Posted on 12/21/2004 8:08:05 PM PST by Libloather
Taser sues N.C.-based rival over advertising
Associated Press
Posted on Tue, Dec. 21, 2004
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Taser International Inc. has filed a lawsuit against North Carolina-based rival Stinger Systems Inc., a rival maker of stun guns, alleging false advertising and unlawful patent marketing.
On Tuesday, Taser said Stinger claims to be certified by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and that its gun was the first ATF-certified weapon.
Scottsdale-based Taser said the ATF does not certify stun guns, it regulates them, and also said it now owns a product that has been regulated by the ATF since the 1970s.
Taser also disputed Stinger claims that its product is more effective than the Taser gun, saying that the Stinger product has not even reached prototype stage and called it a "fictitious" device in a press release.
"If he thinks we have a fictitious gun, I'd be happy to challenge him to a duel with our fictitious gun at 30 feet," Stinger chief executive Robert Gruder said.
The maximum range for Taser guns with a standard air cartridge is 21 feet. Stinger says its prototype gun has a range of 31 feet.
Gruder said the Charlotte, N.C., company plans to ship the guns in the first quarter.
Taser shares traded midday Tuesday at $27.97, down 37 cents, or 1.3 percent, on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Stinger stock fell $2.61, or 26 percent, to $7.50 on the Pink Sheets.
I sorta like a .357 Sig myself.
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