Public Safety
San Diego County targets filament maker in ghost-gun lawsuit
The county alleges Polymaker marketed 3-D printer material for manufacturing untraceable firearms in violation of California law.
San Diego County has sued 3-D printing-filament manufacturer Polymaker, alleging the company promoted and sold its material to Californians for making illegal, untraceable firearms. The civil case was filed as the county launched a new Consumer Fairness and Public Protection unit.
Defendant: Polymaker, a manufacturer of 3-D printing filament
County allegation: Unfair business practices and false advertising tied to ghost-gun manufacturing
Relief sought: Civil penalties, profit disgorgement and an injunction
Claims remain unproven
The lawsuit was announced October 5 and is one of three cases brought by the county’s new civil-enforcement division. The Los Angeles Times reported October 10 that Polymaker had not responded to its request for comment. The county’s allegations have not been decided by a court.
The Times reported that the case is part of a wider effort by California authorities to regulate the components and digital tools used to produce homemade firearms. Legal questions about how gun laws apply to raw materials and 3-D printing remain contested.
Original reporting: Los Angeles Times, October 10 →
Official announcement: San Diego County, October 5 →