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The Rare Breed Triggers Lawsuit Against Hoffman Tactical: A Battle Over Innovation, Patents, and Greed in the Firearms Industry
In the world of firearms innovation, where 3D printing and open-source designs are democratizing access to gun parts, a high-profile legal battle has erupted. Rare Breed Triggers (RBT), a Texas-based company known for its forced reset triggers (FRTs), has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Timothy Hoffman and his company, Hoffman Tactical, LLC. Filed on December 23, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee (Case No. 1:2025cv00389), the suit accuses Hoffman of infringing on RBT's patents with his "Super Safety" design. This case has ignited outrage in the Second Amendment community, with many labeling RBT as "Rare Greed" for what they see as an aggressive attempt to monopolize a market they once fought to keep open. At the center of the controversy is the allegation that RBT is wielding a fraudulent patent to stifle competition, all while their reputation in the firearms industry takes a nosedive.
Who Is Hoffman Tactical?
Hoffman Tactical, founded by Tim Hoffman in early 2020, is a Knoxville, Tennessee-based project dedicated to making firearm designs accessible through 3D printing. Hoffman's mission is straightforward: create weapon systems that anyone can produce at home using low-cost, readily available equipment. All designs are released for free, emphasizing decentralized manufacturing in an industry traditionally dominated by centralized producers. Hoffman's journey began when he struggled to find accurate 3D-printable files for AR-15 lower receivers. Frustrated with existing options, he designed his own, starting with a "mil-spec" profile printed at a 45-degree angle to minimize support material. Over the years, Hoffman has expanded his portfolio to include innovative projects like the Orca (a fully 3D-printable AR-15), the Ounce Pistol, and the Super Safety, a selector switch that enables faster firing rates in semi-automatic firearms by forcing the trigger to reset after each shot. Hoffman Tactical operates on a community supported model. While kits are sold for convenience, the emphasis is on empowerment: users can source parts elsewhere or print them themselves. This open-source ethos has made Hoffman a hero among hobbyists and 3D printing enthusiasts in the gun community, but it has also put him in the crosshairs of companies seeking to protect proprietary technologies.
The Super Safety and Forced Reset Triggers: Innovation Meets Controversy
To understand the lawsuit, it's essential to grasp the technology at play. Forced reset triggers (FRTs) are aftermarket devices that mechanically reset a firearm's trigger after each shot, allowing for a higher rate of fire without converting the gun into a fully automatic weapon. RBT's FRT-15 became famous (or infamous) after a protracted legal battle with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which initially classified FRTs as machine guns. Hoffman's Super Safety is a similar concept but implemented differently. It's a 3D-printable selector switch that replaces the standard safety on an AR-15, enabling forced reset functionality. Hoffman released the design files publicly on platforms like Odysee, allowing anyone to download and print them for free. This open distribution is core to Hoffman's philosophy but directly challenges companies like RBT, which sell proprietary versions for profit. RBT's lawsuit claims that the Super Safety infringes on three patents: U.S. Patent No. 12,038,247, No. 12,031,784, and No. 7,398,723. These patents cover aspects of FRT technology, including mechanisms for resetting the trigger. The suit also includes a defamation claim, alleging Hoffman made false statements about RBT's products. The court has already sided with RBT in preliminary rulings. On January 13, 2026, a Tennessee federal judge granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Hoffman, prohibiting the sale, marketing, or distribution of the Super Safety and requiring the removal of design files from online platforms. This was followed by a preliminary injunction on February 11, 2026, further restricting Hoffman's activities. Hoffman has launched a GiveSendGo campaign to fund his legal defense, highlighting the financial strain of fighting a well resourced opponent. www.givesendgo.com/hoffmantactical
The Allegation of a Fraudulent Patent
A key contention in this case is that RBT's patents, particularly the one covering the Super Safety, are fraudulent. According to community discussions and court filings, Hoffman invented and publicly released the Super Safety design before any relevant patent was filed. However, a third party (often referred to as "Twin Bros" in online forums) allegedly filed a patent application after Hoffman's release, claiming the invention as their own. This patent was then sold to RBT, enabling them to pursue infringement claims. Critics argue this is classic patent trolling: securing rights to an idea already in the public domain and using it to sue innovators. RBT is accused of amending their existing patents post Hoffman's release to broaden claims and capture his design. One source points to prior art from as far back as the 1930s that could invalidate RBT's patents, noting mechanical differences between the Super Safety and RBT's FRT-15. Adding fuel to the fire, the ATF intervened in the lawsuit on January 26, 2026, filing a "Statement of Interest" supporting RBT. The agency argued that enjoining Hoffman would promote "public safety" by limiting unregulated FRT production. This move stems from a May 2025 settlement between the DOJ and RBT, which ended years of litigation over FRT legality. In exchange for dropping cases against RBT, the company agreed to enforce its patents aggressively against competitors, effectively acting as a "deputized" enforcer for the government. Hoffman and his supporters see this as evidence of collusion, where RBT uses a dubious patent to maintain a monopoly under the guise of compliance.
Rare Breed Triggers' Tarnished Reputation: From Heroes to "Rare Greed"
RBT was once hailed as a defender of Second Amendment rights for challenging the ATF's classification of FRTs as machine guns. Their legal victories, culminating in the 2025 settlement, legalized FRTs for AR-style rifles (with restrictions, like no handgun versions). However, the company's post-settlement actions have eroded that goodwill. RBT has launched a barrage of lawsuits against perceived competitors, including Partisan Triggers, HK Parts, AS Designs, and others. The timing of suing Hoffman over Christmas 2025, has been called particularly callous. Online forums like Reddit, AR15.com, and X (formerly Twitter) are filled with calls for boycotts, labeling RBT as "greedy" for trying to corner the FRT market. Commenters accuse RBT of betraying the community by siding with the ATF to eliminate competition, with phrases like "die a hero or live long enough to become the villain" encapsulating the sentiment. Firearms enthusiasts argue that RBT's enforcement is not just about protecting IP but about creating a de facto monopoly, especially since the settlement obligates them to sue infringers. This has led to widespread disdain, with many in the industry viewing RBT as parasites rather than innovators.
Implications for the Firearms Industry
This lawsuit highlights the tension between proprietary innovation and open source development in the gun world. If RBT prevails, it could chill 3D printing and home-building efforts, consolidating control in the hands of a few companies potentially with government backing. Conversely, if Hoffman's defenses hold (e.g., proving prior art or patent invalidity), it might invalidate RBT's claims and open the floodgates for FRTs. For now, the case underscores a broader debate: Should firearm advancements be gated behind patents and lawsuits, or freely shared to advance the Second Amendment? As the community rallies around Hoffman with donations and support, RBT's aggressive tactics may ultimately backfire, further damaging their standing in an industry that values freedom above all.
Visit the Hoffman Tactical Legal Defense fund at: www.givesendgo.com/hoffmantactical
I urge you to donate to the cause, we must defeat the ATF and their backdoor tactics of using Rare Breed to block innovation within the firearms community.
