Leipzig/Dresden (dpa/sn) - The Saxon police may have to return around 2,200 assault rifles because of a patent dispute. The manufacturer Haenel GmbH from Thuringia lost a legal dispute with its competitor Heckler last week
The court ruled that the "Haenel CR 223" rifle infringed Heckler's patent rights
According to the Ministry of the Interior, Saxony had ordered 2,300 of these rifles, and around 2,200 had been delivered so far. How the weapons will continue is still open. "We can only make a decision on how to proceed after an intensive internal police assessment of the verdict and possible consequences. That will take some time." Discussions with the manufacturer are also necessary.
State Police President Jörg Kubiessa emphasized that the operational capability of the police will remain guaranteed. "Even after the verdict, we will keep the equipment of our police officers at the current high level."
The Higher Regional Court had not allowed an appeal against its verdict. However, Haenel can still lodge a non-admission appeal with the Federal Court of Justice.
