And I can turn in ten dozen websites that state differently. FN's rep told me Imbel was licensed in 1964 after the purchase of rifles in 1954 for evaluation. They also stated all patents and licensing no longer applies.

Imbel was sued for changing the details which resulted in the M964 rifle.

This, allegedly, became the basis for the revised licensing program that allowed variations (unlike the HK licensing model).

Springfield Armory sold the rifle as a "licensed copy". I have original advertising (some where).

Lee (on FALFiles) is a known expert, but he is often wrong and reluctant to admit it.