Navigating the Forced Reset Trigger Legal Landscape

In the firearms industry, innovation often moves faster than regulation. Few inventions illustrate this tension better than forced reset triggers (FRTs). These aftermarket components have ignited a firestorm of controversy, sparking high-stakes battles in both regulatory agencies and patent courts. For manufacturers and firearm businesses, understanding the intersection of “forced reset trigger” technology and “firearm IP” is no longer optional — it is a survival necessity, and the patent attorneys at Emerson Thomson Bennett are here to help.

What Are Forced Reset Triggers?

Forced reset triggers are mechanical components designed primarily for AR-15 platforms, though designs for AK-47s and other firearms are emerging. They function by using the energy from the bolt carrier group as it cycles rearward to physically force the trigger forward into its reset position.

This mechanism allows for a significantly increased rate of fire. A separate trigger pull is required for every single round fired. This distinction is the crux of the legal debate. 

The Patent Litigation Landscape

While the regulatory status of FRTs grabs headlines, a parallel war is being fought over intellectual property. Rare Breed Triggers (RBT) has aggressively moved to protect its market dominance through patent litigation.

Following a significant settlement with the Department of Justice in May 2025 that allowed RBT to resume operations, the company turned its sights on competitors. Along with co-plaintiff ABC IP LLC, RBT initiated a series of infringement lawsuits against competitors.

While initially instituting litigation against entities regarding an FRT known as the Super Safety, RBT and ABC have increased their litigation filings to include Partisan, Disruptor and Atrius Super Selektor units. 

For competitors, this creates a dangerous two-front war. On one side, they must navigate the shifting sands of ATF compliance. On the other hand, they face the threat of costly patent infringement suits from RBT, which is actively policing the market attempting to try and establish exclusivity.

The Role of Firearm IP in FRT Cases

Intellectual property protections are the lifeblood of innovation in the firearms sector. In the context of FRTs, patents serve as a critical shield for design integrity and market share. “Firearm IP” covers everything from the specific mechanical linkage of the trigger group to the broader method of operation.

However, enforcing patents in this niche is uniquely challenging. A patent holder must prove that a competitor’s product infringes on specific claims within their patent — a task that requires granular technical analysis. Conversely, defendants often attempt to invalidate patents by citing “prior art,” arguing that the technology existed publicly before the patent was filed.

For firearm businesses, strategic considerations are paramount. Developing a “clean” design that avoids existing patents while achieving similar functionality requires rigorous freedom-to-operate searches. Ignoring these steps can lead to injunctions that halt sales and damages that can bankrupt a company.

Protecting Your Business

If you are a firearm business facing patent infringement lawsuits or regulatory scrutiny regarding forced reset triggers, you cannot afford to go it alone. The costs of litigation and the penalties for regulatory non-compliance are severe.

At Emerson Thomson Bennett, we’re experienced in the complex world of intellectual property and firearm law. We understand the mechanics of your products and the intricacies of the patents that protect them. Whether you are enforcing your rights or defending your innovation against infringement claims, we are ready to stand in your corner.

The Future of Firearm Innovation

The battles over forced reset triggers are likely just the beginning. As firearm technology continues to evolve, the friction between innovation, regulation, and intellectual property will only intensify. The future of FRTs will be shaped by the outcomes of current patent litigation and the final determinations of federal courts regarding ATF authority.

For now, the message to the industry is clear: innovate, but do so with your eyes wide open. Secure your intellectual property, respect the rights of others, and ensure your compliance strategy is as robust as your engineering.

Contact John Skeriotis at ETB Law today if your firearm business needs assistance with patent litigation or IP protection.