Defense Distributed

{{Short description|American non-profit developing digital firearm schematics}}

{{Infobox company

| name = Defense Distributed

| logo = File:DD Rings Black.png

| logo_caption =

| logo_upright =

| logo_alt = Two black capital D's for Defense Distributed

| type = Nonprofit

| industry =

| predecessor =

| founded = {{Start date and age|2012|10|16}} in Austin, Texas

| founders = Cody Wilson
Benjamin Denio
{{Cite news |title=A Crypto-Anarchist Will Help You Build a DIY AR-15 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-cody-wilson-ghost-gunner-ar-15/ |access-date=2022-04-02 |newspaper=Bloomberg.com}}

| defunct =

| fate =

| successor =

| hq_location_city =

| hq_location_country =

| area_served =

| products = Ghost Gunner
DEFCAD

| owner =

| num_employees =

| num_employees_year =

| parent =

| website = {{URL|http://defdist.org/}}

}}

Defense Distributed is an online, open-source hardware and software organization that develops digital schematics of firearms in CAD files, or "wiki weapons", that may be downloaded from the Internet and used in 3D printing or CNC milling applications.{{cite news|last=Greenberg|first=Andy|title='Wiki Weapon Project' Aims To Create A Gun Anyone Can 3D-Print At Home|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2012/08/23/wiki-weapon-project-aims-to-create-a-gun-anyone-can-3d-print-at-home/|access-date=August 27, 2012|newspaper=Forbes|date=August 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120827033037/http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2012/08/23/wiki-weapon-project-aims-to-create-a-gun-anyone-can-3d-print-at-home/|archive-date=August 27, 2012|url-status=live}} Among the organization's goals is to develop and freely publish firearms-related design schematics that can be downloaded and reproduced by anyone with a 3D printer or milling machine, facilitating the popular production of homemade firearms.{{Cite web |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/07/30/3d_printed_assault_rifle/ |title=Hobbyist builds working assault rifle using 3D printer |website=The Register |access-date=August 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324010858/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/07/30/3d_printed_assault_rifle |archive-date=March 24, 2017 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last=Poeter|first=Damon|title=Could a 'Printable Gun' Change the World?|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2408899,00.asp|access-date=August 27, 2012|newspaper=PC Magazine|date=August 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120827002440/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2408899,00.asp|archive-date=August 27, 2012|url-status=live}}

The company is best known for developing and releasing the files for the Liberator, the world's first completely 3D printed gun.{{cite web|last=Greenberg|first=Andy|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2013/05/05/meet-the-liberator-test-firing-the-worlds-first-fully-3d-printed-gun/|title=Meet The 'Liberator': Test-Firing The World's First Fully 3D-Printed Gun|work=Forbes|date=May 5, 2013|access-date=May 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507040530/http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2013/05/05/meet-the-liberator-test-firing-the-worlds-first-fully-3d-printed-gun/|archive-date=May 7, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Morelle|first=Rebecca|author-link=Rebecca Morelle|title=Working gun made with 3D printer|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22421185|work=BBC News|date=May 6, 2013|access-date=July 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619194418/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22421185|archive-date=June 19, 2018|url-status=live}} On May 5, 2013, Defense Distributed made these printable STL files public,{{cite web|last=Hutchinson|first=Lee|title=The first entirely 3D-printed handgun is here|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/05/the-first-entirely-3d-printed-handgun-is-here/|work=Ars Technica|date=May 3, 2013|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002225256/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/05/the-first-entirely-3d-printed-handgun-is-here/|archive-date=October 2, 2017|url-status=live}} and within days the United States Department of State demanded they be removed from the Internet, citing a violation of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.{{cite news|title=3D-printed gun blueprints pulled from Internet, at request of State Department|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/3d-printed-gun-blueprints-pulled-from-internet-at-request-of-state-department/|access-date=May 10, 2013|newspaper=CBS News|date=May 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511030924/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263_162-57583855/3d-printed-gun-blueprints-pulled-from-internet-at-request-of-state-department/|archive-date=May 11, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Nozowitz|first=Dan|title=U.S. State Department Tells Defense Distributed To Take Down 3-D Printed Gun Plans|date=May 10, 2013|url=http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2013-05/us-state-department-tells-defense-distributed-take-down-3-d-printed-gun-plans|publisher=Popular Science|access-date=May 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517122548/http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2013-05/us-state-department-tells-defense-distributed-take-down-3-d-printed-gun-plans|archive-date=May 17, 2013|url-status=live}}

