We finally get to hear an official statement from KRISS USA, the outfit behind Krytac, on the A&K KRISS Vector AEG as they emailed to us their press statement. As we have been unsure if the A&K airsoft version is officially licensed after learning about its existence in early August 2016, we reached out to KRISS USA to find out if it is indeed authorised or if not, what their plans are to stop its production.

Here is the video about the A&K KRISS Vector AEG as presented by Taiwan Gun, an airsoft seller based in Poland:

KRISS USA, in their press release, are aware of the A&K KRISS Vector AEG, and have in fact notified them on several occasions to cease and desist from the project. But it looks like A&K will still continue to release their version. This means that KRISS USA will have to resort to legal means to prevent its sale in airsoft market when it gets released.

Apart from going after A&K Airsoft itself, they intend to pursue importers, distributors and retailers who will carry the unlicensed KRISS Vector AEG to the fullest extent of the law.

Will KRISS USA be able to block such sale? It is possible since the trade dress of the Vector is distinctly identified with the KRISS brand, just like Glocks. Furthermore, KRISS USA and Krytac have cultivated relationships with many retailers, especially in the USA that they can request their partner retailers not to carry the specific model.

Once this goes to the court or when lawyers act on this, will A&K still pursue the release of their Vector AEG? Perhaps release it in countries where KRISS Arms does not have a presence, but then it will be blocked from the biggest airsoft markets which are the USA and Europe that it might have to take a licence from KRISS USA. But I am not sure if KRISS USA will be in the mood to allow them unlike Magpul PTS (now PTS Syndicate) which allowed A&K to produce licensed airsoft replicas of the Masada ACR after they successfully blocked further sales of the unlicensed replicas.

The story does not end here yet. We’ll find out soon enough if A&K will still persist in releasing their KRISS Vector AEG. If A&K Airsoft would like to state their position on this, they can contact us and we will post their official statement here.

Here is the full press release from KRISS USA:

KRISS USA Responds to Unauthorized Reproduction of Vector AEG
KRISS USA will use all available means to protect worldwide patents and trademarks.

August 31, 2016 – Chesapeake, Virginia, USA – KRISS USA, developer and manufacturer of the KRISS Vector family of firearms, has been made aware of an unauthorized and unlicensed reproduction of its KRISS Vector SMG in the form of an AEG replica by A&K Airsoft. Despite several official notifications, A&K Airsoft has pursued into the continuation of this project, and is planning release of this unlicensed product. 

KRISS USA is an innovation leader in firearms technology, revolutionizing firearms operating systems and designs with the KRISS Vector Submachine Gun.

KRISS USA is heavily invested in the technology and design of the KRISS Vector, including non-lethal, training and recreational shooting models through its brand KRYTAC, in order to deliver to its customers an uncompromised level of quality and performance to reflect its brand values. KRISS USA is prepared to take all necessary actions to aggressively protect those investments and commitments.

KRISS USA will be actively pursuing manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers, to the fullest extent of the applicable laws, for any infringements on its patents, designs, trademarks and rights in the United States, Europe, and Asia for the unauthorized manufacturing and distribution of KRISS product replicas. Furthermore, KRISS USA is actively preparing its actions in the countries of Poland, Russia, UK, Italy, Taiwan and Japan.

For more information about KRISS USA and the KRISS Vector visit www.kriss-usa.com.

About KRISS USA

KRISS USA is a leading manufacturer, distributor and provider of small arms, training replicas and accessories for commercial, military and law enforcement users worldwide. KRISS USA is part of a group of companies that focus on delivering proprietary technologies to the firearms industry, enabling more efficient solutions and corresponding to the 21st century security requirements.

Press Contact:

KRISS USA Inc.
Tim Seargeant
Marketing Manager
565 W. Lambert Rd. Suite F
Brea, CA 92821, USA
Phone:  +1 714 333 1988
[email protected]