From
www.theoutdoorwire.com:
SUING:
Several firearms manufacturers are huddling with legal counsels following receipt of letters from Shooting Times Ballistics Editor Rick Jamison. Jamison's not asking for information or assistance, and his letter doesn't come on behalf of the magazine where he's a long-standing expert editor.
Jamison's offering a legal settlement in avoidance of a lawsuit. According to these letters, Jamison's intellectual property was purloined by Winchester in their short magnums. He sued, winning a decision in a Missouri court (his state of residence). Winchester, the letter states, settled the claim as has fellow short-magnum rifle manufacturer Browning and Olin Winchester ammunition. In the heretofore unreported letters, Jamison is reportedly seeking a monetary "cure" from each manufacturer, in addition to an ongoing royalty for the sale of each rifle in the contested calibers.
The lawsuit is doubtless causing some heartburn at publishing powerhouse Primedia. As one of their established experts in shooting, Jamison's lawsuit may cause a backlash against them. At least one firearms company tells The Outdoor Wire that, on advice of counsel, they will defend the claim in court, and will begin amassing a "war chest" by cutting back on their advertising. Any guesses where their first belt-tightening might begin?
SHOT 2006 may prove very interesting.
--- Jim Shepherd