On May 6, 2015, Defense Distributed, joined by the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), filed Defense Distributed v. U.S. Dept. of State in the Western District of Texas, leading the State Department to eventually offer a settlement in 2018. On July 27, 2018, Defense Distributed released ten CAD files to the public domain at DEFCAD before a federal judge in Washington State enjoined the settlement in Defense Distributed I.{{cite web | agency=Associated Press | title=US judge blocks release of blueprints for 3D printed guns | website=the Guardian | date=August 1, 2018 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/jul/31/seattle-judge-blocks-release-of-blueprints-for-3d-printed-guns | access-date=February 24, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126170938/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/jul/31/seattle-judge-blocks-release-of-blueprints-for-3d-printed-guns | archive-date=January 26, 2019 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | agency= Criminal Defense Lawyer (Published by NOLO) | title=Are Downloadable Plans for 3D Printed Guns Legal? | website=www.criminaldefenselawyer.com | date=August 30, 2018 | url=https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/are-downloadable-plans-for-3d-printed-guns-legal.html | access-date=June 18, 2023 }}{{cite web |website=Ars Technica |title=Post-Cody Wilson's arrest, few know what's up with his company or legal efforts |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/09/post-cody-wilsons-arrest-few-know-whats-up-with-his-company-or-legal-efforts/?comments=1 |date=September 22, 2018 |access-date=March 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308002910/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/09/post-cody-wilsons-arrest-few-know-whats-up-with-his-company-or-legal-efforts/?comments=1 |archive-date=March 8, 2019 |url-status=live }} On April 27, 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit vacated the injunction, and ordered the district court to dismiss the suit challenging the settlement.https://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2021/04/27/20-35391.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}} Shortly thereafter, Defense Distributed again released its library of files to the public domain.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/defense-distributed-releases-all-3d-gun-files-to-the-public-following-ninth-circuit-decision/|title = Defense Distributed Releases All 3D Gun Files to the Public Following Ninth Circuit Decision|date = April 29, 2021}}{{Better source needed|date=October 2024}} Multiple federal and state lawsuits are pending which challenge the legality and of this settlement, and the protected speech content of 3D printable gun files.

History

=Founding=

After raising {{currency|2000|USD}} via a suspended crowd-funding appeal, suffering the confiscation of its first 3D printer, and partnering with private manufacturing firms,{{cite news |last=Hotz |first=Alexander |title=3D 'Wiki Weapon' guns could go into testing by end of year, maker claims |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/nov/25/3d-wiki-weapons-guns |access-date=December 15, 2012 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=November 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030175342/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/nov/25/3d-wiki-weapons-guns |archive-date=October 30, 2013 |url-status=live }} the organization began live fire testing of the first generation of printable firearms in December 2012.{{cite news |last=Beckhusen |first=Robert |title=3-D Printed Gun Only Lasts 6 Shots |url=https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/12/weaponeers/ |access-date=December 15, 2012 |magazine=Wired |date=December 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213102010/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/12/weaponeers |archive-date=December 13, 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Greenberg |first=Andy |title=Here's What It Looks Like To Fire A (Partly) 3D-Printed Gun (Video) |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2012/12/03/heres-what-it-looks-like-to-fire-a-partly-3d-printed-gun-video/ |access-date=December 15, 2012 |newspaper=Forbes Online |date=December 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206205002/http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2012/12/03/heres-what-it-looks-like-to-fire-a-partly-3d-printed-gun-video/ |archive-date=December 6, 2012 |url-status=live }}

In its first year of operation the organization produced a durable printed receiver for the AR-15, the first printed standard capacity AR-15 magazine, and the first printed magazine for the AK-47.{{cite news|last=Beckhusen|first=Robert|title=New 3-D Printed Rifle Magazine Lets You Fire Hundreds of Rounds|url=https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2013/02/printed-magazine/|access-date=April 12, 2013|magazine=Wired Danger Room|date=February 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413110331/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2013/02/printed-magazine/|archive-date=April 13, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|last=Branson|first=Michael|title=Defense Distributed Releases Printable AK Magazine|url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2013/04/08/defense-distributed-releases-printable-ak-magazine/|access-date=April 12, 2013|journal=The Firearm Blog|date=April 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924042603/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2013/04/08/defense-distributed-releases-printable-ak-magazine/|archive-date=September 24, 2014|url-status=live}} These 3D printable files were available for download at the organization's publishing site DEFCAD,{{cite news|last=Bilton|first=Ricardo|title=3D-printing gun site DEFCAD now attracting 3K visitors an hour, 250K downloads since launch|url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/02/19/defcad-gun-traffic-growing/|access-date=April 12, 2013|journal=VentureBeat|date=February 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130330101246/http://venturebeat.com/2013/02/19/defcad-gun-traffic-growing/|archive-date=March 30, 2013|url-status=live}} but are now largely hosted on file sharing websites.{{cite web|last=Ernesto|title=Pirate Bay Takes Over Distribution of Censored 3D Printable Gun|url=https://torrentfreak.com/pirate-bay-takes-over-distribution-of-censored-3d-printable-gun-130510/|work=TorrentFreak|date=May 10, 2013|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130810231456/http://torrentfreak.com/pirate-bay-takes-over-distribution-of-censored-3d-printable-gun-130510/|archive-date=August 10, 2013|url-status=live}}

