When a new firearm is announced to the public, consumers only see the end product. However, what gun owners don’t see is the endless hours spent designing, engineering, fine-tuning and testing of the gun done by the manufacturer, as well as the time spent ensuring the firearm is compliant and its design and features secured by patents and trademarks. These last tasks aren’t particularly sexy, but they each play a crucial role in the firearm manufacturing process.

From how a firearm is designed and manufactured to how an FFL protects the intellectual property of its brand and its products, each step is governed by regulations that require a firm understanding of compliance and law. At the upcoming 2022 Firearms Industry Conference (FIC), to be held virtually and in-person April 21–27, firearms and corporate law attorneys will lead educational sessions to address the impact of firearm design and manufacturing on ATF regulations and IP – and vice versa.

NFA Firearms
Unlike traditional handguns, rifles and shotguns, firearms such as short-barreled rifles and shotguns, AOWs, suppressors and machineguns are controlled differently under the National Firearms Act (NFA). As such, FFLs must be aware of the specific ATF regulations regarding the manufacture, transfer or sale, and storage of NFA firearms.

Led by Orchid VP and Lead Attorney at FFL Law, Phil Milks will detail these regulations and the risks associated with NFA firearms in two FIC On-Air™ virtual sessions titled “Identifying NFA Firearms and Key ATF Requirements” and “Understanding the Purpose and Risk Areas of NFA Forms.” Though only 20-minutes long, each session will pack critical information manufacturers and retailers must know to manage NFA firearms with the utmost compliance.

Intellectual Property
When a firearm design is finalized, it’s intellectual property must be protected. However, whether defending patents or claims of copyright infringement and trade secret sharing, managing intellectual property hasn’t been easy throughout the firearms industry in recent years. And with the industry growing rapidly, staying atop IP and possible challenges is as important as ever for FFLs.

To break down these issues, their impact on the industry, and legal best practices, Williams Mullen Intellectual Property Attorney will lead session, “Intellectual Property Issues Impacting the Firearm Industry,” during the main FIC 2022 conference.

Interested in learning more? Registration for FIC 2022, including FIC On-Air™, pre-con FIC Workshops and the main conference, is open now. Sponsorships are also available and include complimentary tickets for industry partners. A portion of all ticket sales and sponsorships will be donated to Project ChildSafe.

To register to attend or sponsor FIC 2022, visit orchidadvisors.com/FIC.