Hello Mr.C! The patent's for the ORIGINAL BMG have long expired. I went into this with the Boss when I worked for said company. However.......it was the way the engineering blueprints were obtained. That was questionable!........But that's another story!!!!
The QCB variant WAS 'Admired' & 'Imitated' (ALLEGEDLY!!!) from FN. But this 'Company's' Variant has minor details that set it aside from the FN Version. A Rep from FN visited whilst I was working there on one occasion. He was NOT pleased with what he saw, & later legal action was threatened. However, this was overcome by pedanticaly pointing out the different aspects of 'This' Company's design. So a Patent Infringment case could NOT be bought upon 'The Company'!..........
I could write a book on the 'Horrors' that are perpetrated within the defence Industry! However, a lot of Peoples jobs would be lost subsequently. & those People have Families to support!
It is well known within the Defence Procurment sector what 'Alledged' Fraud & malpractice goes on. BUT, the 'Agent's from the Procurment Dept don't seem interested!! Perhaps the Wining & dining on a fine scale. & the Expensive Xmas hampers from SOME Companies are 'Possibly' the reason for this?..........
And also well know when contracts for Millions of pounds are up for grabs. Are the 'Pension Fund' Payments executed to secure deals!..............(ALLEDGEDLY!)......![]()