The organization has been predominantly represented in public since July 2012 by Cody Wilson, who is described as a founder and spokesperson.{{cite web |last=Brown |first=Rich |url=https://news.yahoo.com/you-don-t-bring-a-3d-printer-to-a-gun-fight----yet.html |title=You don't bring a 3D printer to a gun fight - yet - Yahoo! News |publisher=News.yahoo.com |date=September 7, 2012 |access-date=October 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924091322/http://news.yahoo.com/you-don-t-bring-a-3d-printer-to-a-gun-fight----yet.html |archive-date=September 24, 2012 |url-status=live }} In September 2018, Wilson briefly resigned from the company while under indictment for sexual assault, returning to his role in late 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.thetrace.org/2019/11/despite-his-criminal-record-cody-wilson-is-back-in-the-3d-printed-gun-business/|title=Despite His Criminal Record, Cody Wilson Is Back in the 3D-Printed Gun Business |last=Stephens |first=Alain |date=November 20, 2019 |website=The Trace |access-date=March 3, 2020}}

=Purpose=

According to the Defense Distributed website, the nonprofit was founded as "the first private defense contractor in service of the general public," in order to "[advance] the state of the art in small scale, digital, personal gunsmithing." In court records the organization claims "to publish and distribute... such information and knowledge in promotion of the public interest".{{cite web |url=http://defensedistributed.com/about-us/ |title=About Us |publisher=Defense Distributed |access-date=December 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221024417/http://defensedistributed.com/about-us/ |archive-date=December 21, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

The organization's motivations have been described as "less about [a] gun... than about democratizing manufacturing technology,"{{cite news|last=Brown|first=Rich|title=You don't bring a 3D printer to a gun fight -- yet|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-57499326-76/you-dont-bring-a-3d-printer-to-a-gun-fight-yet/|access-date=September 21, 2012|newspaper=CNET|date=September 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907202157/http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-57499326-76/you-dont-bring-a-3d-printer-to-a-gun-fight-yet/|archive-date=September 7, 2012|url-status=live}}

In an interview with Slashdot, Cody Wilson described the Wiki Weapon project as a chance to "experiment with Enlightenment ideas… to literally materialize freedom."{{cite web|url=http://hardware.slashdot.org/story/12/09/04/1837209/should-we-print-guns-cody-r-wilson-says-yes-video|title=Should We Print Guns? Cody R. Wilson Says "Yes" (Video) -Slashdot|date=September 5, 2012 |publisher=Hardware.slashdot.org|access-date=October 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010172430/http://hardware.slashdot.org/story/12/09/04/1837209/should-we-print-guns-cody-r-wilson-says-yes-video|archive-date=October 10, 2012|url-status=live}}

At Bitcoin 2012 in London, Wilson explained the organization as interested in inspiring libertarian forms of social organization and technologically driven inversions of authority.{{cite web |url=http://bitcoin2012.com/ |title=Bitcoin2012 London |publisher=Bitcoin2012.com |access-date=October 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422002921/http://bitcoin2012.com/ |archive-date=April 22, 2012 |url-status=live }}

=DEFCAD=

In December 2012, as a response to Makerbot Industries' decision to remove firearms-related 3D printable files at the popular repository Thingiverse, Defense Distributed launched a companion site at defcad.org to publicly host the removed 3D printable files and its own.{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/5970483/theres-a-new-site-just-for-3d+printed-gun-designs|title=There's a New Site Just for 3D-Printed Gun Designs|first=Eric|last=Limer|publisher=Gizmodo|date=December 21, 2012|access-date=December 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101023930/http://gizmodo.com/5970483/theres-a-new-site-just-for-3d+printed-gun-designs|archive-date=January 1, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/12/21/3791616/defense-distributed-launches-3d-printed-gun-part-site|title=3D printed gun enthusiasts build site for firearm 3D printable files after MakerBot crackdown|first=Adi|last=Robertson|publisher=The Verge|date=December 21, 2012|access-date=December 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121174409/http://www.theverge.com/2012/12/21/3791616/defense-distributed-launches-3d-printed-gun-part-site|archive-date=January 21, 2013|url-status=live}}

