Colt's Manufacturing Co. one of the largest and oldest makers of firearms in the country is suing a one-man shop in Texas for federal trademark infringement violations.

In a 43-page lawsuit filed June 30 in U.S. district court in New Haven, Colt claims that Ajax Grips LLC, which makes handgun grips, has been marketing and selling "imitation peal grips inlaid with steel Colt medallions bearing the Colt marks in commerce throughout the United States." In addition, the suit states, "Ajax is also advertising that the imitation medallions are installed on all Colt grip models, which include Colt's 1911 and single-action army models."

The lawsuit maintains that Ajax and its owner, Paul Rosenberg, have been advertising the product on its website, Facebook and other ways via social media.

Ajax's conduct, the lawsuit continues, "has confused and/or is likely to confuse consumers as to the sources, sponsorship, endorsement, and/or origination of Ajax's products." Colt's well-known symbols include a horse feature with the word "Colt" on the left. Some of Colt's marks date back to the Civil War.

Reached at his offices in Carrollton, Texas, by the Connecticut Law Tribune on Monday, Rosenberg said he had not seen the lawsuit and declined comment.

West Hartford-based Colt is suing for trademark infringement, unfair competition under the federal Lanham Act and for violation of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, among others.

Colt has been manufacturing firearms for more than 170 years. It produces firearms for the U.S. military, law enforcement, commercial and international markets.

Colt, in the suit, says it has "been irreparably harmed by Ajax's infringement." It also alleges Ajax ignored an April 24 cease and desist order to stop using the Colt marks in all venues.

Colt is seeking a court to preliminarily and permanently enjoin Ajax from "further infringement of Colt's marks" and is seeking statutory damages, among others.

Colt is being represented by partner Steven M. Coyle and associate Tasia E. Hansen, both with Cantor Colburn in Hartford. Neither attorney was available for comment Monday.

The case is scheduled to be heard in front of U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant of the District of Connecticut.