract ran out Taurus bought the facilities in Brazil and continued the 92 under their name some one correct me if I'm wrong.

[PaBimmerGuy]

I don't know how they produce a direct copy of the 92 without a copyright violation maybe Berettas pattern has expired.

patents trademarks and copyrights are three very different animals.

[PaBimmerGuy]

Generally patents only last 10-20, sometimes 50 years or so depending on country of register. Some countries have the option to renew, some don't. Even with the option to renew, the renewal can be denied.

what he said.

look at all the companys making ar-15s and 1911s.