Public and community submissions to DEFCAD rose rapidly, and in March 2013, at the SXSW Interactive festival, Wilson announced a repurposed and expanded DEFCAD as a separate entity that would serve as a 3D search engine and development hub, while maintaining the spirit of access endemic to Defense Distributed.{{cite news|last=Greenberg|first=Andy|title=3D-Printable Gun Project Announces Plans For A For-Profit Search Engine Startup|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2013/03/11/3d-printable-gun-makers-announce-plans-for-a-for-profit-search-engine-startup/|access-date=April 12, 2013|journal=Forbes Online|date=March 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411034546/http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2013/03/11/3d-printable-gun-makers-announce-plans-for-a-for-profit-search-engine-startup/|archive-date=April 11, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Farivar|first=Cyrus|title=3D printing gunmaker forms company to flout copyright law, à la the Pirate Bay|url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/03/3d-printing-gunmaker-forms-company-to-flout-copyright-law-a-la-the-pirate-bay/|access-date=April 12, 2013|journal=Ars Technica|date=March 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411080331/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/03/3d-printing-gunmaker-forms-company-to-flout-copyright-law-a-la-the-pirate-bay/|archive-date=April 11, 2013|url-status=live}} DEFCAD has been called "The Pirate Bay of 3D Printing"{{cite news|title='Pirate Bay' for 3D printing launched|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21754915|access-date=April 12, 2013|journal=BBC News|date=March 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425071238/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21754915|archive-date=April 25, 2013|url-status=live}} and "the anti-Makerbot".{{cite news|last=Bilton|first=Ricardo|title=Expanding beyond 3D printed guns, DEFCAD is officially the anti-MakerBot|url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/03/11/defcad-anti-makerbot/|access-date=April 12, 2013|journal=VentureBeat|date=March 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403070828/http://venturebeat.com/2013/03/11/defcad-anti-makerbot/|archive-date=April 3, 2013|url-status=live}}

=Ghost Gunner=

In October 2014, Defense Distributed began selling to the public a miniature CNC mill for completing receivers for the AR-15 semi-automatic rifle.{{cite magazine|last=Greenberg|first=Andy|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/10/cody-wilson-ghost-gunner/|title=The $1,200 Machine That Lets Anyone Make a Metal Gun at Home|magazine=Wired|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=September 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827004346/http://www.wired.com/2014/10/cody-wilson-ghost-gunner|archive-date=August 27, 2015|url-status=live}} For a review of the machine in Wired, Andy Greenberg manufactured a series of lowers and called the machine "absurdly easy to use."{{cite magazine|last=Greenberg|first=Andy|url=https://www.wired.com/2015/06/i-made-an-untraceable-ar-15-ghost-gun/|title=I Made an Untraceable AR-15 'Ghost Gun' in My Office—And It Was Easy|magazine=Wired|date=June 3, 2015|access-date=September 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020040839/https://www.wired.com/2015/06/i-made-an-untraceable-ar-15-ghost-gun/|archive-date=October 20, 2016|url-status=live}}

Since 2016 the Ghost Gunner has been recognized as the most popular machine tool for the production of privately made firearms.{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/officials-across-country-fear-new-era-untraceable-firearms-n889536 |title=Officials across the country fear a new era of untraceable firearms |first= Dennis |last = Romero |website = NBCNews.com | date = August 1, 2018 |access-date = August 15, 2020 }}

Administration

=Legal history=

Defense Distributed once sought 501(c)(3) federal tax exemption, but its application was denied by the IRS.{{cite news |last=Sumagaysay |first=Levi |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/07/11/3d-printed-guns-doj-settlement-paves-way-for-diy-weapons/ |title=3D-printed guns: Settlement paves way for DIY weapons |work=The Mercury News |location=Austin, TX |date=July 11, 2018 |access-date=September 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926052002/https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/07/11/3d-printed-guns-doj-settlement-paves-way-for-diy-weapons/ |archive-date=September 26, 2018 |url-status=live }}

The organization operates to publish intellectual property and information developed by licensed firearms manufacturers and the public.

Cody Wilson has had a Type 7 Federal Firearms License (FFL).{{cite news|last=LeJacq|first=Yannick|title=Defense Distributed's 'Wiki Weapon': U.S. Congressman Steve Israel Offers First Legislative Challenge|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/defense-distributeds-wiki-weapon-us-congressman-steve-israel-offers-first-legislative-challenge|date=December 10, 2012|access-date=December 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130205144722/http://www.ibtimes.com/defense-distributeds-wiki-weapon-us-congressman-steve-israel-offers-first-legislative-challenge|archive-date=February 5, 2013|url-status=live}}

Legal challenges

=Stratasys confiscation=

Learning of Defense Distributed's plans in 2012, manufacturer Stratasys, Ltd threatened legal action and demanded the return of the 3D printer it had leased to Wilson. On September 26, before the printer was assembled for use, Wilson received an email from Stratasys suggesting that he might use the printer "...for illegal purposes..."

Stratasys immediately canceled its lease with Wilson and sent a team to confiscate the printer the next day. Wilson was subsequently questioned by the ATF when visiting an ATF field office in Austin, Texas to inquire about legalities and regulations relating to the Wiki Weapons project.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/10/3d-gun-blocked/|title=3-D Printer Company Seizes Machine From Desktop Gunsmith|first=Robert|last=Beckhusen|magazine=Wired|publisher=Wired News|date=October 1, 2012|access-date=October 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003231727/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/10/3d-gun-blocked/|archive-date=October 3, 2012|url-status=live}}

=The Undetectable Firearms Act=

Defense Distributed's efforts have prompted renewed discussion and examination of the Undetectable Firearms Act.{{cite news|last=Doherty|first=Brian|title=Disruptions: With a 3-D Printer, Building a Gun With the Push of a Button|url=http://reason.com/archives/2012/12/12/what-3-d-printing-means-for-gun-rights|newspaper=Reason.com|date=December 12, 2012|access-date=December 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215120232/http://reason.com/archives/2012/12/12/what-3-d-printing-means-for-gun-rights|archive-date=December 15, 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Hsu|first=Jeremy|title=3D-Printable Guns Face Federal Ban|url=http://mashable.com/2012/12/10/3d-printed-guns-ban/|newspaper=Mashable|date=December 10, 2012|access-date=December 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215122843/http://mashable.com/2012/12/10/3d-printed-guns-ban/|archive-date=December 15, 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Brown|first=Rich|title=The Undetectable Firearms Act and 3D-printed guns (FAQ)|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-57558213-76/the-undetectable-firearms-act-and-3d-printed-guns-faq/|newspaper=CNET|date=December 10, 2012|access-date=December 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221164854/http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-57558213-76/the-undetectable-firearms-act-and-3d-printed-guns-faq/|archive-date=December 21, 2012|url-status=live}} The Liberator pistol was cited in White House and Congressional calls to renew the Act in 2013.{{cite web|last=Pérez|first=Evan|title=ATF tests show 3-D guns lethal as metal detection law expires|website=CNN.com|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/14/politics/3d-guns/|date=November 15, 2013|access-date=May 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227132919/http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/14/politics/3d-guns/|archive-date=February 27, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Schmidt|first=Michael|title=Law Limiting Plastic Guns Set to Expire|newspaper=The New York Times|url=http://nyti.ms/1n28WTJ|date=November 28, 2013|access-date=May 16, 2014}}

=International Traffic in Arms Regulations=

{{wikisource|Letter from Department of State to Defense Distributed}}

File:Letter-from-Department-of-State-to-Defense-Distributed.pdf to Defense Distributed (May 8, 2013).]]

On May 9, 2013, The United States Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) directed Defense Distributed to remove the download links to its publicly accessible CAD files.{{cite web|url=http://nyti.ms/RIWB8H|title=Printable-Gun Instructions Spread Online After State Dept. Orders Their Removal|last=Preston|first=Jennifer|date=May 10, 2013|website=The New York Times|access-date=May 16, 2014}} The State Department's letter, likely prompted by the Liberator Pistol, referenced [https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/22/127.1 § 127.1 of the] International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), interpreting the regulations to impose a prior approval requirement on publication of Defense Distributed's files into the public domain, a legal position noted at the time to suffer from First and Second Amendment infirmities.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailydot.com/politics/cody-wilson-itar-state-department-liberator-supreme-court-gun-control/|title=The Liberator: Cody Wilson's armed for a free speech battle|last=Morris|first=Kevin|date=September 27, 2013|website=ValleyWag|access-date=May 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927163118/http://www.dailydot.com/politics/cody-wilson-itar-state-department-liberator-supreme-court-gun-control/|archive-date=September 27, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|last=Goldstein|first=Matthew|date=June 15, 2013|title=Department of State Confirms Prior Approval Requirement for Electronic Exports to Public Domain in Case of 3D-Printable Gun|url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/156292492/DOS-Defense-Distributed|journal=Thomson Reuters Practical Trade & Customs Strategies|publisher=Thomson Reuters|volume=2|issue=11|pages=3–6|access-date=May 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522114503/http://www.scribd.com/doc/156292492/DOS-Defense-Distributed|archive-date=May 22, 2014|url-status=live}}

==''Defense Distributed v. U.S. Dept. of State''==

{{main|Defense Distributed v. U.S. Dept. of State{{!}}Defense Distributed v. U.S. Dept. of State}}

On May 6, 2015, Defense Distributed filed a Constitutional challenge against the State Department in the Western District of Texas, suing agents of the DDTC and accusing the federal government of knowingly violating the company's First, Second, and Fifth amendment liberties. Defense Distributed was joined in its suit by the Second Amendment Foundation.{{cite web|last=Feuer|first=Alan|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/07/us/cody-wilson-who-posted-gun-instructions-online-sues-state-department.html?_r=0|title=Cody Wilson, Who Posted Gun Instructions Online, Sues State Department|work=The New York Times|date=May 6, 2015|access-date=December 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509143954/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/07/us/cody-wilson-who-posted-gun-instructions-online-sues-state-department.html?_r=0|archive-date=May 9, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|last=Greenberg|first=Andy|url=https://www.wired.com/2015/05/3-d-printed-gun-lawsuit-starts-war-arms-control-free-speech/|title=3-D Printed Gun Lawsuit Starts the War Between Arms Control and Free Speech|journal=Wired|date=May 6, 2015|access-date=December 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828114958/http://www.wired.com/2015/05/3-d-printed-gun-lawsuit-starts-war-arms-control-free-speech|archive-date=August 28, 2015|url-status=live}}

After three years of procedural wrangling, on July 10, 2018, Wired magazine reported Defense Distributed and SAF had accepted a settlement offer from the Department of State. Cody Wilson explained his intention to immediately relaunch DEFCAD and release 3D gun files into the public domain.{{cite magazine|last=Greenberg|first=Andy|url=https://www.wired.com/story/a-landmark-legal-shift-opens-pandoras-box-for-diy-guns/|title=A Landmark Legal Shift Opens Pandora's Box for DIY Guns|magazine=Wired|date=July 10, 2018|access-date=December 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710175551/https://www.wired.com/story/a-landmark-legal-shift-opens-pandoras-box-for-diy-guns/|archive-date=July 10, 2018|url-status=live}} These new public domain releases occurred on July 27, 2018, days before any court orders.

==''State of Washington et al v. United States Department of State et al''==

A coalition of state attorneys general sued to enjoin the settlement in Defense Distributed v. U.S. Dept. of State in 2018, citing "...irreparable harm if the [firearm CAD files] are published on the internet."{{cite court|url=https://www.wawd.uscourts.gov/news/updated-state-washington-et-al-v-united-states-department-state-et-al-c18-1115-rsl}} Defense Distributed joined the suit as a necessary party, claiming the states lacked Article III standing and protections of its activity under the First Amendment.{{Cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/07/20-states-take-aim-at-3d-gun-company-sue-to-get-files-off-the-internet/|title=8 states take aim at 3D gun company, sue to get files off the Internet|work=Ars Technica|access-date=August 11, 2018|language=en-us|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811200214/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/07/20-states-take-aim-at-3d-gun-company-sue-to-get-files-off-the-internet/|archive-date=August 11, 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://reason.com/blog/2018/07/29/defense-distributed-sues-new-jersey-los|title=Defense Distributed Sues New Jersey, Los Angeles Over Legal Threats|date=July 29, 2018|work=Reason.com|access-date=August 11, 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811195126/https://reason.com/blog/2018/07/29/defense-distributed-sues-new-jersey-los|archive-date=August 11, 2018|url-status=live}} U.S. District Judge Robert Lasnik issued a temporary restraining order against the State Department on July 31, 2018,{{Cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/08/3d-printed-gun-website-yanks-cad-files-after-federal-judicial-order/|title=3D-printed gun website yanks CAD files after federal judicial order|work=Ars Technica|access-date=August 11, 2018|language=en-us|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811195145/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/08/3d-printed-gun-website-yanks-cad-files-after-federal-judicial-order/|archive-date=August 11, 2018|url-status=live}} and granted a permanent injunction on November 12, 2019, ruling the State Department failed to give an adequate explanation of its settlement with Defense Distributed as required by the Administrative Procedure Act, a controversial decision since the department's designations are typically deemed unable to be judicially reviewed.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/12/us/3d-printed-guns-blueprints.html|title=Blueprints for 3-D Printed Guns Cannot Be Posted Online, Judge Says |work=The New York Times | author=Mihir Zaveri| date=November 12, 2019 |access-date= March 28, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2019-11-13-3d-printed-guns-ruling-overturned.html|title=The legal battle over 3D-printed guns is far from over|publisher=Endgadget|author=Christine Fisher|date=2019-11-13|access-date=2020-08-25}}{{Cite web|url=https://reason.com/2018/07/30/xx-states-sue-federal-government-defense/|title=8 States Sue Federal Government, Defense Distributed Over Gun-Making Computer Files|website=Reason.com|date=2018-07-30|access-date=2020-02-26}}

Defense Distributed appealed Lasnik's injunction to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which rejected the case in July 2020, ruling the organization lacked the standing to appeal a decision directed at the State Department.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-12/trump-administration-loses-battle-over-3d-printed-guns-online|title=Trump's Deal Allowing 3D-Printed Guns Online Deemed Illegal |work=Bloomberg Technology| author= Erik Larson | date=November 12, 2019 |access-date= March 28, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/bar-on-3d-printed-gun-plans-stands-as-appeal-fizzles|title=Bar on 3D-Printed Gun Plans Stands as Appeal Fizzles|publisher=Bloomberg Law|author=Martina Barash |date=2020-07-22|access-date=2020-08-25}} On April 27, 2021, however, the Ninth Circuit vacated an injunction in a related case, holding that Congress had expressly prohibited judicial review of the agency decisions in question. Defense Distributed again released its full library of files to the public domain.{{Better source needed|date=October 2024}}

==''Defense Distributed v. Gurbir Grewal''==

In July 2018, at the same time as State of Washington v. Department of State, Defense Distributed filed a civil lawsuit under section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act against New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, who sent a cease and desist letter directing the firm to not publish the files subject to their settlement with the U.S. Department of State.{{cite web|url=https://reason.com/2019/01/04/can-new-jersey/|title=Can New Jersey Ban the Distribution of Computer Files That Can Help Make Guns?|publisher=Reason|author=Brian Doherty |date=2019-01-04|access-date=2020-08-25}} Defense Distributed argued New Jersey law had no power over their settlement and its use to impede their file publication was unconstitutional.

The suit was originally dismissed in district court over a question of personal jurisdiction, but in August 2020 the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the lower court and allowed the lawsuit to proceed in Texas.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/legal-us-otc-ghostgun-idUSKBN25G2ME|title='Ghost gun' advocacy group can sue N.J. AG in Texas - 5th Circuit|publisher=Reuters|author=Alison Frankel|date=2020-08-20|access-date=2020-08-25}}{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2019/02/court-dismisses-defense-distributeds-lawsuit-over-new-jersey-ghost-gun-law/|title=Court dismisses Defense Distributed's lawsuit over New Jersey "ghost gun" law|publisher=Ars Technica|author=Nathan Mattise|date=2019-02-01|access-date=2020-08-25}}

On March 29, 2021, the Supreme Court denied Grewal's petition for a writ of certiorari, affirming the Fifth Circuit's decision, and remanding the case to the district court.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/breaking-supreme-court-denies-new-jersey-cert-in-grewal-v-defense-distributed/|title = BREAKING: Supreme Court Denies New Jersey Cert in Defense Distributed v. Grewal|date = March 29, 2021}}

==''Defense Distributed v. Bruck''==

After remand to Texas, and after Andrew Bruck succeeded Gurbir Grewal as Attorney General of his state, the district court severed Defense Distributed's claims against New Jersey and transferred them to a federal court there.{{cite web | agency= Justia (US Law) | title=Defense Distributed v. Bruck, No. 21-50327 (5th Cir. 2022) | website=Justia | date=April 1, 2022 | url=https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/are-downloadable-plans-for-3d-printed-guns-legal.html | access-date=June 18, 2023 }} Defense Distributed again appealed the district court to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, who again reversed the lower court and held its order severing and transferring the claims against the AG to the District of New Jersey was a clear abuse of discretion.{{cite web | agency= ALM | title=Judicial Standoff: Texas and New Jersey Are in a Turf Fight Over 'Ghost' Gun Lawsuit | website=Law.com | date=September 20, 2022 | url=https://www.law.com/texaslawyer/2022/09/20/judicial-standoff-texas-and-new-jersey-are-in-a-turf-fight-over-ghost-gun-lawsuit/?slreturn=20230518160421 | access-date=June 18, 2023 }} In its opinion, the Fifth Circuit made the rare request to the district court in New Jersey to transfer the 3D gun case back to Texas, which this court has so far refused, creating an unprecedented judicial "turf fight".

= Definition of Frame or Receiver =

In late 2022, Defense Distributed, joined by the Second Amendment Foundation, intervened in VanDerStok v. Garland, a suit challenging the ATF's 2021 "Frame or Receiver" rule, ATF2021R-05F.{{cite web | agency= Second Amendment Foundation | title=Federal Judge Grants Preliminary Injunction In VanDerStok Case | website=SAF.org | author= | date=March 3, 2023 | url=https://www.saf.org/federal-judge-grants-preliminary-injunction-in-vanderstok-case/ | access-date=July 2, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306112728/https://www.saf.org/federal-judge-grants-preliminary-injunction-in-vanderstok-case/ | archive-date=March 6, 2023 |url-status=live}} On March 3, 2023, Judge Reed O'Connor of the Northern District of Texas granted Defense Distributed injunctive relief against the ATF, and on June 30, 2023, he granted the company's motion for summary judgment against the agency.{{cite web |agency=TTAG |title=Federal Judge Grants Injunction Blocking Enforcement of ATF's Frame or Receiver Rule |website=TTAG.com |author=Dan Zimmerman |date=March 3, 2023 |url=https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/federal-judge-throws-out-atfs-frame-or-receiver-rule-that-redefined-what-constitutes-a-firearm/ |access-date=July 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701135049/https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/federal-judge-throws-out-atfs-frame-or-receiver-rule-that-redefined-what-constitutes-a-firearm/ |archive-date=July 1, 2023 |url-status=live}}

Reception

Despite the years of legal challenges, Defense Distributed's and other firearms CAD files have always been on the internet.{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2013/05/09/state-department-demands-takedown-of-3d-printable-gun-for-possible-export-control-violation/|title=State Department Demands Takedown Of 3D-Printable Gun Files For Possible Export Control Violations|last=Greenberg|first=Andy|date=May 9, 2013|newspaper=Forbes|access-date=May 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513183149/http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2013/05/09/state-department-demands-takedown-of-3d-printable-gun-for-possible-export-control-violation/|archive-date=May 13, 2013|url-status=live}}{{r|CBS9}}{{r|POPSCI9}} The files remain available on mirror websites, Twitter, Reddit, Thingiverse, and GitHub, and have been downloaded millions of times on Odysee and via peer-to-peer torrent services.{{cite web | agency= Recoil | title=Where To Find 3D Printed Gun Files | website=Recoilweb.com | author= Patrick Roberts | date=August 10, 2018 | url=https://www.recoilweb.com/where-to-find-3d-printed-gun-files-140438.html | access-date=June 20, 2023 }}{{cite web | agency= Reuters | title=Gun-control group Everytown settles with 'ghost gun' sites over logo | website=Reuters.com | author= Blake Brittain | date=March 3, 2023 | url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/gun-control-group-everytown-settles-with-ghost-gun-sites-over-logo-2023-03-03/ | access-date=June 20, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307230434/https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/gun-control-group-everytown-settles-with-ghost-gun-sites-over-logo-2023-03-03/ | archive-date=March 7, 2023 | url-status=live}}

The company has been supported by the Gun Owners of America (GOA).{{cite news|last=Rosenwald|first=Michael|title=Weapons made with 3-D printers could test gun-control efforts|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/weapons-made-with-3-d-printers-could-test-gun-control-efforts/2013/02/18/9ad8b45e-779b-11e2-95e4-6148e45d7adb_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=February 18, 2013|access-date=August 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115104956/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-02-18/local/37160880_1_gun-control-gun-range-gun-owners|archive-date=November 15, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Gun Owners of America Statement on 3D-Printed Firearms |url=https://www.gunowners.org/gun-owners-of-america-statement-on-3d-printed-firearms/ |website=www.gunowners.org |access-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204181100/https://www.gunowners.org/gun-owners-of-america-statement-on-3d-printed-firearms/ |archive-date=December 4, 2019 |language=en-us |date=July 30, 2018 |url-status=live}}

Open-source software advocate Eric S. Raymond has endorsed the organization and its efforts, calling Defense Distributed "friends of freedom" and writing "I approve of any development that makes it more difficult for governments and criminals to monopolize the use of force. As 3D printers become less expensive and more ubiquitous, this could be a major step in the right direction."{{cite web|url=http://esr.ibiblio.org/?p=4521|title=Defense Distributed|first=Eric|last=Raymond|publisher=Armed and Dangerous|date=August 23, 2012|access-date=January 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231101530/http://esr.ibiblio.org/?p=4521|archive-date=December 31, 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Kopfstein|first=Janus|title=Guns want to be free: what happens when 3D printing and crypto-anarchy collide?|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/4/12/4209364/guns-want-to-be-free-what-happens-when-3d-printing-and-crypto-anarchy|journal=The Verge|date=April 12, 2013|access-date=August 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708034612/https://www.theverge.com/2013/4/12/4209364/guns-want-to-be-free-what-happens-when-3d-printing-and-crypto-anarchy|archive-date=July 8, 2017|url-status=live}}

Aaron Timms of Blouin News has written Defense Distributed has performed "...the greatest piece of political performance art of [the 21st] century."{{cite news|last=Timms|first=Aaron|title=The future of 3D printing might be scarier than you thought|url=http://blogs.blouinnews.com/blouinbeattechnology/2013/03/29/the-future-of-3d-printing-might-be-scarier-than-you-thought/|journal=Blouin News|date=March 29, 2013|access-date=April 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401032836/http://blogs.blouinnews.com/blouinbeattechnology/2013/03/29/the-future-of-3d-printing-might-be-scarier-than-you-thought/|archive-date=April 1, 2013|url-status=live}}

For its activities, Defense Distributed has been accused of endangering public safety and attempting to frustrate and alter the US system of government.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/12/most-dangerous-people/?pid=1696|title=The 15 Most Dangerous People in the World|magazine=Wired|publisher=Wired Danger Room|date=December 19, 2012|access-date=January 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115094302/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/12/most-dangerous-people/?pid=1696|archive-date=January 15, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Morozov|first=Evgeny|title=Open and Closed|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/17/opinion/sunday/morozov-open-and-closed.html?_r=0|journal=The New York Times|date=March 16, 2013|access-date=April 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130409183536/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/17/opinion/sunday/morozov-open-and-closed.html?_r=0|archive-date=April 9, 2013|url-status=live}} However, critics have also noted that Defense Distributed has merely offered the means of production back to the masses in a way not too dissimilar from the effect the printing press had on the spread of information and the decentralization of power in societies.{{Cite news|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2012/10/02/_3d_printed_gun_wiki_weapon_on_hold_after_stratasys_revokes_lease_on_printer.html|title=Designer of 3-D Printable Gun Has His 3-D Printer Seized|last=Oremus|first=Will|date=October 2, 2012|work=Slate|access-date=December 31, 2017|language=en-US|issn=1091-2339|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101082242/http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2012/10/02/_3d_printed_gun_wiki_weapon_on_hold_after_stratasys_revokes_lease_on_printer.html|archive-date=January 1, 2018|url-status=live}}